Exclusive to Windowsforum.org: GSFTP

[Chris]

Application: GSFTP

Authors Website: Gideon Softworks, Inc.

Application Page: GSFTP

Platform: PC and MAC

License: Shareware, $20.00 US [£12 approx] to register.

Application blurb...

With GSFTP you can efficiently and reliably fetch and transmit files to any kind of Internet server using FTP or SFTP. The goal of GSFTP is to be simple and to the point. GSFTP will work with servers running on Windows and Unix. GSFTP includes what you need wrapped in an efficient and easy to use interface.

Try GSFTP, and let us know what you think. GSFTP's feature list includes:

• Mac and PC compatible
  
• Supports secure and standard FTP
  
• SFTP - all data is encrypted
  
• FTP
  
• Multiple connections per browser
  
• Fully multithreaded - Work while you transfer files !
  
• Directory listings are cached for quick access
  
• Easy to use Bookmark manager
  
• Powerful bookmarking
  
• Bookmarks can contain both a local and remote home path
  

GSFTP is a new breed of FTP/SFTP client that makes managing remote files a breeze.

PC v1.3 reviewed

Too good to be true?

Not only has this application managed to appear on the PC but it's managed to appear on the MAC as well, which is not often achieved and should make any software developer proud. But being available to use on the PC and MAC is not all that makes an application. What makes an application is whether it or not can perform its function. GSFTP is an FTP [File Transfer Protocol] client that would seem to be a new breed of FTP/SFTP client that makes managing remote files a breeze.

If you've been being using an FTP client such as FileZilla, SmartFTP , then you'll know that there are already proven clients already available. Can GSFTP offer any more or can it make it easier?

Java, Java, Java,

GSFTP requires that you have at least version 1.4 of the java runtime installed and that is it.

That's it? Well it appears so, GSFTP is a Java based application and only requires a file to be downloaded. There is no installation as such that you would associate with the majority of Windows based applications.

Fire it up...

The application weighs in at tiny 1.5MB and you'll need to extract the contents of the ZIP folder to run the juicy bits. Click on the GSFTP icon and voila! As this application is shareware you are prompted to enter a serial number [for £12] or you can choose to buy later which allows you free to use GSFTP.

Looks aren't everything...

You'll immediately notice at how sleek, clean, simple GSFTP looks. A local browser to the left and the FTP side to the right. Enter the usual details for the FTP server, click connect and voila. You'll then see all the remote folder and files with the local file and folders to the left.

Clicking on these brings the fancy looking icons into play. You can create a new folder, view properties, delete, download, upload, refresh, disconnect or cancel with one click.

GSFTP can handle multiple connections, either within the same browser or a new one. Creating a new connection within the same browser brings the sidebar into view which allows you to switch between two or more connections.

If you have many FTP connections then you'll love the bookmark feature that will store FTP connection details. Clicking on the bookmark makes a connection easily and is a welcomed feature.

What do you want?

If you want an easy, usable, good looking FTP client that does what it is intended to do then go for GSFTP and you will not be disappointed.

GSFTP may not offer some features which are found on some other FTP clients but don't let this hold you back.

It's missing something...

It would appear that GSFTP does not keep a connection 'Alive' [Tmeout Errors] therefore you will be disconnected after a period of time. You will keep having to connect to overcome this and can be frustrating at times. Firewall and proxy support is non existent so you would be better looking else where if you want this.

If you are new to FTP then you might be thrown into the deep end with GSFTP as there appears to be no user documentation. More experienced users will find this a doddle to use although you may miss some other features seen on other clients.

The Verdict...

The goal of GSFTP is to be simple and to the point.

This goal i'm pleased to say has been achieved and it shows. GSFTP is a fantastic FTP client that works perfectly. Documentation I'm told will be addressed in version 1.5 and will be very welcome to new users of FTP. The timeout error I also mentioned is also going to be fixed in the next release of GSFTP.

Rating: 4.9/5

Superb!

Review: GSFTP

Reviewer:Powerless

[nellie2]

Excellent review.... thanks Powerless. This app looks worth a try! :)

[Private Smith]

Or you could use FileZilla which is free (under GNU General Public licence) rather than Shareware which should be payed for.

FileZilla is the ftp tool of choice in at least one large organisation that I am aware of and it does the job quickly and effectively.

Download from http://filezilla.sourceforge.net/ or view the documentation at http://filezilla.sourceforge.net/documentation/

[Tony]

I use fileZilla, and find it great, and have no intention of changing it yet, certainly not for one i would have to pay for to get rid of a prompt for the serial number :o

Tony

But it does read and look OK

Good review pawerless :)

[Craig]

I've been a user of Cute FTP for the past year or so, and while Cute FTP has more features than GSFTP, i can say i dont use them. I have only been using GSFTP for the past hour, but so far i am impressed with it.

It's as easy as 1,2,3!

1. Double Click Application

2. Enter Login Details

3. Drag and Drop

Simple B)

Craig.