Although it is true, when accessing the universe of websites, page development and web hosting, there are certain terms that sooner or later will intersect with your user experience and it is worth knowing what they are about, as well as how they work. One of these terms lies in the “File Transfer Protocol” or its acronym, the “”.
In this sense, it is a term that is translated as “File Transfer Protocol” and it is associated with uploading and downloading files, basically. Thus, a service used to send and obtain files between two remote computers. Which, offers the organization of the same and the control of its transfer.
Now, in order to find out What are these types of servers used for and why are they necessary on Windows and Mac computers?, we proceed to detail certain aspects of great interest. Also, a complete list with the best alternatives that currently exist for you.
What are FTP servers needed for on Windows or Mac?
First of all, it should be noted that an FTP server refers to a special program that runs on a server connected to the Internet or other types of networks, generally. Thus, its main function consists of facilitating the movement of data between different servers or computers.
In other words, it can be said that an FTP server is used to transfer files or data and, in most cases, they are transferred from the server to the local computer or vice versa at maximum speed. Reason for which, these are necessary mechanisms both on a Windows PC and on a Mac computer, thanks to the fact that help share files between machinestransfer data reliably and efficientlyas well as insulate the user from variations between filesystems.
In this way, when you have an FTP server hosted on your computer, you will have complete software at hand that runs on servers connected to the Internet or to one and has the ability to link with different FTP clients in favor of downloading, uploading or deleting information easily and quickly.
List of the best free FTP servers that you can use on your Windows PC or Mac
Now, it is time to mention and detail 10 of the Most Rated and Recommended FTP Servers that there is, until today, to download and install on your Windows and Mac computer without any cost, So that you can manage your file systems optimally:
filezilla
In the first place, we locate one of the most complete and popular FTP clients that exist, which was launched at the beginning of 2001. Thus, thanks to its long history, it has an extensive community of developers who keep it updated in order to of fix any vulnerabilities in terms of security Y ensure compatibility with different versions of Windows and MacOS.
For its part, it is characterized by providing a notable selection of functions of all kinds and thus, it has a fully optimal network configuration system, allows Queuing file transfer while making it easy to edit and it also supports the possibility of managing the content of your server remotely and creating directories. Regarding your support, we clarify that you offer for FTP over SSL / TLS (FTPS) and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
cyberduck
Also compatible with Windows and MacOS, this software is an open source FTP client that exhibits a fully visual user interface and is very easy to use, which is why it has been recommended for both advanced and basic users. Taking into account that, It has a list of drop-down folders and thus allows for better management.
Among other features, Cyberduck offers the possibility of upload and download files with drag and drop functions, so it can be done quickly. In addition to this, it is a program that can be used as a client for , and ; thanks to that too used to manage cloud storage, in addition to the fact that it will work perfectly for you if you are a web creator or have servers. Thus, it has a free version and a paid version.
SmartFTP
It is only compatible with Windows and is distinguished by being a multifunctional client, given that can be used in FTPS, SFTP, SSH, Amazon S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, Backblaze B2, WebDAV or terminal client. So, it is a very complete alternative and has a free version, as well as a paid version that has an annual cost of around 35 euros.
Secondly, around its interface, it is a program that has been significantly updated and has adopted a much more modern design (similar to the Windows 10 interface). Regarding its most important functions, we emphasize that it is a program that serves to manage storage in the Google and Microsoft cloudsit also allows you to manage your servers and the development of your websites, it works to edit the code of your website and make quick edits thanks to its integrated text editor.
Commander One
It is a program created solely and exclusively for the Apple operating system, that is, for MacOS Thus, it provides a basic free version and a paid version that has several advanced features. But generally speaking, Commander One is defined as a browser and file client that supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and WebDAV protocols, as well as cloud services.
For its part, it provides the simplicity of easily move, copy and delete content on the server and even edit your local content. Among other details, it has support for hotkeys, it contains a Terminal emulator, its interface is a double panel with tabs, and it offers a quick view of the files you have uploaded. Nevertheless, does not have directory synchronization.
WinSCP
This is an app that integrates into Windows directly to add options to the context menu once you right-click. In the same way, it supports desktop shortcuts and drag functions, thus allowing easy file management as it is a fully optimal FTP client that also has functions as SFTP and SCP client. Therefore, in a way, it can be considered as a free multifunctional server.
For more details, we note that it has the incentive of being a free software project and this provides extra security, thus being one of its greatest pros. Additionally, it has an integrated text editor that It is used to edit files remotely with the ease of being able to edit your CSS, JS, etc.. It should be made clear that, it is a very light software It won’t take up as much space on your PC.
FireFTP
is a solution free and cross-platform which, unlike the other alternatives mentioned, is not a standalone application, but rather comes as a browser extension. For this reason, it can be used on various platforms and there, it allows establishing secure FTP, SSL/TLS connections and, in turn, offers the possibility of set a limit around the number of data transfers that take place at the same time, as well as how fast you upload and download.
Now, highlighting its most essential functions, we note that it allows directory synchronization, has support for SSL/TLS encryption, performs integrity checks and supports automatic resuming of connections and transfers that have been interrupted. But unfortunately, its installation is usually tedious and only available for Waterfox browser.
FreshFTP
This is a program that has Windows compatibility and features multithreading support, so there is the possibility of transferring several files simultaneously. In addition to this, it is a server that has a system that allows transferring the files in the layout selected by “queue order”has an adjustable upload and download limit, supports file transfer planning and offers automatic resume of all interrupted transfers.
Added to that, it has a function to carry out previously programmed actions. Among its most important advantages, we find that has password protection and thus, it restricts the access to the FTP client of any unauthorized user. However, to the inconvenience of many people, the interface of Fresh FTP only found in english.
send 5
With both a free and a paid version, this FTP program also comes as a great solution that allows connection to FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, and Dropbox. Among its greatest advantages, we point out that makes use of a fully fast transfer engine and apart from that, it makes it possible to adjust the broadband limit, that is, you can define the upload and download speed that you prefer the program to handle.
In addition to it, supports SSL and SSH encryption, supports multiple active connections, has a synchronization function with which it is possible to easily fit entire directories between the server and the client. In addition to that, has two-factor authentication. But, unfortunately, the program does not ask questions when deleting the files.
Wise-FTP
From Windows XP onwards, you can use this software that offers all users a free trial period for 30 days. Which stands out for being compatible only with said OS and supports all common protocols such as FTP, FTPS, FTPES or SFTP and allows connection to any FTP server. Considering that, its FTP synchronization is truly powerful and even it has a built-in task scheduler which is very helpful for users. In addition to that, it has different encryption algorithms.
In this sense, the data can be encrypted via Rijndael, BlowFish or TripleDES. Among other details, thanks to the integrated task scheduler, it is possible to automate the entire file transfer process and can also regulate the speed of uploading and downloading files. The program even allows the combination of keys that the user himself can configure to his liking, to obtain greater productivity.
Wing FTP Server
To end this list, we emphasize this multiplatform software that It is compatible with MacOS, Windows and even Linux. In this way, it is characterized by being a solution that supports most of the protocols (FTP, FTPS/FTPES, SFTP and even HTTP/HTTPS) and with this, it allows the sending of files easily. In addition, thanks to the fact that its management is carried out in any web browser, it is very easy to operate from anywhere.
Among other features, Wing FTP Server has a notification and automation system, allows create direct file download links without the need for a username and password, it also supports the possibility of storing user data in XML and, likewise, in a database. It is appropriate to clarify that has two versions which are: one free (for…
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