Transfer large files directly between computers on the Net #

There are a number of free, third-party solutions for transferring files directly from computer A to computer B across the Internet:

Gigatribe - "allows you to share all your documents, movies, pictures, directly from your hard drive with your friends over the Internet"
Hamachi - "a hosted VPN service that securely connects devices and networks"
Opera Unite - "share content directly with friends, without having to upload anything to a Web site"

However, these services have several issues:

You and your fellow sharers must trust the service provider
You and your fellow sharers must download and install the appropriate client software
You and your fellow sharers must sign up for accounts with the service provider

Here is a quick and easy alternative for Mac users which involves no signups or third parties:

On server: System Preferences > Sharing > check "Remote Login"
On server router: Forward port 22 to server
On client: Use a SFTP client (either the included CLI sftp or a GUI-based app like Transmit, CyberDuck, YummyFTP, etc) to connect to the external IP address of the server - instant file sharing!

Opening ports and enabling services can expose your network to additional risk. See also: Hardening SSH and Mounting Remote Filesystem in OS X Finder via SSHFS.

/mac | Apr 28, 2010