51 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
51 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

SmartFTP no longer FREE...What do you recommend?

by Peter Helps
44 replies
I have been using SmartFTP for a long time now. Today, I was prompted to reinstall my free viersion, as I would always use to. (SmartFTP would be free but you would have to reinstall it once in a while).

Well today, when I reinstalled it, A splash screen came up informing me that, and I quote:

"Unfortunately, after offering a free product and a free service to millions of users for more than 10 years we are no longer able to do so. We would like to thank you for using SmartFTP and we hope to welcome you as a customer in the future. Than kyou for your understanding."

Alright then!

What do you guys use and what would you recommend. I'm not so sure about their move to paid version, either. What do you think?

Peter
#freewhat #longer #recommend #smartftp
  • Profile picture of the author Tracy Yates
    Peter,

    I would recommend FTP 995. It's free and no expiration or trial nags. I've used this for quite a long time and love it. The only bad part is that a browser window will pop open every time you use it, but it's not too bad. So there's no "nag ware" inside the software itself, just the browser window thingy.

    It's a good program overall and you can't beat free


    Tracy
    Signature
    WFH: Professional Ebook Formatting Services | 2 New Ebook Template Packs - On Sale! | WSO: Kindle Template Bundle - Limited PLR Available Now!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[67484].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author links4all
    Filezilla is my recommendation as well. Older versions of it were clunky, but the latest version added something it had been missing, the ability to edit from the right-click context menu. Prior to that functionality, I disliked it, but it makes all the difference.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[67680].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
      I use core ftp exclusively. Nothing personal, but I don't trust anything else.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[67764].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Keith Gilbert
        Just get the best. FlashFXP.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[67793].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Martin Avis
          Silly question, perhaps, but what's the problem with paying for SmartFTP?

          It isn't expensive and it is one of the best FTP programs around. I paid for it a long time ago and have never regretted it in the slightest.

          Everyone seems to be so obsessed with getting something for nothing - and I agree that sometimes there is a free program that is worth having (Open Office, Audacity etc) - but come on, is paying $37 for a fully working version of SmartFTP going to break the bank? Particulary as it is tax deductible!

          If you are used to using it and you like the program, what's the big deal?

          Filezilla is a good program, I grant you, but given the choice between it and SmartFTP, there is no competition.

          Martin
          Signature
          Martin Avis publishes Kickstart Newsletter - Subscribe free at http://kickstartnewsletter.com
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[67973].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
            I, too, appreciate all of the recommendations.

            I used SmartFTP and was a bit disappointed that they're now charging for it, but I can understand why. And no, $37 isn't much money at all. If you're truly in a financial bind, definitely go with the free recommendations. But as Martin Avis mentioned, I'm a loyal user of SmartFTP. I LOVE their interface (why can't the other FTP programs have upload and download buttons in the middle of the windows?) and would happily a small fee to continue using what I'm familiar with and what has worked for me.

            I've used CuteFTP before briefly and really disliked the drag/drop method. Silly I know. But still... I also liked the way SmartFTP threaded my files in the window.

            Just a personal preference.

            Michelle
            Signature
            "You can't market here. This is a marketing discussion forum!"
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[68014].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author brilliantjv
            [quote=Martin.Avis;67973]Silly question, perhaps, but what's the problem with paying for SmartFTP?


            Hi Martin.

            Not to sound negative but our exchange rate in South Africa is about $1 : R7.50

            $37 ends up being about R270.00 plus huge banking fees.


            As an example:

            My Telkom (phone) line per month is R199.00 ( Prerequisite for ADSL ).
            ADSL Connection is R249.00 per month (which includes a 2GB bandwidth cap).
            That is R448.00 just to say hello to the world - nevermind trying to run a business / downloads etc.
            Extra bandwith is about R65.00 per 1GB.

            The median gross income per "FAMILY" is about R5100 per month (according to Wiki). - $680

            Rental for an average small home of 2/3 bedrooms is R3500.00 per month.

            Average small vehicle is R2900.00 per month.

            Earlier this month I bought the JoomSuite Member script, but not before I
            sent a personal mail asking for a discount. They were so kind as to let me have it for 50% off and it still took me 2 weeks to get the money together.

            To get my website on the go I use 000webhost.com (free)
            Google hosted email (free)
            Still looking for a decent autoresponder (free) without ads

            Sorry ... I didn`t mean to turn this into an economic debate.

            What I am trying to say is that if I can get it free I don`t have much
            of a choice.



            JP Zaayman
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[68026].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
              [quote=brilliantjv;68026]
              Originally Posted by Martin.Avis View Post

              Silly question, perhaps, but what's the problem with paying for SmartFTP?


              Hi Martin.

              Not to sound negative but our exchange rate in South Africa is about $1 : R7.50

              $37 ends up being about R270.00 plus huge banking fees.


              As an example:

              My Telkom (phone) line per month is R199.00 ( Prerequisite for ADSL ).
              ADSL Connection is R249.00 per month (which includes a 2GB bandwidth cap).
              That is R448.00 just to say hello to the world - nevermind trying to run a business / downloads etc.
              Extra bandwith is about R65.00 per 1GB.

              The median gross income per "FAMILY" is about R5100 per month (according to Wiki). - $680

              Rental for an average small home of 2/3 bedrooms is R3500.00 per month.

              Average small vehicle is R2900.00 per month.

              Earlier this month I bought the JoomSuite Member script, but not before I
              sent a personal mail asking for a discount. They were so kind as to let me have it for 50% off and it still took me 2 weeks to get the money together.

              To get my website on the go I use 000webhost.com (free)
              Google hosted email (free)
              Still looking for a decent autoresponder (free) without ads

              Sorry ... I didn`t mean to turn this into an economic debate.

              What I am trying to say is that if I can get it free I don`t have much
              of a choice.



              JP Zaayman
              I'd def go with filezilla then, I use it exclusively and love it

              Kim
              Signature
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[68050].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Martin Avis
                @brilliantjv: You have a good excuse! In any case, I'm not against free software - I use a ton of it myself. My point is that if there is a piece of software that you know and like, why worry about paying for it if you can afford to? I'd rather pay for something I know is good than struggle with something inferior just because it is free. But I do understand that economic realities in some countries make $37 a steep price.

                @Sirius Lin: As far as I know the cost of SmartFTP is a one off charge. This is from their website: "License Example: A single user license - which can be used on any computer - for the Home Edition is 36.95 USD. This is a one-time fee. Included in the license is technical support and free upgrades for one year."

                Martin
                Signature
                Martin Avis publishes Kickstart Newsletter - Subscribe free at http://kickstartnewsletter.com
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[68468].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Sirius Lin
                  Originally Posted by Martin.Avis View Post

                  @Sirius Lin: As far as I know the cost of SmartFTP is a one off charge. This is from their website: "License Example: A single user license - which can be used on any computer - for the Home Edition is 36.95 USD. This is a one-time fee. Included in the license is technical support and free upgrades for one year."

                  Martin

                  Hey Martin,

                  Oops, my bad. Yes, you basically own the license forever, but you need to renew yearly for updates (both minor and major). So unless you're willing to stick out with a piece of software without upgrading it after the first year, it's an ongoing cost.

                  ~ Sirius
                  Signature
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[68476].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    Filezilla. Or if you use firefox search the extension website for fireftp. Integrated secure FTP from within your browser!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[68471].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Solidsnake
    Banned
    Originally Posted by pk80356 View Post

    I have been using SmartFTP for a long time now. Today, I was prompted to reinstall my free viersion, as I would always use to. (SmartFTP would be free but you would have to reinstall it once in a while).

    Well today, when I reinstalled it, A splash screen came up informing me that, and I quote:

    "Unfortunately, after offering a free product and a free service to millions of users for more than 10 years we are no longer able to do so. We would like to thank you for using SmartFTP and we hope to welcome you as a customer in the future. Than kyou for your understanding."

    Alright then!

    What do you guys use and what would you recommend. I'm not so sure about their move to paid version, either. What do you think?

    Peter
    GoFTP is the best and fastest so far among all that I have tested... It's free for the lifetime..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[68960].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mario_a
      I can recommend FireFTP. Integrates flawlessly with Firefox, so you don't need a separate program.

      Regards,
      Mario
      Signature
      Double your productivity in 48 hours or your money back
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[68998].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author timpears
        There are so many free FTP programs available, anyone who spends money on such a program has money to burn and they are wasting it. If you have money to waste, then use it to good advantage and give it to a charitable purpose, or even a panhandler for that matter.

        FTP software is basic stuff like air or water. I don't buy bottled water either as that has more bugs and poisons in it than the stuff that comes out of the tap. But there are fools out there that do, like people who spend good money for FTP software. It may be $37, or it may be $370, it is irrelevant in my mind as money wasted is money wasted.

        I used CuteFTP until I got a new computer one time and then couldn't find the software to download it again. Now I use CuteFTP light and you know what, they both do the same thing, which is transfer files from my computer to the server. There has never been a reason to pay for such software, and I for one don't like wasting money.
        Signature

        Tim Pears

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[69121].message }}

Trending Topics