Ssh file manager. WinSCP - file manager for SFTP and SCP

When you buy a remote server on Linux, be it a dedicated or virtual one, the provider, as a rule, provides a minimal configuration without additional software, with access to the server via SSH.

It is known that there are several ways to copy data to a server, via FTP, using a web file manager, and so on. But all these methods require the installation of additional programs. For example, hosting control panel or ftp server.
But what if the remote server isn't dedicated to web hosting? Do not install an FTP server for the sake of uploading.
As it turned out, if you have access to the server via SSH, then this is quite enough to copy data to it, as well as to merge files from it. To do this, we will use the free winscp program. It is a graphical SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) client for Windows with an open source code... The program is designed for secure copying of files between a computer and servers that support these protocols.

In order to copy files to or from the server, you just need to know the SSH login and password.
After launching the program you will get a two-window file manager in the style of windows explorer and Norton Commander.


With the WinSCP program, you can not only copy data, but also set permissions on folders and files, create documents and directories, as well as edit files and create symbolic links and shortcuts.

WinSCP security

Using WinSCP, you can connect to an SSH (Secure Shell) server using the

No matter how actively cloud technologies are promoted, file storage, traditionally, is often easier and cheaper on FTP servers. Basically, FTP clients are as much a necessary category of software as regular file managers. Of course, there is no need to talk about "newbies" here: there was and is a well-established selection of programs both among paid and free solutions.

This review will focus on free FTP-clients, not so much well-known as "motley". The greatest attention will be paid to such aspects as protocol support, security, interface, as well as additional functions (synchronization, caching, search and others).

FileZilla

FileZilla is a cross-platform multilingual client that is easy to use, supports basic protocols such as FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and more, with a drag-and-drop user-friendly interface, tab support, directory comparison, synchronization and remote search. The program is regularly updated, which indicates the active status of its development.

The graphical shell is really convenient - it is not overloaded, as is usually the case in programs of this kind, with many panels. At the top and bottom of the window are the Messages Log and the Task Window, in the main part there is a two-column file manager. If the manager seems inconvenient to navigate, you can enable a tree view for local / remote file lists. Tabs are supported. This interface can be called almost classic for GUI FTP clients.

For a quick connection to the host, you can use the Quick Connect Panel, the transfer protocol is also indicated here, for example, sftp: // hostname or ftps: // hostname. But it is more usual to make a list of the necessary sources for connection in the Site Manager. In the settings, again, you can change the protocol (FTP / SFTP), enter credentials, assign local and remote directories that open upon connection, change the type of file transfer (more broadly options are provided in the general settings of the program). In the Site Manager, as well as in the main window, you can create bookmarks during navigation.

FileZilla has quite flexible data transfer control. Firstly, we mean a visual process of performing tasks, with the ability to pause (for files not exceeding the 4 GB limit). Secondly, the client supports synchronized browsing, directory comparison, filters, caching, and, as already mentioned, remote search are standard and necessary functions for navigation.

HTTP / 1.1, SOCKS 5, and FTP proxies are supported. Encryption is additionally available for FTP.

Summary

A simple client that will not satisfy the needs of a professional, but includes all the basic capabilities for working with FTP, SFTP, FTPS.

[+] Documentation in Russian
[+] Simple and user-friendly interface
[+] Cross-platform
[-] No command line (server) support

FTPRush

FTPRush is a once paid client that has recently added to the free list. Notable features include such a function as FXP - transferring files from one site to another "on the fly", flexible interface configuration (in the tradition of MS Office 2000-2003 panel), SSL / TLS / SFTP encryption, Z-compression during transmission ...

The appearance is more flexible than FileZilla, just look in the "View" menu or open the context menu of any of the areas. The following is provided: dragging, enabling and disabling panels, buttons, customizing column columns.

The connection manager has a lot of server settings in stock, it supports SFTP (moreover, options for configuring SSL are found in the corresponding section), SSH, insecure FTP, TFTP. You can specify a time zone, define local / remote directories, add bookmarks. If you have multiple configurations, it is convenient to apply global settings, there is no need to reconfigure multiple configurations. Exception lists, notifications, priorities, and other advanced options are available. A number of options related to connecting the program to the server and transferring files are presented. There are several types of proxies to choose from, including SOCKS, Z-compression settings. Not to mention customizing hotkeys and mouse actions.

The scheduler is available through the Task Window. Not to say that it is ideal in the current implementation, but it performs its functions and, in addition, allows you to specify a script or an action from the list to be performed. To create scripts, a constructor is used, which is available in the "Tools" menu. Also in this section you can see the list of FTP-commands. Remote search can be found in the "FTP" menu section.

Perhaps the only point that causes criticism is the very low-quality translation into Russian.

Summary

As a result, we get a free product with professional product functions.

[-] Poor interface translation
[+] Excellent functionality
[+] A large number of settings
[+] Support for secure protocols and encryption methods

WinSCP

WinSCP is an open source client that works with FTP, SFTP, SCP and FTPS (, protocol comparison table), scripting and command line support.

One of the primary features is the ability to choose an interface in one of two options - Explorer or Commander. In the first case, the result is an imitation of an explorer pane (with remote access mode) with a left side pane and accompanying hotkey layout. If we talk about the second type of interface, then here, rather, there are analogies with Far Manager, MC, Norton Commander, while the keyboard shortcuts are also close to the classic file managers.

Support for sessions, tabs, directory synchronization, source / destination file comparison are among other possibilities. Many panels are customizable, you can pin / unpin or remove them through the View menu. However, WinSCP is the least graphical client in the typical sense, here the device is somewhat different. The functionality will not impress an inexperienced user due to the fact that many options are hidden in the command mode - in the menu you can find an exit to the Putty utility, the command line and other special tools for working with the above protocols.

The declared support for scripts will be useful when automating data transfers or scheduling tasks (which will be of interest to advanced users). Enough detailed instructions on scheduling tasks in Windows via the command line in the guide.

As for FTP, the functionality is rather mediocre, and, moreover, there is no FXP function, which, for example, is almost the main one in FTPRush. However, FXP is not supported on every server.

On the page with translations, you can find partial Russification (80% done).

Summary

The client is intended for an audience of experienced users who primarily work with the SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols using a terminal.

[+] Management via console
[+] Flexible configuration of SFTP, SCP and FTPS
[+] Quite good automation capabilities

Cyberduck is not a typical product in the FTP client niche, as it is positioned most of all as a "file browser" for Windows and Mac OS platforms. Supported protocols are FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage and Amazon S3.

When launched, the program prompts you to import hosts from FileZilla, and the specified addresses will be bookmarked. The program uses a single-panel mode, for a desktop client in this case it is not optimal at all and causes only inconvenience. To download files, you must open a separate window, similarly - to view the queue of tasks. To change access rights, you need to go to the "Access Rights" tab of the "Info" section. All standard operations related to working with FTP are collected in the "Action" menu. You can see a search box in the program, but, as it turned out, this is a kind of filter by name, but not a search by file.

If the program cannot be noted with the convenience of FTP-mode, then, perhaps, someone will be attracted by some additional functions, including support for storage of cloud services, such as Google Drive or Amazon S3. There were no fine settings for integration with services. To export documents from Google docs you can choose the file format, in the case of Amazon - encryption settings, etc. Regarding functionality, again, nothing can be said about Cyberduck's protection: for example, a simple operation like assigning access rights to Google Drive is much more intuitive in the original interface. The use of an inconvenient alternative seems questionable here.

In general, due to the very simple interface, Cyberduck cannot be called the optimal client for working with the above services. However, as a file manager for viewing documents, it will do just fine. One can only hope that the developers will "tighten" the functionality in one of the directions - either work with FTP, or support for cloud services.

Summary

Despite support for FTP, SFTP, and other protocols, Cyberduck is only useful for uploading or downloading files, viewing documents on Google Docs, and other simple operations. That is, the most basic work with the declared protocols and services is provided.

[+] Unified interface
[-] Few settings
[-] Inconvenient file manager
[-] weak support for cloud services

CoreFTP LE

This file manager is notable for its support for SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, IDN, command line mode, FXP, and several types of proxies. LE is a free lite version of the client, PRO contains many additional features such as file encryption, zip archiving, synchronization, etc.

CoreFTP LE is old school. And, although the arrangement of the panels is quite intuitive, everything needs to be reconfigured to work comfortably. You can use the Reset View command to change the display mode: for example, shift the logs up, remove unnecessary panels, etc.

If we talk about the possibilities when working with FTP, the standard functions of CoreFTP include creating tasks for several sites, recursive operations with files (upload, download and delete). Multithreading is not available in the LE version, however, a considerable number of options are open in the "Connections" section. In the Transfers section, you can enable compression - in the LE version, however, not all options are available.

The site manager is very flexible in setting, pleases the number of protocols and options for SSH, SSL / TSL. Security settings can be found in "Advanced File Settings". Proxies are not forgotten, FTP Proxy / HTTP 1.1 / SOCKS are available in the list. For advanced users, the "Script / Cmds" section will be of interest, although, apparently, the command mode is presented here more modestly than in WinSCP, and there is no terminal.

Summary

FTP client with a traditional interface and solid functionality for free version, with a lot of settings related to security, data transfer, connections.

[-] No scheduler
[-] Outdated interface
[+] Good functionality
[+] Advanced SSH, SSL / TSL and proxy settings

BitKinex

The list of features listed on the BitKinex website boils down to the convenience of the user environment, however, if you pay attention to other aspects, the bottom line will be support for FTP, FXP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV, FXP and Indirect Transfers (FTP -\u003e SFTP, WebDAV-\u003e FTPS, HTTP-\u003e FTP, etc.). Other possibilities are shown on the page. It follows from them that BitKinex can also be used to create mirrors, as a download manager - that is, a very versatile client.

To create a connection, the “Quick Connect” start-up wizard is intended, which, however, can be skipped by going to the “Control Window”. Here are collected data sources for all kinds of protocols, each of which lends itself to careful configuration. All sources are grouped by protocol type.

Operations with files on the server are performed in another window - "Browse Window", which opens when connected to the source. This window presents a standard two-column manager. In the main area there are local and remote sources, on the left - a list of hosts, below - a list of tasks and a log.

Integration with Windows Explorer is possible, drag and drop is supported between windows, and, most interestingly, drag & drop of data between protocols. There are many file and folder operations available, such as compare, lock, change CHMOD permissions and other operations. The program supports command line mode. Additional features include synchronization and mirroring.

Summary

A universal manager for a wide range of protocols, with its own interesting ideology, flexible settings. It will be of interest to users who work with many sources, experienced webmasters and system administrators.

[+] Excellent functionality
[+] Convenient grouping of sources
[-] Insufficiently intuitive interface

CoffeeCup is known for its simple, "casual" software, and the Free FTP client is no exception. In describing features, the word "easy" is often used. Nevertheless, not only FTP is supported, but also SFTP, FTPS, which made it possible to include this client in the review.

To create a connection, you need to go to "Manage Servers", where the S-Drive account has already settled. The program quite obtrusively "recommends" to connect this service, it cannot be removed from the site manager.

Obviously, the CoffeeCup Free FTP client is aimed at working with static sites, as there is a built-in editor with auto-completion, code folding, highlighting and other conveniences. Alas, it is available only in the paid version and at the same time it takes up half of the workspace of the program and a separate section of settings. It can be easily removed from view by switching to "FTP View" mode.

There are few basic options, especially in terms of secure protocols. In principle, it makes sense that the novice user would rather prefer the insecure and more familiar FTP. The settings also contain proxy parameters, although you cannot select the type of connection, it is only possible to add the server (s) to the list. One of the notable features is the built-in ZIP archiver. Oddly enough, is there also a place for the PuTTY client - a "spare" in case CoffeeCup Free FTP is used by experienced users?

Summary

The CoffeeCup client is extremely easy to use as the functionality does not allow for confusion. Perhaps it will be useful for novice webmasters who need to edit HTML files on the server, or during the period of acquaintance with web technologies.

[+] The client is easy to learn
[-] S-Drive obsession
[-] Lack of search, synchronization and comparison of directories
[-] Built-in text editor

Pivot table

"Free SFTP, SCP, S3 and FTP client for windows"

Requirements: SSH server with SFTP / SCP support or FTP server or WebDAV server or Amazon S3 account

What's new in this version: Improvements to sessions and workspace management, so that WinSCP can now easily restore tabs that were open when it was last closed. Hardware-accelerated AES. Extension Archive and Download to archive remote files and download the archive. Improvements to Synchronization checklist window. Allowed sorting of find results. SSH core upgraded to PuTTY 0.73. The binaries are signed with new EV certificate valid until February 2023.