Much as I prefer to rely on services like YouSendIt for sending large files from my PC, sometimes you just need a little FTP. Short for File Transfer Protocol, FTP is basically a way to connect directly to a server (or another PC) for transferring files (of any size). Usually you need software — an “FTP client” — to make this happen; here are three FTP freebies I can wholeheartedly recommend:
- CoffeeCup Free FTP 3.0 The developer calls it no-frills FTP; I call it easy FTP. CoffeeCup offers a familiar file-tree interface, side-by-side tabs for drag-and-drop file transfers, and auto-resuming uploads and downloads.
- FileZilla Though definitely not the most user-friendly FTP client, open-source FileZilla packs more features than just about any other freebie program. And once you get past the slightly intimidating interface, it’s really not difficult to use.
- FireFTP By far my favorite of the bunch, FireFTP integrates directly with Firefox, so you never have to leave your browser. You just click the FireFTP button in your toolbar and it opens a new tab that manages all the FTP magic.
Got an FTP favorite of your own to share? You know where: the Comments!
