How to copy files to a server via SSH. WinSCP - file manager for working via SFTP and SCP protocols Ssh file manager

No matter how actively they advance cloud technologies, storing files, traditionally, is often easier and cheaper on FTP servers. In fact, FTP clients are the same necessary category software, just like regular file managers. Of course, we don’t have to talk about “newbies” here: there was and is an established selection of programs among both paid and free solutions.

This review will focus on free FTP clients, which are not so much well-known as they are “variegated”. 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, etc., and has a convenient drag-and-drop 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 Message Log and the Job Window, in the main part there is a two-column file manager. If the manager seems inconvenient to navigate, you can enable a tree list for local/remote file lists. Tabs are supported. This interface can be called almost classic for GUI FTP clients.

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

FileZilla has quite flexible data transfer management. Firstly, we mean a visual process of completing 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 - standard and necessary functions for navigation.

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

Summary

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

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

FTPRush

FTPRush is a former paid client that joined the list of free ones relatively recently. Notable features include such functions as FXP - transferring files from one site to another “on the fly”, flexible interface configuration (in the tradition of panel MS Office 2000-2003), SSL/TLS/SFTP encryption, Z-compression during transfer .

The appearance can be customized more flexibly than FileZilla; just look in the “View” menu or open context menu any of the areas. The following is provided: dragging, turning on and off panels, buttons, setting column columns.

The connection manager has a lot of server settings in stock; SFTP is supported (and in the corresponding section there are options for setting up SSL), SSH, unsecured FTP, TFTP. You can specify a time zone, define local/remote directories, and add bookmarks. If you have several configurations, it is convenient to use global settings, eliminating the need to reconfigure several configurations. Exception lists, notifications, priorities and others are available Extra options. A number of options are presented related to connecting the program to the server and transferring files. There are several types of proxies to choose from, including SOCKS, and Z-compression settings. Not to mention setting up hotkeys and mouse actions.

The scheduler is accessible 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 action from the list to be executed. To create scripts, use the designer, which is available in the “Tools” menu. Also in this section you can find a list of FTP commands. Remote search can be found in the FTP menu section.

Perhaps the only point that causes criticism is the very poor quality of the translation into Russian.

Summary

The result is a free product with the functions of a professional product.

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

WinSCP

WinSCP is a client with open source code, which works with the FTP, SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols (protocol comparison table), supports scripting and command line.

One of the primary features is the ability to select an interface in one of two options - Explorer or Commander. In the first case, the result is a simulated Explorer panel (with remote access mode) with a left sidebar and accompanying hotkey scheme. If we talk about the second type of interface, then here, rather, analogies can be traced with Far Manager, MC, Norton Commander, while the keyboard shortcuts are also close to classic file managers.

Support for sessions, tabs, directory synchronization, source/destination file comparison are among other features. Many panels are customizable; you can pin/undock them or remove them through the View menu. However, WinSCP is at least a 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 command mode - in the menu you can find access to the Putty utility, the command line and others special tools to work with the above protocols.

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

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

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

Summary

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

[+] Control via console
[+] Flexible configuration of SFTP, SCP and FTPS
[+] Good automation capabilities

Cyberduck is not a typical product in the FTP client niche, since it is primarily positioned as a “file browser” for Windows platforms and Mac OS. FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage and Amazon S3 protocols are supported.

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, which in this case is not optimal for a desktop client and only causes inconvenience. To download files you must open separate window, similarly - to view the job queue. 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. In the program you can see a search window, 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 for the convenience of the FTP mode, then perhaps someone will be attracted by some additional functions, including support for storage cloud services, such as Google Drive or Amazon S3. Fine settings for integration with services was not found. 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 in defense of Cyberduck: for example, a simple operation like assigning access rights to Google Drive much more intuitive in original interface. The use of an inconvenient alternative here seems questionable.

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 is quite suitable. One can only hope that the developers will improve the functionality in one of the directions - either working with FTP or supporting cloud services.

Summary

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

[+] Unified interface
[−] Few settings
[−] Inconvenient file manager
[−] poor support for cloud services

CoreFTP LE

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

The CoreFTP LE shell has an "old school" feel to it. And, although the layout of the panels is quite intuitive, for comfortable work you need to reconfigure everything. You can use the Reset View command to change the display mode: for example, move the logs up, remove unnecessary panels, etc.

If we talk about the capabilities when working with FTP, the standard functions of CoreFTP include creating tasks for several sites, recursive operations with files (uploading, downloading and deleting). 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 configuration; the number of protocols and options provided for SSH, SSL/TSL are pleasing. 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 here is presented more modestly than in WinSCP, and there is no terminal.

Summary

FTP client with a traditional interface and good functionality for free version, with a large number of settings regarding security, data transfer, connection.

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

BitKinex

The list of features indicated on the BitKinex website comes down to the convenience of the user environment, however, if you pay attention to other aspects, the bottom line is support for the FTP, FXP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV protocols, FXP and Indirect Transfers (FTP) functions ->SFTP, WebDAV->FTPS, HTTP->FTP, etc.). Other possibilities are listed 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” setup wizard is used, which, however, can be skipped by going to the “Control Window” window. Data sources for various protocols are collected here, each of which can be carefully configured. All sources are grouped by protocol type.

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

Integration with Windows Explorer is possible, dragging between windows is supported, and, most interestingly, drag & drop of data between protocols. Many operations with files and folders are available, such as comparing, blocking, changing rights CHMOD access and other operations. The program supports command line mode. Additional features worth noting are synchronization and mirroring.

Summary

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

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

CoffeeCup is known for its simple, “casual” programs, and the Free FTP client is no exception. The word “easy” is often used when describing features. However, not only the FTP protocol is supported, but also SFTP and FTPS, which made it possible to include this client in the review.

To create a connection, you need to go to “Manage Servers”, where your S-Drive account has already been established. The program quite intrusively “recommends” connecting this service; it cannot be removed from the site manager.

It is obvious that the CoffeeCup Free FTP client is aimed at working with static sites, since it has a built-in editor with auto-completion, code folding, highlighting and other amenities. Alas, it is only available in the paid version and at the same time it takes up half of the program’s work area and a separate settings section. It can be easily removed from view by switching to FTP View mode.

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

Summary

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

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

Pivot table

Free SSH client for secure access to FTP servers via the secure SFTP protocol.

This application allows two-way transfer and synchronization of files on a local PC and a remote server.

At the same time, WinSCP supports not only the simple FTP protocol, but also the secure (SFTP) and also somewhat outdated today (used mostly for accessing UNIX servers) SCP.

In terms of its capabilities, WinSCP is practically not inferior to the paid FTP client CuteFTP Professional:

Comparison of SSH client WinSCP with paid analogue CuteFTP

The main disadvantage of WinSCP is that it does not support scheduling. Otherwise, the program is quite convenient and provides good tools for everyday work with FTP.

Installing WinSCP

WinSCP comes in two flavors:

• portable;
• and with the installer.

For the portable version to work, just unpack the entire contents of the archive and run the executable exe file. True, then it will be in English.

To Russify the program, we take out the file from our archive WinSCP.ru and place it in the folder where WinSCP was unpacked.

1. After launching the installer, the first window to appear will be to select the program language. By default, Russian will already be indicated there, so just click “OK”.

2. In the next window we will be greeted by the Installation Wizard. There’s nothing complicated here either, just click “Next”.

Click "OK" and now we have a complete, ready-made connection!

All that remains is to “Login” to the server. We press the appropriate button and receive a warning.

If you connect to a reliable server (for example, your website), then simply click “Yes” so that the program remembers this key and saves it in its cache.

Otherwise, click "No".

Authentication on the server will begin and the program will ask for a password (if we did not save it in the program for security reasons).

Enter the password and click "OK".

If we haven’t made a mistake anywhere, the main WinSCP window will open in front of us.

WinSCP interface

As we chose during installation, the program will have a two-panel interface, reminiscent of a classic file manager.

In the left panel our local computer, and on the right is a folder on the server with the site stored in it.

Transferring files can be done either by simply dragging them from one panel to the second, or through the context menu and using “hot keys”, generally accepted for such programs:

• F5 - copy;
• F6 - move;
• Delete - delete, etc.

For example, let's copy the file readme.html from server to computer. We grab it with the mouse in the right panel and drag it to the left.

Before the first copying, the program will clarify whether we really want to do this?

This is done to prevent accidental damage to important files. If you are confident enough in your actions, you can disable this request by checking the “Do not show this window again” checkbox before clicking “OK”.

If such a file already exists in the destination folder, another window with a question will appear.

By the way, if you need to copy or replace several files, then in order not to answer “Yes” for each, you can use the down arrow to the right of this button and select the “Yes for all” option, or hold down the Shift key before pressing “Yes”.

But here you need to be even more careful so as not to accidentally overwrite new file old. And then the “Don’t ask again” checkbox is already ticked - it’s better to never check it again.

WinSCP Settings

If you accidentally checked the above-mentioned checkbox, you can always disable it in the “Settings” - “Settings” - “Appearance” - “Confirm the following actions” - “Overwriting files” menu.

As you can see, here you can customize anything, from notifications to design style.

If the “native” settings do not suit you for some reason, here you can always adjust the program to suit you.

Filters in WinSCP

Let's return to the main window and see how else you can simplify your work with SFTP in WinSCP.

For example, when updating a website via FTP, you often have to download and upload to the server many files with a certain extension. These could be pictures in PNG format or some js files with scripts.

When their number exceeds a hundred, working without filtering functions becomes quite dull.

In this case, the easiest way is to use the "Filter" function, the button of which looks like a funnel above each panel.

Click on it and in the window that opens, enter a mask to select the required files.

As a result, we get in the desired panel only those files that are interesting to us.

You can learn about file filtering rules by clicking the “examples of masks” link under the filter line:

• The "*" symbol replaces any number of printed characters.
• "?" replaces a single character (one letter or number).
• Masks are separated by a comma or semicolon, etc.

Using a filter, you can significantly speed up your work with files, regardless of their number.

Directory comparison

Using the comparison tool, you can highlight different files in both panels.

The comparison is based on name, size and update date.

Directory synchronization

The next tool - “Server folder synchronization” - allows you to configure automatic FTP server monitoring of the selected local folder and copying all new files from it:

If you do not trust automation, WinSCP allows you to synchronize manually.

To do this, simply click the following button - “Synchronize the local directory and the directory on the server.”

Script commands

Like many advanced FTP clients, WinSCP claims to support script commands.

They are implemented:

• via the built-in command line, also called Console or Terminal;
• or an added PuTTY module.

Let's see how this works using a command line example. Click the "Open Terminal" button and read the warning.

Click "OK" and get into the Console window, where you can enter your commands in the top field and get the result in the bottom.

Advantages and disadvantages of WinSCP

• convenient and simple interface;
• support for secure file transfer protocols;
• the ability to filter files by masks;
• automated file synchronization;
• Extensive customization options.

• slight stuttering with very large lists of files (more than 1000 in one folder);
• no task scheduler.

conclusions

It’s not for nothing that WinSCP has won the favor of thousands of users around the world. This small SSH client allows you to perform tasks that are often only possible with much more powerful and cumbersome (and most importantly paid) counterparts.

At the same time, it works quite quickly even on old PCs. And if we add here the ability to work from a USB drive, then we get the ideal tool for supporting your own website at any time and anywhere!

Afterword

If you have your own website, then you have probably thought more than once about how to optimize the work of loading various content onto it.

Today, many hosting providers provide us with special web interfaces called admin panels. Their advantage is that no additional applications are required to work with files on a remote server - all operations can be performed directly in the browser window.

However, almost all admin panels provide only basic functionality. For example, they do not support simultaneous downloading of multiple files and require you to manually select each subsequent file. I'm not even talking about synchronization functions, etc.

Therefore, to fully work with files on remote servers, a special protocol was created - FTP. Despite the fact that it is more than 40 years old, the file transfer protocol is still quite popular today.

In addition to the already mentioned use of this protocol in working with websites, FTP is often used to distribute various kinds of applications and even operating systems(for example, some operating systems of the Linux family).

Modern browsers allow you to open file storages based on the FTP protocol and download files from there, however, to be able to upload content to remote servers yourself, you must have special applications- FTP clients.

There are quite a lot of both paid and free FTP clients, however, based on the specifics of our site, today we reviewed one of the best free SSH clients - WinSCP.

P.S. Permission granted to freely copy and quote this article provided that an open active link to the source is indicated and the authorship of Ruslan Tertyshny is preserved.

There are several ways to download and unzip a zipped file to FTP server. This may be required when installing CMS, restoring backup copy. Let's take a closer look at them.

Cross-platform SFTP clients

FileZilla

The program runs on Mac OS X, Windows, Linux and other operating systems. Uses FTP, FTPS and SFTP protocols. Translated into 47 languages, including Russian. Convenient and easy to use client.

• Performs standard operations, resumes interrupted downloads, and handles large files well.
• Supports IPv6, SOCKS5, FTP-Proxy and HTTP.
• Site manager allows remote search and editing of files.
• Allows you to configure the queue and download speed.
• Ability to simultaneously view multiple directories, etc.

Download from the official website: https://addons.mozilla.org/ru/firefox/addon/fireftp.

Cross-platform client localized into more than 20 languages. Designed as an add-on for Firefox. The functionality is similar to the previous program.

• Performs standard operations.
• Supports major data transfer protocols.
• Hashes and checks documents for integrity.
• Compares directories, compresses files, and much more.

Chrome sFTP Client

Multi-platform client, installed as an add-on to Google Chrome. There is a Russian language. The capabilities are not inferior to other programs. Built-in powerful text editor with syntax highlighting and password manager. Suitable for those who are used to turning a browser into a universal harvester.

The program works under Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Free app It has extremely poor functionality and is absolutely not competitive: it does not support SFTP, proxies, synchronization, etc. Pro has all this, but you will have to pay 25-40 y.e. for it. The paid version is no different from its free counterparts.

Clients for Windows OS

Download the program from the official website: https://winscp.net/eng/download.php.

Graphical multilingual client, distributed free of charge. Offers a choice of two interfaces: like in Windows Explorer and classic in the style of Norton Commander. WinSCP can:

• Upload and download files from the server.
• Create, rename and delete files and folders.
• Supports synchronization, several types of authorization: Kerberos, public key or password.
• Allows you to automate actions using scripts and the command line.
• The utility has a built-in text editor and a bunch of other useful things.

Available in two versions. The LE version is noticeably inferior in functionality to its competitors, but is free. Can download files from/to the server simultaneously, restore the connection when the connection is interrupted. CoreFTP Pro is equipped with a wagonload of additional goodies and costs 25 y.e.

• Compresses, encrypts and decrypts files.
• Increases download speed due to multi-layer downloads.
• You can set up templates for repeatable tasks.
• The Ping and TraceRoute utilities are installed in the client.
• Unlimited tech. product support and much more.

Standard client. Able to work via HTTP/HTTPS protocols. Maybe everything is the same as other SFTP managers. There is no Russian localization, but the interface is simplified and intuitive. The computer does not load much, turns on and works quickly.

Gftp - client for Linux OS

A cross-platform utility, but more often used in Unix-like operating systems. Eat GUI, but it also works via the command line. Supports data transfer protocols: SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc. Performs all standard operations with files and folders. Translated into many languages, including Russian.

You can register domains with us.

A free program with a user-friendly interface and a minimum of functions and capabilities. Supports SFTP, uploads and downloads files. Synchronizes data and everything. Suitable for those who prefer to do without frills in their work.

AndFTP - SFTP client for android

Works with protocols: FTP, SFTP and FTPS. Russified, has a built-in file manager, can open files different types: video, text, html, mp3, etc. Integrates with other applications. Supports work with multiple servers and allows you to configure permissions. Convenient and functional addition.

Report a bug

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  Broken download link File does not match description Other

WinSCP - free file manager, works under the SFTP and SCP protocols, a free graphical client for the SFTP and SCP protocols, works only on Windows. Available online under the GNU GPL license. With it you will be sure that all your files are protected when copied. Of course, if the computer and server operate using these protocols. Distributed under the GNU GPL license. Provides secure copying of files between your computer and servers that support these protocols.

Main features of the program:

1. Has a graphical interface similar to Norton Commander.
2. All operations with files are available - saving, deleting, etc.
3. Everything works automatically, using scripts
4. Integration with Pageant (PuTTY Agent) with support for public key authorization.
5. Integration with Windows (Drag&Drop support, shortcuts, URL scheme support).
6. Has a built-in text editor. Can work with keys and SSH protocol versions.
7. You can authenticate using a password, public key authentication, or Kerberos.
8. You can save connection settings.
9. Synchronize folders using several automatic and semi-automatic algorithms.
10. WinSCP supports SFTP and SCP protocols over SSH-1 and SSH-2, in addition to FTP.
11. Has a plugin that supports the SFTP protocol in the FAR Manager program.

"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.