|
|
|
|
||||
| An error occurred. Please try later. |
After you build your Web site and have all the details worked out, the next phase is loading it on your Web server. If the letters FTP are new to you, then the chances are excellent that you are just getting started building Web pages. Those three letters stand for File Transfer Protocol, and the kind and type of software you use to load your files to your server can make a world of difference.
There are many programs that allow you to upload files. There are many good applications to chose from in this area. If having the most features means something to you, and a truly useful interface also holds your interest, Globalscape’s CuteFTP Pro 3.3 is about as full featured as they come. Not only is it powerful, but the layout of the program is accessible enough that even a new Web designer should be at ease. Do not let the name fool you. While this application may look "cute," this is a truly muscled serious program.
For the longest time I always held WS_FTP Pro 8 as the standard in FTP software. Certainly it has an excellent reputation, and it does get the job done. Then again, so do other clients. The big difference comes in functions, uses and layouts.
When it comes to the actual configuration of the program, the unusually named Cute has the most logical. The tabbed side panels that display your local drives and the site manager makes a world of sense. The queue window and log window beneath are also well considered once you begin loading files. The icons, their placement and the configuration of the main window means that you will not spend long periods of time figuring out where things are and are not. While this may seem like a small concern, it is definitely not. When you have to transfer files and deal with multiple sites, having an FTP client that is arranged in such a way that you are not left with a bundle of open windows and squeezed frames becomes more than a blessing. In the area of interface design and logical configurations, Cute has a clear advantage over many others in the field.
For new Web designers this may sound overloaded. Interestingly enough, Cute, as power loaded as it is, has a more intuitive interface than it may suggest on first inspection. Once you get into the program, all of the tabs and windows are not as confusing as they imply. There is even a setup wizard that walks you through the setup of a new site. So there is some hand holding, if you need it, for the newly initiated which is why this is not an all together bad application for the new user.
For the pros, there are such features as 128–bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL), support for the SSH2 protocol, and the ability to erase URL and Quick Connect history on exit. For speedier file transfers, Multi–Part file Transfers are possible where one file is broken down into smaller ones and then reassembled. Cute can also split apart uploads and then combine them once finished, which is to the best of my knowledge the only application with this feature. Simultaneous transfers and resuming broken ones are of course included.
The big new features are enhancements for running under Windows XP. In this rendition, Cute FTP Pro now meets the design guidelines set forth by Microsoft for XP. The improved, or rather enhanced, security along with site and folder maintenance have been beefed up. Another feature interesting with Cute is the addition of an HTML editor to the program.
Now a new version universally means that some things were fixed from the last release. This is also true for Pro. Problems with correct notifications and other issues have been rectified.
As is the case with this Pro version, the added benefits are related to connection protocols, file management and speed regarding multiple downloads and uploads. Depending on the conditions under which you work, these added features can make or break your choices. If you are working in a highly complex environment having to deal with new security measures and new standards, then this functionality becomes more than a luxury, it is a necessity.
What you also find is ease when it comes to automating the process. With the ability to synchronize folders, site back up, compression and the ability to prioritize transfers, what is gained with the Pro version is the ability to customize the process and making multiple downloads easier to manage.
One feature that struck me with Cute is that it includes an HTML editor built into the program. Certainly a convenience feature, the inclusion of it here points to how comprehensive this program has become.
For power users, and those that want the most full featured FTP software around, Globalscape makes a compelling case for their software. Covering the important points, plus throwing in a few other convenience features, there is a lot here. For those with less demanding needs, Cute is still easy enough and accessible enough to satisfy the newcomer. With the scarcity of programs operable under older versions of Windows, it is interesting to note that Cute works with versions other than XP.
Cute is fast, efficient and well thought out in many ways. Even if you may not take advantage of the automated features or the built in HTML editor, there are a number of strong positive points with this application that make it stand out in a very populated field.
Talk to Kurt in Graphics Unleashed Forums
Lexar Jump Drive and Platinum II SDHC Card · IRISNotes 2 Executive · IOGEAR Spill-Resistant Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo · Logitech Z623 Computer Speakers · Gateway FX 6860-UR21P: An All-Purpose Desktop PC · Ridiculously Easy Backup From Rebit · The IOGear GPEN300 · A Review of the 5 inch EZReader Pocket Pro From Astak · A Review of the Barnes and Noble Color Nook · A Review of the Dell XPS 8100 · The Kobo eBook Reader, Just About Reading · The Best Ergonomic Mouse? The Smartfish ErgoMotion Laser Mouse · Sage Act 2010 · Microsoft Windows 7 · Adobe Creative Suite CS2 · Adobe Photoshop CS2 · SwissMemory Victorinox rubyRED Swiss Army Knife/Flash Drive · Tapwave Zodiac 2 · Stardock Object Desktop · Acrobat 7 Professional · Maximizer 8 · QuarkXPress 6.5 · McAfee's 2005 Product Line · Logitech io Personal Digital Pen 2 · IRIS Business Card Reader II for Windows/PC · Sandisk Cruzer Titanium Flash Drive · Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard · Maxon Cinema 4D 9 · Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 · Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier · Verbatim Store N' Go 2.1 GB Hard Drive · Corel Painter IX · Paint Shop Photo Album 5 · Adobe Video Collection Professional 2.5 · Alien Skin Eye Candy 5: Textures · Techsmith SnagIt 7.0 · Ulead Media Studio Pro 7 · Xara Webstyle 4 · Maxon BodyPaint 3D Release 2 · Eovia Carrara Studio 3 · AV Bros. Puzzle Pro 2 · AutoFX Mystical Tint Tone and Color · Andromeda Screens, Cutline and Etchtone Plug-In Filters · Macromedia Studio MX 2004 · Microsoft FrontPage 2003 · AutoFX AutoEye 2.0 · Adobe Premiere Pro · Adobe Audition · Amapi Designer 7 · Alien Skin Splat! · Alien Skin Eye Candy 4000 · Alien Skin Image Doctor · Canvas 9 · nik Dfine · Xenofex 2 · QuarkXpress 6 · Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8 · Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional · Corel Painter 8 · Nik Color Efex Pro · Caligari TrueSpace 6.5 · Macromedia Contribute · Maxon Cinema 4D · Sonic Foundry Sound Forge 6.0 · nik Sharpener Pro · Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album 4 · Xara Menu Maker 1 · Curious Labs Poser 5 · Macromedia Freehand MX · Adobe Illustrator 10 · Ulead Photoimpact 8 · Xara 3D 5 · Xara X · Microsoft Publisher 2002 · Creature House Expression 3 · CorelDRAW 11 Graphics Suite · Procreate Painter 7 · QuarkXpress 5 · Adobe Pagemaker 7 · Adobe Photoshop 7
Copyright © 1995–2013 Unleashed Productions, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
