FTP Commander Pro
Introduction
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) was first
used in Unix systems a long time ago to copy and move shared files. With
the development of the Internet, FTP became widely used to upload and download
online data, especially to post websites on ISP servers.
These tasks can now be performed by a special
program called FTP clients.
FTP
Commander Pro allows users to delete , rename, and copy files as
well as to create and delete directories on FTP servers, and work in command
line mode. Some of the fine features of this program include: directory
synchronization on local and remote access computers (comparing menus to
highlight edited or new files), a range of options to monitor command line
operations, manual input of FTP commands, etc.
The program lets you upload and download data
and to delete one or more files, including whole directories along with
subdirectories. The transfer interface window shows what percentage of
files has already been uploaded or downloaded. The program can also automatically
resume and complete file transfers, which for some reason, have been interrupted.
It can also attempt to periodically connect with the FTP server if the
pervious link was unsuccessful.
Servers usually break off a connection automatically
when the user is inactive for more than a specified period of time. The
program includes a command that allows you to "keep connection," which
means that retention prompts are periodically generated to maintain the
connection. It also contains a passive file transfer mode. Server directories
are sometimes hidden from view, which means that the directory modification
option will be extremely helpful.
Program configurations allow you to automatically
assign file transfer parameters: ascii or binary, depending on file extension,
which can easily be expanded. All commands and control operations can be
stored using the log file.
Start-up
After you download the program two split
window panels will appear on your screen. These two main panels can be
described as follows:
-
On the right hand panel- "Remote FTP Servers", which
contains a list of pre-configured FTP servers;
-
On the left hand panel - "Local Computer," which
contains a list of files and folders in the local computer. Each of these
panels contains a context-sensitive menu which performs a number of system-related
tasks and functions. The menu can be called up by right-clicking the mouse.
The upper part of the window displays the main program menu and three keys:
"Connect", "Disconnect" and "Abort Connection".
After clicking "Connect" the program will attempt
to connect your computer with a computer which is on a web-based FTP server.
After the command is executed and the connection is established a list
of files and folder will be displayed on the remote FTP server. The keys
"Disconnect" and "Abort Transfer" allow you to log off the server, break
off the connection or interrupt data transfer.
To transfer files use the following menu items:
-
Upload the files you have selected onto the FTP server;
-
Download the files you have selected to the local
computer;
or click on program button with arrows. |
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Let's take a closer look at the program functions
now.
FTP server connection and program setting

When you call up "Connection" the main
program menu will appear on your screen:
-
Connect to FTP server;
-
Disconnect;
-
Stop transfer;
-
Create new session;
-
Preferences;
-
Exit.
The first three items are used to connect with or
disconnect from FTP servers. The same commands can be performed using the
3 buttons: "Connect" "Disconnect" or "Stop Transfer".
After the connection is established, the "Connection"
button will switch off and "Disconnect" will light up. If for some reason
the connection is broken off, "Stop Transfer" will light up after which
the program will give up trying to establish a connection.
The menu item " Create new session " allows
you to upload a second copy of the program in another window. This will
be very useful if you need to interact simultaneously with several ftp
servers (transferring, deleting files, etc.).
Read the section Preferences on how to configure
the program.
Performing file operations on local computers

When you call up the menu item "Local
Computer" the local menu will appear on your screen. The menu shows you
how to perform file operations on your local computer. This section contains
the following menu items.
-
Create directory;
-
Delete;
-
Rename;
-
Upload files to FTP server;
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Sorting;
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Select;
-
View;
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Change case;
-
Filter;
-
View as text;
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Run program;
-
Font.
You can also select menu items by clicking
the right mouse key. Find the files you need from the list of directories
shown in the window "Local Computer", then click on the appropriate menu
items.
To select files use the following keys (which
should be pressed simultaneously, not separately):
-
Shift and arrow;
-
Shift and Page Up / Page down;
-
Shift and left mouse key;
-
Ctrl and left mouse key.
Let's now return to our description of the
local menu items.
New Directory
This command allows you to create a folder
in a local computer. After you enter the name the new folder will appear
on the right-hand panel of your local computer.
Remove Directory
The Remove command helps you to remove
folders from local computers. To do this, select the folders you want to
delete, then select this option. You will be prompted as to whether or
not you're sure you want to delete. If you answer yes, the folders are
removed from the server. Deletions can be performed using the "Select"
menu item or standard command sequences (shift, ctrl, etc.).
Rename File
The rename command allows you to change
the name of a file or folder in local computers. It works as follows:
-
Go into the folder and find the file you need;
-
Select the file you want to rename using the left
mouse key;
-
Select the menu item "Rename";
-
Enter the new file name in the "Rename" window.
One file at a time can be renamed this way.
Upload selected files to an FTP server
The option "Upload selected files to
FTP server" allows you to transfer files to a remote FTP server. To do
this, select the files in a local computer you would like to copy. First
of all you need to make a connection with an FTP server. Then highlight
the folder in the FTP server you would like to upload.
The transfer interface window shows what percentage
of files has already been uploaded or downloaded.
Sort Files
You can sort files by name, size or date.
Selecting "by name" will display a list of files in alphabetic order. "By
size" displays files in increasing or decreasing order. Sorting files "By
date" gives you a chronological listing. You can also perform sorting operations
by clicking on the mouse in the appropriate column of the table, which
will display file properties (see item "View file as table").
Select Files
The "Select" option allows you to highlight
the files located in one or more directories for deletion, dowloading to
an FTP server, etc.). The following options are available: "Select all",
"Unselect", "Select using filter mask" and "Invert selection". The following
files can also be used to highlight files:
-
Shift + arrow;
-
Shift + Page Up / Page Down;
-
Shift + Left mouse key;
-
Ctr + Left mouse key.
View (to display files and folder)
This menu item allows you to change the
way files are displayed in a list.
If you choose to work in "Large icons" mode, the
list of files will be displayed in large icons, or vice versa, in "Small
icons", if you select that option. Should you opt for "List", files will
be displayed in the form of a list; "Table with details" (itemized table)
will provide an itemized breakdown of the table (size, date, and the time
when the file was created).
You can also view files with an itemized breakdown
by horizontal scrolls (moving arrows horizontally left of right).
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Change case
Files shown in upper and lower case will
appear on the server as separate files . Therefore, sometimes when you
upload a file or picture, it won't be visible on a website. For example,
your site contains a link to the file asona.gif but you uploaded Asona.gif.
Here you will need a program command which allows you to change the case
type, both on local computers and remote servers.
The Change case option lets you modify the file
register in the window of a local computer. By selecting "Upper case" file
names will appear in capital letters and small letters, if you opt for
"Lower case". If you select "As in sentence" file names will be written
the way they normally appear in a sentence. In order to change the way
files look in directories you should click on "Select all".
Filter
When you select the "Filter" option the
filter window appears on your screen, in which you can perform a filter
operation through any mask to display the files you have assigned to the
local computer directory.
For example, enter *.htm in the mask and only
htm designated files will be called up.
View in text format
The file you select will be viewed in
simple text editor.
Run program
Select this command on the left hand
panel to launch this application (usually used for *.exe files).
Font
The last local menu item, " Font," is
used to modify the size, color and properties of character types shown
in a local computer window. When you choose this option the "Select font"
window appear on your screen. There you can substitute one font with another,
choose a different color or font properties (bond or underline) and check
corrections in the "Sample" Field.
Performing operations on remote FTP servers
This section of the program contains the following
menu items:
-
Create a new FTP server;
-
Server properties;
-
Create directory;
-
Change directory;
-
Custom commands;
-
Compare directories;
-
Delete;
-
Rename;
-
File attributes on server;
-
Download selected files to local server;
-
Sort;
-
Select;
-
View;
-
Change Case;
-
Filter;
-
Font.
It should be noted that this menu is intended
for operations performed in the window "Remote FTP servers", which means
that many items in this menu will only be available after connecting to
a remote server. File operations performed on the remote server are the
same as those in local computers.
We will describe in details only those items
which are not discussed in the section on file operations performed in
local computers.
Connection properties
Create new FTP server
This item allows you to set up and save
connection configurations every time you select a new remote server profile.
After you select this
option "New connection properties" will appear on your screen with empty
fields which should then be filled in.
Name
Enter the name of the new
server in the "name" field.
For example: microsoft
FTP server
Enter the address of the
FTP server in this field.
For example: ftp.microsoft.com
Port
Give the server's FTP port
here.
Usually 21.
User information should
also be entered in the right hand side of the window.
User ID
Enter the user ID in this
field to access a given site.
For example: anonymous
Password
A password is required
whenever you access a server.
Account
This field does not have
to be filled in for most servers. Skip it unless you have relevant data.
Email
This field should be filled
in for anonymous connections. In this case you should highlight "Anonymous
connection".
Commentary
Allows you to make notes.
Server response type
Different servers have
a different response structure for lists of folders and the files located
inside them.
While the program is preconfigured
for the vast majority of servers, there may be cases where a remote server
is structured differently. You can look at these file structures by selecting
"Text format". Then you need to configure the response format in
"Custom" mode. The word number is given in the response.
For example, let's assume
that a word with number 9 is assigned the value "File name".
Microsoft FTP ver. 4.0 is
a special configuration for Microsoft version 4.0 ftp servers.
In "Text format" you can
only see the format of files on the server download files from a local
computer but you will not have any local menu options for the FTP server.
For virtually all servers
we recommend using the "Standard" response type.
10) Hide password
In this case someone next
to you computer will not be able to see your password. This is a handy
option in Internet cafes or classrooms.
11) Passive mode
Click on this option if
you need to run in passive mode to access your server. This is usually
necessary when you work through a proxy server. When selecting this option
enter a check mark ?, and remove in when you exit passive mode.
12) Initial directory
When you connect to a server
the program will immediately display the initial directories available
on the local and remote computer. This allows you to avoid clicking on
the mouse every time you want to move to a different file.
After filling in the requested
window fields and entering the data required on the new server and user,
make sure you save all this information.
Server properties
In this menu item you should fill in
or edit the same fields that were requested when you added on a new server.
Using this key, for example, you can view or change your password, or edit
other fields described in the previous item.
The program is error-sensitive and automatically
corrects mistakes made by users. Other programs tend to use different input
and setting formats to access the FTP server. FTP Commander Pro
was designed to be smart and sensible software. It will enter the right
address even if you attempt to connect using any one of the following formats.
ftp.hostname.com
ftp://ftp.hostname.com
[email protected]/folder
ftp://[email protected]:port/folder
ftp://[email protected]:port/folder
ftp://[email protected]
ftp://[email protected]:port
http://ftp.hostname.com
For example, if you make a mistake and enter a blank
space in the address, the program will automatically remove it from the
address, as well as any other inadmissible symbols, and will correct the
address while the connection is in progress.
Remote server operations
New directory
This option allows you to create new
folders in FTP servers.
Change directory
Sometimes directories in a server can
be hidden by the internet service provider or not displayed on the right
had panels of the program. For this reason the Change directory option
can be a useful item.
Custom commands
All program operations basically involve
performing various commands on a remote server. The same commands can be
given manually on the FTP server. These commands can be saved on a list
of custom commands. Such a list will come in handy if your server supports
custom commands not available in the program.
After selecting this menu "Commands" and "Do it
(Execute)" will appear in the lower part of the Remote FTP Servers" window.
By pressing the "Commands" key, the "Custom Commands" will appear in the
upper left part of the window. A few basic commands are already in place.
You can then add or delete as many custom commands as you like.
To add and save on commands you should first
click on the "Select" button with the mouse. The command you have selected
will then be displayed in the field next to the "Do it (Execute)" button.
Click it to execute the operation you have selected.
After you have finished the custom command task,
select the same "Custom command" menu item to remove "Commands" and "Execute"
from the window panel.
Compare directories
This item allows you to compare directories
to highlight modified and new files.
Delete
This item helps you delete any unnecessary
files, folders or servers. To execute this operation go into "Remote FTP
Servers" and select the files, folders or servers you wish to eliminate,
then press "Delete" in the local menu of the FTP server.
Rename
The Rename function allows you to rename
any file or folder on an FTP server.
File attributes on a server
This option lets you view the properties
of the server files you're interested in. For example, to execute CGI or
other scripts (cgi-script) you'll have to reconfigure the access attributes
to files or folders.

Download selected files to a local server
This option makes it possible for you
to download the files you have selected from the remote FTP server to your
own PC. Once you have established a connection with the server you can
download as many directories, including subdirectories, as you wish.
Sorting
You can sort files in three modes: "By
name", "By size" and "By date".
Select
The "Select" option allows you to highlight
all the files that are in a certain folder.
View
This menu item allows you to view a list
of files. It consists of "Large icons", "List" and "Itemized table".
Change Case
This item lets you change the case of
files displayed in the window of a remote FTP server.
Filter
When you select "Filter" a window appears
on your screen where you can filter any file through the folder you have
assigned to the remote FTP server. For example, you can enter *.htm.
Font
Here you can rearrange the size, color
and properties of font in the FTP server.
Preferences
Preferences allows you to assign the general
settings that are to be used in running the program.
On the "Connection" page you can enter the default
Email address you would like to use for anonymous connections, and also
use the upper and lower arrows to select "Time out" (in seconds), which
limits the time duration each connection to the server will be attempted
as well as the number of retries you would like to configure.
File transfer type
The next page "Ascii / Binary" established
the file transfer type: "Auto - detect", "Ascii", "Binary" and a list of
file extensions for which Ascii transfer will be used. You can change the
list using the following keys: "Add", "Modify" and "Delete", which are
also located in the right part of the window.
Log
The log is an option that can record
all the FTP commands you perform. To activate the log, click on the check
mark in the field "Enable log", then enter the name of the file where you
would like to save the log.
Keep connection (Keep alive)
Servers usually break off a connection
automatically when the user is inactive for more than a specified period
of time. The program includes a command that allows you to "keep connection,"
which means that retention prompts are periodically generated to maintain
the connection.
Click on the option "Activate keep connection"
and then you can assign the time (in seconds) between commands. The menu
option "Interval between commands" will light up. On the right is a list
of commands which can be used to keep the server connection up and running.
You can add or delete any command on your list.
Proxy, Sockets and Firewall configurations
If you have to work on large corporate
networks these configurations may be required. To set them up fill in the
fields to the left of the type you have selected: then enter the description
of the server ("Server"), the port you will be using ("Port") and the "Password"
you will be using. To enter the password in hidden format, click "Masked
Password".
By selecting "Direct" you will get a direct connection
and no other fields will have to be filled in, as default values are applied.
Program configurations and interface
Program configurations appear of the
"Interface" page. This item allows you to configure the "Initial directory"
when you download the program, and chose the "Font" you want to use in
the program.
Default confirmation: this is useful when you're
interacting with a server on which you upload or download information.
For example, if you check the box "Overwrite confirmation
- Download", every time you perform a download operation you will be
queried about whether you wish to proceed or not.
"Overwrite confirmation - Upload" also
asks you to confirm uploads from your server to the server. If you don't
want to give confirmation every time, then all you have to do is make a
default confirmation setting. The program will execute by default any command
selected in the fields "Skip", "Overwrite" or "Resume".
After you have entered all the appropriate properties
and filled in all the requisite fields, you can either save these configurations
by pressing the "Save" button or discard them by pressing "Cancel".
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