If you telecommute or build high-end Web sites, you need LapLink 2000. This granddaddy of FTP utilities already sported the best and biggest collection of file-moving options, such as automatic zip and transfer. The latest version now even connects multiple PCs right over the Internet--no direct dial-up or network needed. It's expensive, however. At $169.95, LapLink costs almost as much as an office suite. So, if you transfer files only occasionally, consider a cheaper option, such as CuteFTP.
LapLink 2000 is a cinch to install because it requires no initial configuration. But as soon as you need to connect to a server or another PC, LapLink gets a lot trickier. The difficult connection setup requires that you carefully read each option you encounter in the dialog boxes, from security to your Internet connection setting, so that you don't end up with a dead connection. You'll probably stumble through the process the first couple of times, but fortunately, LapLink offers pop-up help for creating your connection the first time you use it. (You can disable the help screens later, when you no longer need them.)

One of LapLink's finest new features is the option to exchange files over the Internet, in addition to making cable, wireless, direct dial-up, and network connections. Now, you can exchange files with any other online PC. Just publish your LapLink address to a LapLink public server (your email address works fine) so that other computer users can reach you. That's it! Any PC user who has a Net connection and knows your address can access your files. (For security purposes, no one can browse or search LapLink's public server's directory to find your address.)
Fast file transfer has always been LapLink's trademark and its best feature, and this version's no different. LapLink uses a proprietary compression scheme to squeeze files before sending them so that they fly over the wires more quickly. For example, LapLink compacted and transmitted 1.3MB of files in just 39 seconds over a slothful 28.8-kbps connection. And LapLink also lets you create a username and password for anyone whom you want to access your PC, as well as specify access rights for that person to folders on your drive. That way no one can transfer your files without your authorization. Plus, LapLink automatically encrypts all Internet data transmissions so that no one can read your files during transfers.

Telecommuters can also use LapLink's nifty new LinkToNet to twin a dial-in PC to a networked office computer. This way, you can access files, print, or run network email as though you were on the premises. And if you change files or folders while on the road, LapLink offers a slick synchronization feature that keeps folders on the two machines up-to-date.

But LapLink's star feature is fast, secure file transferring. Once you figure out the connection process, LapLink is screamingly fast. And its new Internet transfer tool makes LapLink an excellent choice for telecommuters or those with heavy file transfer needs. It's pricey but worth every dime for users who transfer a ton of files.






Recommended: Yes