FileZilla

FileZilla has a strange past. It has gone from being everybody's favourite FTP Client in version 2 to a bit of a let down in version 3. A lot of features were removed due to the changes in code and are still being re-added in the minor upgrades. It is only now at a position where it is nearly ready to move forward.

FileZilla is one version only. There is no cut-down free version, just the fully featured free version. And it is fully featured. It has the ability connect over SSL/TLS and SSH, Passive mode and a keep alive which actually works!

One missing feature is cross site transfer but you can run multiple instances of FileZilla and so transfer between your computer and multiple FTP Servers.

Threaded transfer is another great feature in FileZilla. It is tweakable (how many concurrent files to transfer) and really speeds up transfer as when transferring a lot of files, particularly smaller files, as most of the time is spent creating the files and not actually moving the data.

Overall FileZilla is a great program. It quick, small foot print and just works. Id say it is a very good choice for any user if a free client is what you need. Sure you don't get all the bells and whistles of some of the paid for clients but you do get a simple to use program with all the essential features.