Cyberduck for Mac 9.0.2

Overview

While originally Cyberduck was a SFTP program designed particularly for the MAC OS, it seems that its producers have also designed a version that operates under the Windows operating system. However, this review will refer strictly to the Cyberduck for Mac, in order to avoid confusion between the features proprietary to the other editions. In essence, this SFTP and FTP browser is an open-source piece of software, meaning that users are welcome to download the base code and improve it, should they choose to do so. However, Cyberduck for Mac incorporates a great amount of impressive features, from the ability to integrate it with outside editors to quick viewers, from document and picture browsing and management to keychain password systems and bookmarking.  

Installation

In the installation phase, users will be asked whether they want to install Bonjour, an application that enables discovering and configuring the IP and DNS settings of the computers on your network. Whilst it is recommended that you choose to install it, as its features can be very beneficial even for those who are not in charge of managing a network, it is not mandatory. Apart from that, the installation will commence automatically, but it is worthy to note that it tends to be a bit sluggish.

Interface

Whilst not overly complex, the interface of the Cyberduck for Mac does look attractive and user friendly. In fact, the innovative 3D-like design of the buttons associated with the connection functions in the lower section of the main window brings a welcome sparkle to an otherwise common look. Furthermore, the upper part of the main window will enable users to access a new connection to the type of server they aim to use, get information regarding a certain one, refresh the pages, upload files and manage the transfers that have been executed or that are in progress. To disconnect from a current web server, all a user needs to do is press the large disconnect button located in the lower left corner of the upper subsection of the window. As you can easily see, the ways to access all the features of the Cyberduck for Mac file transfer utility are generally intuitive and comprehensive.      

Pros

Even though it is open source software, the Cyberduck for Mac comes in a wide variety of languages, currently 32 and growing. Consequentially, it is an excellent tool for users that do not speak English. Furthermore, Cyberduck for Mac supports many file transfer protocols, from FTP to SFTP, from WebDAV to the Amazon S3. In order to simplify your browsing and file transfer experience, the application also includes a secure keychain feature, which enables users to store the passwords employed for their commonly used applications and servers.

In addition, Cyberduck for Mac enables users to sync files on their own system with other files or directories located on clouds or FTP servers. It is also important to note that before any changes are actually applied to the files, the users will be able to preview them.

The bookmarks that are visible in the lower section of the main window also act as a direct path to the servers or clouds. For instance, you will be able to drag and drop the files you wish to transfer to a certain bookmarked location and they will be sent there automatically. It is also important to add that with Cyberduck for Mac you will be able to grant third parties the exact level of permission you wish to the files that you have uploaded, in order to ensure that critical data does not fall into the wrong hands. If you also consider that this open-source file transfer utility enables you to monitor all the transfer tasks that occur in the background, you will definitely realize it is a worthwhile application.

Cons

The incorporated features in Cyberduck for Mac are more suitable for medium to advanced level users, rather than novices. It is an open-source utility for which users are not required to pay, but whenever you are closing it, a window, which prompts you for a donation, will pop up.

Alternatives

Other viable substitutes for Cyberduck for Mac include Transmit, ForkLift, FireFTP or FlashFXP (Windows).

Conclusion

In essence, Cyberduck for Mac provides a complete array of features for file transfers over several protocols for MAC users, as well as management over the uploaded or downloaded files, integration with file editors and much more.