Ftp to mac from another network

Question

Hi
I own an iMac running 10.4.8. I have enabled ftp access in the System Preferences.
Is it possible to access my Mac via ftp from another network?
What would I use for the Host Name instead of ftp://computername.home? Surely this would only work for computers on the same network...
Thanks for any help, this is really bugging me.

Answer 1

alright Im back. First a Small note. You may consider what other users offer as alternatives, depending on what it is that your trying to do. You also need to know that Any time to activate tools like FTP, your computer opens Ports to the Internet, which act like a Bug lamp to hackers scripts. Your computer is certain to be subject to attacks. Be sure to TURN off Web-Sharing or FTP when you dont need them. Or configure your Firewall for constant use.
This is going to be Long... You may want to Print it.
That said, lets get started.
we will go from the point where in I will assume you currently have Normal Internet access. I will also assume that your internet is like mine, where the IP address rotates at intervals.
First thing you need: Static Address
since your ISP rotates your IP address, others will only be able to see you at that address until the Next rotation. This is a Dynamic address. What you want is Static IP. However your ISP, probably wants lots of $$$ up front to turn of the rotation for you... So then to get around this, for now anyway. You will need to sign up with a provider of Static addresses. It to is a scam, but it works so one need not ask to many questions. I personally use no-ip.com but there are many other providers, mostly free, no strings attached. A couple sites have been already suggested above take your pick.
Once you have settled on a provider you like, and hopefully has a decent User side Application! Register with them, and Follow their instructions. Choose something simple as your Unique web name appendage (like making a Profile nickname for a login). The address they give you, in full, is your computers base address. You can try it in your browser but it will probably time out.
You will now need to install the Software which should have also downloaded by now, and enter your registration info. The application now identifies your current IP address, and contacts the Home Server which is a massive Name Server. Now when some one on the outside enters that address, it goes to your IP providers Name Server. The name server knows your current IP from the program you installed. The visitor is passed along to your machine, without knowing the difference.
Now then, you need something to send out to the web! Built in to OSX are both a simple FTP utility, as well as Apache Server. You can Turn them on and Off from the Sharing Control panel.
As a Test you can now Turn on, Web-Sharing. Now enter your new address into your browser. You should get a Apache server page. This is the default installation on your computer. If you see this everything is working.
If you dont see the Apache page try again in about 5 mins. The server may not have updated the IP yet.
If it still fails, check the providers Application you installed. Check your settings. Mine are set to "Remote IP retrieved from Server."
If it still fails you may have a setup issue in the Router. But thats a topic for another reply.
Assuming that your Apache page came up. You can turn off Web-Sharing in Sharing. Your test is over. Your live! But wait, this isn't over.
Each user has their own append that the file system automatically handles. Its your user name preceded by a "~" or "/~username" Understand? You will need to add this appendage to your web address in order for others to see your "Personal" FTP or HTML. Otherwise they all end up at your default folders, the Apache folder. The servers config defined Root.
Your address should look something like this:
http://trevsComp.no-ip.info/ (base)
http://trevsComp.no-ip.info/~trevtherev (user directory)
for FTP, you will need to replace the HTTP, with FTP
if you dont, it wont work.
ftp://trevsComp.no-ip.info/~trevtherev (user FTP)
To test your FTP connection enable the FTP in the Sharing Control. Then enter the Full address including your user name into your browser. If your in Safari, OSX will take over and a Drive Icon will pop up on your desktop! Its a Read/Download only, but perfect you simple downloads.
For more complicated downloads you may want a Real FTP application to actually login and have Read/Write access. But like others said, your passwords are sent unencrypted as TEXT and any one can intercept them.
If you dont Disable your FTP between uses.
Your going to need Protection.
there is a File on your Drive called "ftpusers" I insist that you add your user name on this list. This Locks your name out of the FTP. This way No one can ever login with that user name. Why? Your the admin! its a huge risk!
Save the File and touch nothing Else in the Directory, that is unless your using Terminal to change the File. This is an Expert tip meaning if you found the Directory, dont tinker unless you know what your doing.
Now create a New user! Make sure that this user is Dumb. Meaning they have no access to any settings or other OS functions. You can put your Files in this users FTP folder, and enjoy far more safety. However, you will probably need to set up the Application you installed in your account, to be on this new one as well. So the new user may need Admin abilities only until your set up. Turn them off before enabling FTP.
You dont have to be logged in to the Dummy account for others to access it from FTP. It will still work. Be sure they have the Correct address. Remember the users name dictates where a Visitor will end up!
ftp://trevsComp.no-ip.info/~dummy
Quicksilver G4   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   733mhz, 768 SDRAM, ATA133, 380GB, 2X Net, WiFi-G, DSL, etc.