However, the internet has changed dramatically since FTP was first devised. As a result, the standard FTP protocol has a few foibles that were not envisioned when it was first developed, but FTP clients such as CuteFTP are able to solve these and provide an all round solution for the modern IT professional.

One of the main problems regarding FTP is that it was never really designed to be a secure protocol, especially compared to modern internet security requirements. As a result, FTP can become vulnerable to malicious attacks, such as brute force attacks, packet sniffing, or port stealing.This is because standard FTP cannot encrypt its traffic, so information such as usernames and passwords can be read by anybody performing a packet sniffing attack on a network.

Need for Security

For some users, the need for security is an essential. Ensuring networks have password encryption, cable providers have adequate firewalls, and systems are all running anti-virus software is now part and parcel of good network security.

Because users access FTP servers over the internet, they can be left exposed to attack, which is why FTP clients such as CuteFTP use secure versions of FTP that prevent such security problems.

Secure File Transfer Protocol

Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is technically not related to FTP. However, as it has a similar command set to FTP most people refer to SFTP as a secure form of FTP. SFTP can do pretty much everything FTP can, such as uploading and downloading files, and transferring data.However, many standard FTP clients can’t talk to SFTP servers, and many SFTP clients can’t talk to FTP servers. Fortunately, CuteFTP can, which makes it ideal for people concerned about security.

SFTP uses the Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) for uploading and downloading files and transferring information. SSH encrypts the client commands and the data, which prevents any sensitive information such as usernames and passwords from being read by anybody that intercepts the transfer, enabling peace of mind when transmitting over the internet or an open network.

This in essence turns the SFTP transfer into a perfectly safe and private data stream that only authorized users can gain access to.

While the main purpose of SFTP is to transfer data securely over the internet, it can also provide access to the file system on the SFTP server. Because SFTP encrypts the transfer connection between the user’s computer and the SFTP server, any data transferred is as secure as other forms of data transfer such as HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure), which is often used by online banks and other organizations that require extreme security.

Fingerprints

As an added measure of security, SFTP utilizes an encrypted fingerprint system, which ensures the SFTP connection is exchanging data with the right server. During the first connection, the SFTP server asks the client for confirmation before it provides a secure fingerprint key. Once the user confirms the server is the correct one, the SFTP server sends this fingerprint information, which enables a user to check each time he or she connects to the server that no unauthorized user is sitting between them and SFTP server and trying to intercept information.

Going secure with CuteFTP

CuteFTP is an ideal client for use in secure environments. Not only does CuteFTP make use of SFTP and permit secure connections to SFTP servers, but it also makes use of other secure protocols too, including:

• FTPS - An extension of standard FTP, which provides support for TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) cryptographic protocols for encrypting data streams
• OpenPGP Encryption - an automatic encryption and decryption system for secure data transfer.
• HTTPS - A secure form of HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), which uses SSL standards.
• OTP - One Time Password authentication for secure logins.

Because of the security measures provided with the CuteFTP client, it is the ideal solution for all sorts of applications where security is a concern. CuteFTP enables easy, fast and secure file transfer, making CuteFTP perhaps the best FTP client for IT professionals and those serious about security.

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The most common use for FTP is to download files from the Internet to ftp servers. When downloading a file from the Internet you’re actually transferring the file to your computer from another computer over the Internet.

Most often, a computer with an FTP address is dedicated to receive an FTP connection. Just as a computer that is setup to host Web pages is referred to as a Web server or Website, a computer dedicated to receiving an FTP connection is referred to as an FTP server or FTP site.

The virtual ‘key’ to get into an FTP site is the UserID and Password. If the creator of the FTP site is willing to give everyone access to the files, the UserID is ‘anonymous’ and the Password is your e-mail address (e.g. name@domain.com). If the FTP site is not public, there will be a unique UserID and Password for each person who is granted access.

When connecting to an FTP site that allows anonymous logins, you’re frequently not prompted for a name and password. Hence, when downloading from the Internet, you most likely are using an anonymous FTP login and you don’t even know it.

To make an FTP connection you can use a standard Web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) or a dedicated FTP software program, referred to as an FTP ‘Client’.

Today many people use a sophisticated FTP client to get files to and from their web sites. You just launch the program, enter some basic information (such as the site address, account name and password) and connect. Once connected, you can usually just drag and drop files from your own hard drive to the site.

Our preferred solution for FTP transfers is CuteFTP. This software boasts with a lot of added functionality and is one of the most advanced yet easy to use ftp software.

Check out CuteFTP here!

CuteFTP Guide is a blog about FTP in general and how to get the most out of your CuteFTP software.

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Looking for a great FTP Search engine? Below we have compiled a list of the best FTP Search engines available online.

If you know of another, please don’t hesitate to comment and I’ll be sure to include it on this list.

Happy FTP Searching!

The following sites provide FTP Search Engines:

Global File Search is a very big FTP search engine. They have a new feature that can scan recent FTP server which is visited by people making this latest feature informative and very helpful.

Mamont is a Russian file search engine. Some say that this search engine is the biggest FTP search engine use to finding FTP servers.

FTP search is a FTP search engine used to finding downloads for free. Free images, mp3s, freeware or shareware files found on the net.

Napalm FTP indexer is the mostly maintained by their members and has a decent search engine for FTP search engine and FTP indexer.

File Watcher is a FTP search engine can be easily used to find contents and directories.

FileMirrors - Anonymous URL sharing and file searching service.

Search 22 –  All-in-one FTP search page. Links to top FTP search engines, FTP servers and file download sites

Oth.net –  The Media Search Engine

FTP search v3.4 Sweden

FTP Search Lore

RPM - Offers search in RPMs content and search of ftp servers

Find File - Search more than 800 Mio files. Download documents & ebooks, videos & images and etc.

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Hope you are enjoying our series of tutorials and that your CuteFTP skills are improving every day.

If you are reading this and do not yet own a copy or are simply curious, CuteFTP is a File Transfer Protocol client that is used to transfer files from your computer to other File Transfer Protocol servers, be it downloading images, music or software, or transferring small or large files, CuteFTP gets the job done always. Read more…

For CuteFTP newbies out there who are still on the verge of learning the ABC’s of CuteFTP.  I’m happy to give you this tutorial about one of the very basic functions of CuteFTP -  ‘to upload files’.  You may also check out all our other tutorials in the previous posts once you have a hang of this one.

In this tutorial, I’m using CuteFTP Home but you can use the same steps in case you are using CuteFTP Lite, Professional or Mac.

Before you can start uploading files to a web server, you should create an FTP site.

How do you Create an FTP Site?

- There are three ways to create a new FTP site:

1. File > New > FTP Site;

2. Click on the New button on top > FTP Site; or

3. Press CTRL + N on your keyboard.

IMAGE

- Next Complete the the following:

1. Your desired Label.

2. Your Host Address, it can be a domain (i.e. www.example.com) or an IP address like 111.222.333.444. (This can be obtained from your hosting company)

3. The Username and Password of that host. (also obtain from your hosting company if you do not already have this info)

4. Comments (optional)

- Click Connect

Once you are successfully connected to the FTP site, you should see all the contents of the FTP site on the the right-hand side.  Now, you are ready to upload files.

HOW TO UPLOAD FILES USING CUTEFTP

- There are two ways to upload a file:

1.  Drag-and-drop the files you want to upload.

Just click on a file > hold down the left mouse button > drag the file to the Web server side > and drop it in the folder you want.

2. On the left-hand side (files on your local disk (computer), click on a file > click the right mouse button > select Upload.

You will see the upload progress as show in the image above, when it’s already 100% that means the upload was successful and you will then see the uploaded file on the Web server side.

Congratulations! You made it!

Until Next Time stay connected for our next Tutorial

Peter – Your CuteFTP Guide

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Today am starting from the roots if you are new to CuteFTP this is for you.

CuteFTP is a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client used to transfer files between your computer and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers. Whether you are publishing a Web page, downloading the latest digital images, music, or software, or if you are just transferring large files between your home and office, CuteFTP gets the job done every time.

As a continuation to the CuteFTP Tutorial Series, I will show you How to download and install CuteFTP the right way without any problems.

To Download:

1. Create a new folder on your desktop, give it a name that you will remember e.g CuteFTP Download

2. Copy and Paste the download address  provided for your software into your internet browser and press return.  This is usually sent to you by the store where you bought it via an email along with your license key. (To Copy – highlight the information CTRL +C to Paste CTRL + V)

3. Once you get the download prompt, select Save as.

4. Save the file in the folder you created in Step 1.

5. When the file is fully downloaded, just double-click to start installation.

To Install(see bottom image for reference):

1. Open the folder where you saved the download CuteFTP.

2. Double-click on the CuteFTP installation icon (in .exe file).

3. On the Welcome Screen, click Next.

4. Read the license agreement, if you’re done, click Yes to proceed.

5. Browse location where you want your files to be saved, click Next.

6. Choose Setup type, click Next. This will start the
performing the necessary operations, wait for it to finish.

7. Click Finish.

That’s all there is to it!

If you are interested in purchasing a download and a license for CuteFTP 8, you can  go here.

Or if you already own an older version of CuteFTP you may upgrade here.

Until Next Time

Peter – Your CuteFTP Guide

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Today we are going to look at the different file transfer options available with CuteFTP Professional.

With CuteFTP Professional you can securely and reliably transfer files over industry standard protocols including FTP, FTPS, HTTP, HTTPS and SSH. It’s the right choice when you want the ultimate in power, performance and security. You may Compare the CuteFTP Edition here at bottom of page.

File Transfer Options with CuteFTP Professional include:

Standard Transfer
This is the very basic way to do it you manually drag and drop the file from one point to another. This is called the Standard Transfer Method.

Scheduled Transfer
With CuteFTP Pro files can also be transferred automatically with the help of the Schedule Transfer Tool you simply indicate the exact time and date of a file to be transferred to another location in a later date including the recurrence of file transfer in a specific interval specified.

Site to Site Transfer
Site to Site Transfer also called FXP (File Exchange Protocol) is another option  you can transfer files from one server to another bypassing computers altogether and saving time.

Resuming Transfer
One of the great things when transferring files with CuteFTP Pro is that it automatically detects broken file transfers and immediately resumes from where it had stopped.

Queue Transfer
Transferring files with CuteFTP Pro is very manageable. You can queue files and folders for future transfers and manage the order of each item according to it’s priority. Including tracking status of each item, scheduling, and modifying item properties.

Maximize Transfer
CuteFTP Pro is the only FTP client that performs multi-part uploads which splits a single download file and recombines them in the end, allowing you to increase your file transfer by 300%.

Multi-part file transfer

Single file transfer

Simultaneous Transfer
You can also Transfer files to different sites simultaneously. Most FTP clients do not have this facility but with CuteFTP Pro each file transfer to each site is done separately in different windows that can be viewed tiled, cascaded or accessed directly by clicking it’s tab.

Compressed/Decompress Transfer
With CuteFTP Pro you can upload a file compressed and you can also decompress downloaded archives as well.

Guaranteed Transfers
CuteFTP Pro performs CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Checks) checks, so you can guarantee each completed mission critical data transfer by verifying the integrity.

Overwrite Rules
It also automatically prompts you to take action each time it detects matching files and folders.

Auto-Rename Transfer
It also allows you to automatically rename file names, extensions or case while transferring the files.

Advanced Transfer
And there are more advanced options to configure with CuteFTP Pro for surefire file transfer.

Right-Click Shell Integration
Last but not  least, you can even transfer your file with just a click of a button.

With all the options above am sure you woule like to checkout and get yourself CuteFTP Pro so you can transfer files confidently with no worries.

If you own an old version of CuteFTP you may request  CuteFTP 8.0 upgrade to enjoy the full potential of this powerful tool.

Until Next Time

Peter – Your CuteFTP Guide

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Hello There,

Before I assume that everyone reading this knows about CuteFTP  I will share it again. Cute FTP is a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client used to transfer files between your computer and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers.

We recently started a series of Tutorials on using CuteFTP.  But today we will tackle one of the most common support questions received from CuteFTP users.

It is usually encountered by CuteFTP users when they upgrade to Windows XP SP2 and then try to connect to the server, it fails! This happens because right after the installation, the Windows Firewall automatically blocks unsolicited connections to your computer and vice versa and also the ports needed to be able to connect to the FTP server.

There’s only one solution to this, and that is to configure the Windows Firewall settings and add the port necessary to connect to any FTP server. Here’s the work-around on how to allow incoming connections through port 21:

* NOTE: Port 21 – a reserved port in TCP/IP networking utilized by the FTP. CuteFTP starts a session to be able to connect to this port on FTP server, in the same way that the server responds via the port 21 with messages prompting the client for a username and password.

1.  Open Control Panel > Security Center

2.  Click Windows Firewall -  a dialog box will pop up.

3.  Click on Exceptions tab > Add Port, a dialog box appears.

4.  On the Add a Port dialog box, key in “FTP” on the Name field and “21” on the Port field. Make sure that TCP button is ticked.

5.  Click OK.

Before trying to see if you can now connect to your FTP server, make sure that CuteFTP is set to Port mode.

If you are using  CuteFTP Home:

1.  Open Site Manager > click on the site with problems.

2.  On the Type tab, under Data Connection change the setting to Use PORT.

If using CuteFTP Professional and Lite:

1. Open Site Manager > right-click on the site with problems > click Properties.

2.  On the Type tab, under Data Connection change the setting to Use PORT.

I hope that this has been helpful to you.

Until Next Tim, Enjoy your CuteFTP!

Peter – Your CuteFTP Guide

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Hello There!

Did you just purchase CuteFTP? Are you new to this type of software? Have you been looking for step-by-step instructions on how to get around and start off using your recently bought CuteFTP?

If your answer to all these questions is a big YES, then scroll down and learn the easy ways on how to utilize CuteFTP and save yourself alot of time and money!

We will give you a series of tutorials on CuteFTP’s how-to’s. To start off, on our first tutorial we will provide you with both written and visual steps on how to manage sites using your CuteFTP. In managing sites there are three basic operations: create/add, edit and delete.

Here’s how to create or add a new folder or directory:

1. Click on New Folder icon on the top menu.

2. Type in the name of your folder or directory, then click OK.

To rename, just right click on the folder or directory and type in the new name.

To delete a folder or directory, just do the following:

1. Highlight the folder or file that you want to delete and click on the X button located on the top menu.

2. You will then be asked to confirm if you want to proceed with the deletion. If you choose to decide, just click on Yes, but if not, click No.

To view folder or directory contents, you don’t need to download the folder to make the checking and editing possible. Just click on the file and click on Edit button on the top menu.

You can watch the video tutorial here:

Check out CuteFTP 8.0 here!

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If you already own CuteFTP  I know you too are very thankful to have your own copy of CuteFTP running on your computer to manage your file transfers fast , easy as 1-2-3 and secure.

The most important function of any FTP application, is its connection capabilities. To be exact we need an FTP that has a connection wizard to take us step-by-step in setting up a new FTP connection, has better management of the connected sites, allows multiple connection to different sites, stays connected to site even when without activity and many more.  CuteFTP is the only FTP software that I know that has qualified!

Top Connection Utilities that CuteFTP delivers:

1. Step-by-Step Connection Wizard

Connecting to an FTP site has never been made easier than with CuteFTP’s wizard. To get started you just click on the Star Wand . This will bring up the Connection Wizard dialog box. Enter the host address and sitename CuteFTP will then automatically connect you to the new added site and save it to your Site Manager.

2. Site Manager

An address book which stores all the sites, it allows you to perform operations on each site such as: Rename, Delete, Connect and more. Within the site Manager, you can also export or import site data as well as address books from 3rd party FTP clients or previous versions of CuteFTP. Its data can also be encrypted with a password to ensure security and protection.

3. Quick Connect Bar

CuteFTP gives you faster means of re-connecting to a site with the use of Quick Connect Bar. Just choose the site you want to connect to from the drop-down menu, its username and password fields will automatically be filled in and then click Connect. You can also create a new site and add it in the Site Manager from the Quick Connect bar.

There are two ways to add the Quick Connect Bar by:

a. Go to File menu > Connect > Quick Connect; or

b. Press Ctrl + F8 on your keyboard.

4. Proxy /Socks / Firewall

Whatever type of connection you are connected in, CuteFTP can still connect you to the Internet with the help of its Proxy. On the Proxy Settings page,  you can choose different proxy connection options. CuteFTP gives you the option to configure the proxy settings manually or automatically by detecting the Internet Explorer’s proxy settings.

5. Smart Keep Alive

The Keep Alive feature allows you to stay connected to those sites that automatically disconnect you whenever there’s no activity taking place.

6. Multiple Connections

You can connect, browse and navigate multiple sites at the same time, one feature that other FTP clients don’t have. Each connection window is separated by tabs.

And many more….

What a Great Tool!  Get yourself a copy or tell someone someone who might appreciate it to Check out more of CuteFTP. If you already own CuteFTP you can upgrade to the latest version. Just request CuteFTP upgrade here.

Until Next Time

Peter – Your CuteFTP Guide

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Many FTP Clients have been developed today, and as the cliché goes, each claiming that they are the best FTP client ever and it goes on and on.

In my own search for the top FTP Client I found one with features that spoke louder than words this is GlobalScape’s  CuteFTP.

Some of you maybe asking what is an FTP client?  It is simply a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client used to transfer files between your computer and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers.

Whether you would like to publish a Web page, download the latest digital images, music, or software, or if you are just transferring large files between your home and office, Cute FTP gets the job done every time.

I’m no computer pro just an ordinary computer user whose daily task revolves around customer support and team-based projects. Using CuteFTP was a walk in the park. Very simple and user friendly.

CuteFTP has some excellent features which I must share with you.  The top 3 for me were the following. I won’t spoil the fun discover the rest and share!

Here are my top 3:

1. Backup Features (Local and Site)

With this feature you do not have to worry if your ISP letting you down, you have full control and peace of mind because CuteFTP performs a backup on your local site.

Regretful days are gone for not creating a backup files as you don’t  have to do it manually anymore. You can now have a backup on a schedule without having to do it manually. It’s quick, easy and secure from your computer to the remote server.

2. Step-by-Step Connection Wizard

As I’ve said, I’m no computer pro, having a guide has been a huge help in making things easier and quicker for me than resorting on searching on the web for hours on How tos’.

3. Transfer Resume – No more Trash Files!

In relation to the intermittent connection  that most of us get I am so thankful that compared with other FTP clients, I don’t need to worry about  getting trash files from the interrupted transfer due to connection problems. With CuteFTP, I can resume the transfer from where it has left off, without creating a trash file.

These are just 3 of the top features I love about CuteFTP  from a mediocre person’s point of view. You can discover more features…

If you already own CuteFTP and are missing out on the new features you may upgrade here.

Until next time

Peter – Your CuteFTP Guide

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