Direct FTP please

November 3, 2009 1:52 PM

How do I setup a FTP-like service without having a website?

I'm of limited internet knowledge, but without using things like Rapidshare, I'd like to have an FTP-like function where I can open a program, have someone else also be logged on, and we can directly send large files to each other, without having to own and operate a website with a connected FTP server.

I guess it's technically like the AIM file transfer, but without using AIM, and more stable/secure.

I'm on a Macbook Pro, OSX 10.5.8. I have Cyberduck, if perhaps there is a hidden function there like what I'm asking about.

posted by Jason Land to computers & internet (9 comments total)

You can run an FTP server from your local machine. Here is a list of FTP server software from Wikipedia.

The other person would use a client (Cyberfuck) to connect directly to your IP/port when the daemon is running.

You may have to open up the proper ports if you're connecting through a router.
posted by nitsuj at 1:57 PM on November 3, 2009 [2 favorites]

Oh my.... Cyberduck. What a typo.
posted by nitsuj at 1:57 PM on November 3, 2009 [5 favorites]

Yeah, as nitsuj said, you can just run an FTP server on your local machine. I can say from experience that running a home FTP server is a huge pain, especially if the people who are connecting don't know how to use and setup an FTP client or if there are firewall issues.

I personally use Pando for these sorts of things now, which works on both Macs and Windows machines.
posted by burnmp3s at 2:02 PM on November 3, 2009

You don't need Cyberduck or any new software, really. OS X is a Unix, so it has a built in FTP server just waiting for you to turn on:

    System Prefs > Sharing > File Sharing > Options > Use FTP.

How to run your own FTP server with a dynamic domain name, for extra friendliness, but you can do it without. You'll have to open some ports on your router, of course.
posted by rokusan at 2:05 PM on November 3, 2009

App:
Papaya

Online (only connects two users, files not stored on 3rd party server but must leave browser open):
PipeByes
File AI
FilesOverMiles
posted by sharkfu at 2:11 PM on November 3, 2009

If the files are relatively small, you can use Dropbox's public folder to share files.
posted by chrisamiller at 2:22 PM on November 3, 2009

where I can open a program, have someone else also be logged on, and we can directly send large files to each other, without having to own and operate a website with a connected FTP server

Sounds like a job for WASTE.
posted by flabdablet at 3:01 PM on November 3, 2009

You might also try Opera Unite - that might be somewhat friendlier.
posted by kickingtheground at 4:07 PM on November 3, 2009

Or you can use something like Drop.io, which I think will let you do what you want without needing to fiddle about with ftp software on your own system.
posted by larsks at 7:14 PM on November 3, 2009