Overview

Core FTP is a free FTP (file transfer protocol) client for the Windows operating system that provides an easy way to quickly upload and download content to and from a web server. With a plethora of features, this continuously updated software is an ideal solution for anyone that is serious about reliability and productivity.

Installation

Installing this software is about as easy as it gets, and usually takes no longer than 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your Internet connection speed and your computer's processing power. At a file size of only 4 MB The software requirements are also very lenient, as it can be installed on any computer with a minimum of 16 MB memory, and Windows 95 or above.

Interface

The Core FTP user interface is set up similarly to other FTP clients in that is split into two main modules – one for your hard drive and one for the Web server that you're connected to. However, unlike other FTP clients Core FTP does not have separate windows for files and folders, as the files within a directory simply appear after you click the folder. The top of the main window has six menus – File, View, Sites, Managed, Tools, and Help.

Pros

• Provide support for international domains

• Supports the latest data encryption technology, including SSL, SFTP, TLS and HTTPS

• Automatically retries failed transfers to facilitate the utmost reliability

• Gives you the ability to control transfer bandwidth

• Allows for remote file searching functionality

• Supports .htpasswd and .htacesss editing

• Offers integrated command line support

• Supports proxies (HTTP, FTP, and Socks 4 and 5)

• Conduct FTP file transfers with a single click of the mouse

• Easily start, stop, and resume transfers using convenient self-explanatory icon buttons

• Compress files using Mode Z compression technology

• Utilizes security methods that are HIPAA-compliant

• Supports site to site, site to server, and server to server file transfers

• Full drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to transfer files to and from the Web server

• Supports scheduled unattended FTP transfers, making it easy to automate work and minimize unnecessary repetitive tasks

• Offers e-mail notifications of operation completions

• Supports advanced directory listings

• Lets you store favorites server connection credentials to expedite the process of logging into Web servers on a regular basis

• Offers firewall support

• Lets you view and edit files on your server remotely

Cons

• User interface is certainly less fancy than that of similar software, however some users prefer this basic set up over a more crowded GUI that is difficult to get used to

Alternatives

Notable alternatives to Core FTP include Filezilla, FireFTP, Forklift (Mac), and SmartFTP. Although the aforementioned competitors provide similar feature sets, Core FTP is preferred by many users because it offers a simplistic interface and all of the basic features needed in a powerful FTP client. In addition, Core FTP is more compact than competitors, with a memory print of only 4 MB (in comparison to 8-12 MB for most other FTP clients).

Conclusion

If you're trying to find a software that will help you easily maintain and update your website's content, Core FTP provides an ideal connection between your computer hard drive and your Web server.