Introduction to LeechFTP
By:
Sam Ehlers
LeechFTP is my favorite FTP client. It is available for free download at:
http://linux.fh-heilbronn.de/~debis/leechftp/
Otherwise, I've got a copy of it available for download on our web server
here.
Open LeechFTP and Do a "Normal Connect" by clicking the Lightning bolt button
("Quick
Connect" only works for servers that allow anonymous logins)
The "Normal Connect" dialog is fairly straight forward. For the personal
webspace provided with our standard dial-up accounts log-in to ftp.doorpi.net
using the same username and password that you connect to the internet with.
You'll notice the tabbed section on the left. The "Queue" section is for File
transfers
waiting to happen. "Threads" are file transfers in progress, you can see active
transfers,
cancel transfers and even impose speed limits here. "Downloads" are finished
transfers.
Finally, "Failures" are transfers that failed, you can easily resubmit failures
to the Queue from here.
Otherwise, LeechFTP is a pretty standard FTP client. Local files on your
computer are
viewable in the middle section. Files at the ftp server are on the right. You
can drag
files from the server to the local view to queue a file transfer. Click the
electrical plug
button to disconnect when finished.
LeechFTP has more features than I have time to tell about them, so be sure to
explore them.
Some features that should not be overlooked are:
1. The Minimize to Tray Button
When you have a long Queue of transfers or a large file to transfer the program
can tuck it self away into the system tray next to the clock. Just click
the odd little button next to the standard minimize button.
2. Bookmarks
You can save your settings for different ftp servers and organize them into
folders. Click the book button.
3. The Queue
I already mentioned this but LeechFTP does a great job of keeping track of the
progress
of file transfers.
4. Tool Tips
Hold the mouse still over almost any button, or control and some text will pop
up telling
you what it is.
5.
You can also create new directories on the ftp server by right-clicking and
selecting
"Create Directory"
