How do i transfer files between two macs over the net (FTP)

Question

Hi,
Couldn't find a thread like this, apologies if its been discussed already recently, I'm trying to enable two iMacs both Intel, both running 10.4.10 to be able to swap files (quite large 350MB) over the net just using Tiger.
We both have .Mac accounts but the files only upload properly to our iDisk 1 out of 3 times and its getting annoying, I basically want my mate to be able to drag a file off my HD onto his via the net using no other programs just Tiger, is this possible?
If not, what's the best free program to use.
Thanks

Answer 1

You'll have to get an FTP client as the Finder only reads, not writes to an FTP server. I can't suggest a free one. You will also need to open your computers up to the world. If you don't know how to do that, search for Port Forwarding and your particular router. You'll have to open up port 21 for FTP.
Plain old FTP is not very secure, so you shouldn't leave it open all the time. SFTP is Secure FTP, and you can use Fugu to use it. You'll still need to set up Port forwarding, but you can pick whatever port number you want. Fugu lets you pick the port number. You should set up standard users on each machine and make a sftpTransfer folder in the /Users/Shared/ folder. This will allow each of you to access the files. sftp allows anyone to see the directory structure, but still maintains the permissions from OS X. So, as standard users, you can look into each other's Home folder, but you won't be able to get into the subfolders or transfer files to or from any unshared locations.
By the way, I wrote an entire post describing how to use sftp from the command line before I decided to look for a client app for you. Then I found Fugu and changed it all.
Edit:
I forgot to mention you must turn on Remote Login in the sharing pane, and you'll have to use port 22 as this is the only one Mac OS allows remote connections on.
Message was edited by: Barney-15E