Direct FTP please
November 3, 2009 1:52 PM Subscribe
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.
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.
Oh my.... Cyberduck. What a typo.
posted by nitsuj at 1:57 PM on November 3, 2009 [5 favorites]
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
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
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
Best answer: 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
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
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
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
posted by kickingtheground at 4:07 PM on November 3, 2009
Best answer: 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
posted by larsks at 7:14 PM on November 3, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
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]