Bullet Proof FTP

~buzz Tue, Apr 28, 1998 (04:34) seed

Bullet Proof FTP (BPFTP) is a new FTP client that delivers a wide range of traditional FTP features as well as several unique ones that help the client distance itself from the competition. One of BPFTP's best distinctive features is its automatic reconnect and resume capabilities for terminated file transfers. Anytime your connection is broken during a file transfer, Bullet Proof FTP will automatically reconnect to the server and resume the transfer from the point that it left off, eliminating the hassle of having to download the entire file again. This feature works for file uploads as well as for downloads which makes it especially useful for webmasters that typically launch a batch of updated files at night and need assurance that all the files will be transferred over. Another useful feature in BPFTP that you won't find in most of the competition is the Leech mode option. On FTP servers that restrict the number of downloads you can perform in one session (AOL for example), Bullet Proof FTP will automatically disconnect, reconnect, and resume downloading when you reach the maximum number of downloads. Haven't had enough of the sui generis features yet? BPFTP monitors the Windows clipboard in the background and will instantly connect to a site and begin transferring a given file when an FTP or HTTP URL is copied to the clipboard. No other FTP client currently offers clipboard monitoring. Additional features in BPFTP include firewall/proxy support, remote mirroring capabilities (automatically downloads new files and resumes partially downloaded files), HTTP downloading with support for redirected URLs, 'anti idle' capabilities (periodically sends a random command to stop the server from disconnecting after an extended length of inactivity), recursive uploading/downloading (maintains full directory structure by transferring a directory, its files, and any subdirectories when clicking on a directory), import capabilities for CuteFTP and FTP Explorer (imports the site listings and the passwords) as well as for WS-FTP (imports the site listings only), remote caching, quick search options, system traybar icon support, basic scheduling capabilities, and the ability to queue multiple files on the same site or files on more than one site for downloading. In its default mode, BPFTP works a bit differently than most FTP clients. After selecting a file operation -- upload, download, delete, etc. -- BPFTP first enters the command into a queue and then allows you to add additional operations. When you are ready to begin transferring, you simply click on an icon and BPFTP steps through each of the tasks in the queue. This method has the advantage of allowing you to carry out batch transfer jobs on files in different directories and even on different sites, but it also has the disadvantage of slowing you down when you want to make quick transfers or changes. There is an option to switch from the client's default mode to one that forces BPFTP to transfer files immediately. BPFTP's impressive feature set and unique selling points are somewhat offset by the features currently missing in the client relative to the competition. Multiple concurrent download capabilities, customizable toolbars, site to site transfer options, macro record/playback scripting capabilities, advanced synchronization tools, remote file editing, a pre-installed collection of FTP sites, FTP Voyager's Folder Short Cuts feature, and advanced file filtering capabilities represent the most glaring omissions. Another shortcoming in BPFTP is the inability to resize several of the interface's windows. The queue window occupies more than half of the screen real estate and cannot be modified. This results in the local and remote listings windows being extremely cramped and difficult to navigate. Overall, while Bullet Proof FTP may not be perfect (yet), it more than makes up for its shortcomings. BPFTP's extensive set of features and relatively inexpensive price tag ($39.95) have helped the client gain a foothold in the extremely crowded FTP category, and its selection of distinctive capabilities have served to elevate the client above most of the competition. With a few more features and better attention to detail in terms of usability, Bullet Proof FTP will be able to attain even greater heights. Pros: Impressive set of features, several unique features like clipboard monitoring and leech mode, easy to use Cons: Lacks a number of features found in competing clients, interface lacks extensive configurability options For the latest information on Bullet Proof FTP, check out: http://cws.internet.com/32ftp.html#bpftp

~marshalls Tue, Apr 28, 1998 (06:20) #1

I use it for most of my FTP transfers and recomend it to others. However, most people don't need more FTP transfer ability than the FTP downloading of their browser. The price is $29.95 rather than $39.95. The window resizing problem was fixed a few days after the initial release of v1.06. This was announced to all the registered users by email. The author is very responsive to users and makes frequent upgrades.

~terry Tue, Apr 28, 1998 (10:26) #2

If this program can transfer whole directories then it has an advantage over all the other ftp programs. I'd like to see how easy this is accomplished.

~tfabris Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (18:48) #3

The review of BulletProof FTP describes its ability to monitor the clipboard for FTP-type URLs and automatically begin downloading them. Then it says says "No other FTP client offers clipboard monitoring." That statement is incorrect... The feature has been present in GetRight, and is, in fact, the way that GetRight works around its inability to catch clicks directly in the IE web browser. Do the authors of the reviews ever read these reader comments? If so, this should be corrected in the review, guys...

~tfabris Wed, Jun 24, 1998 (18:54) #4

And while I'm at it... Why isn't GetRight reviewed with all the other FTP clients at Stroud's? Agreed, it's not a full FTP program (it only downloads), but doesn't it qualify in that category?

~skyblack Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (17:57) #5

bulletproof users whats up... y'all got some good stuff... like i need some ip and user and pass.... hook me up....

~terry Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (19:19) #6

I've been having some trouble with bpftp hanging up when I quit a session and try to resume. It's become fairly common on this Windows 2000 System.

~MarciaH Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (20:29) #7

I'm stil using W98 and I cannot use FTP anymore. I seem to be dumped into a new location where I cannot get back to my files which I can see on the internet. I guess I better email you about this. John Tsatsaragos is going to be doing some msjor work and I need to FTP the graphics to my part of Spring's Hard drive if they are to be seen. Help!! (I use CuteFTP)

~terry Thu, Oct 11, 2001 (23:40) #8

You have two accounts on spring.net, marci and marcia. Which are you using as your primary? I can call you during the day some time and discuss security, passwords and all that as these don't traavel via conferences or email.