New FTP
After yesterdays debacle it's time for a new FTP program. Perhaps the wireless connection was crappy, but I'm pretty sure you could write an FTP program with enough checks in it that it doesn't get "fooled" into uploading folders to a random space on your server. Or deleting different files than you selected.
So, I went googling for "FTP" to find the best FTP programs. Or the best marketed I suppose.
I picked three that I'd heard of and that appear to be well developed: SmartFTP, CuteFTP and WS_FTP.
I know you're going to tell me about another one that is better. And free.
Don't bother.
SmartFTP - didn't get past the web site. Nasty. No details. Looked like 1 guy, in a basement. Not that you couldn't write really great software like that, but I want a support department. I want to pay for support.
WS_FTP - I viewed these as the leader, even though I quite passionately HATE the name. Never, ever, ever put an underscore in a product name. It looks stupid. I downloaded it, ran it and...mmmm...it asks me to "activate" it. Now, I'm experienced enough to start worrying at this point. Activation usually means Copy Protection.
I want to pay once, and install on my desktop and my laptop. Legally if possible.
So, I went searching and Google of course answered my call. A forum post moaned about WS_FTP's lack of support and another moaned about the activation stopping installation on his laptop.
Oh, and I also found within 30 seconds that:
a) it made really annoying sounds that I couldn't find out how to disable and
b) the default local folder for a connection had to be typed in. No browse button? You have to be kidding.
Start > Control panel > Add & Remove Programs > Bye, bye WS_FTP.
I hate that name btw. Idiots.
And then there was one. CuteFTP. I like their web site. Nice testimonials all over it - apparently it's the best FTP program and everyone thinks so. Dropping famous magazine reviews all over the shop.
The license can of course be found nowhere on the web site. So I have to install to read it. And I quote:
"A license for the Software may not be shared by alternating use of the Software between different computers."
Uh-oh.
But something made me keep on reading..and found this:
"The primary user of a computer for which a license has been purchased may access the Software via a remote technology, and may make and use one copy of the Software on his or her portable computer."
(Personally I think these contradict a little, but IANAL)
Huzzah!
So, 1 minute in and I've found that CuteFTP has the sounds turned off by default and it has a browse button when it needs one.
See, it's the tiniest little things that keep grumpy people like me happy.