Setting up FTP between 2 Macs & 1 PC via Cyberduck

[quadra605]

I want to set up an easy way for a mac & PC on different networks to access files on a Mac Pro. I thought I could use Cyberduck, but the Mac Pro running Mojave doesn't seem to have any way (that I can find) to set up SFTP. Do I need to install something like Mac OS Server software?

I'm not an expert in networking--not by a LONG shot--but is there some step-by-step guide to setting this up somehwere? Couldn't find anything on the Cyberduck site.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Hey -

You said they are on different networks, right? So your challenge will be getting machines to see each other.

Typical challenges:

Open ports on routers to allow a stateful connection.
Assigning static IP addresses or having a way (like DDNS) to find machines easily without a static IP.

Those are the big hurdles for typical remote (WAN) file sharing. Usually harder/more complicated than the last step of setting up file sharing.

You have options, and FTP is one of them, although as far as I am aware, you need a server, and then an FTP client (like Cyberduck). If you can solve the first issue (remote access through the router/firewall/NAT) you could also do direct SMB sharing too.

File syncing services are much easier, more flexible, and all-around better for most users. Depending on how much data and how sensitive, file syncing may be a much better way to go.

 

[hobowankenobi]

I should have added...there are file sync services that will offer some free space (hoping you will buy more). DropBox is the big name, but there are dozen of others, including Apple iCloud, MS OneDrive, Google Drive, and on and on. One that I use and really like is Mega.nz. Free to try, and up to 5O GB free.

If one has large amount of data to move or access, a NAS with an easy, always-on connection is much easier to setup. Synology, for example, offers a slick feature called QuickConnect that is very easy....no routing, IP configuration or any network changes needed. More $ up front to get a NAS, but then you have a full-fledged server that offers several ways to easily share or sync files.

 

[quadra605]

I should have added...there are file sync services that will offer some free space (hoping you will buy more). DropBox is the big name, but there are dozen of others, including Apple iCloud, MS OneDrive, Google Drive, and on and on. One that I use and really like is Mega.nz. Free to try, and up to 5O GB free.

If one has large amount of data to move or access, a NAS with an easy, always-on connection is much easier to setup. Synology, for example, offers a slick feature called QuickConnect that is very easy....no routing, IP configuration or any network changes needed. More $ up front to get a NAS, but then you have a full-fledged server that offers several ways to easily share or sync files.

Thanks, some of the file syncing services seem to be a better option at this point -- appreciate your input!

 

[hobowankenobi]

Thanks, some of the file syncing services seem to be a better option at this point -- appreciate your input!

Sure. Many good file sync services...don't' be afraid to try a few. Mac, Windows, web interface, mobile, and secure links you send to share files with anybody. Tons of options and features with most.

Keep in mind most sync from your computer(s) to their cloud server...then down to other devices as needed.

• Pro: Always on the server, always available (with an internet connection), and always a backup. Some have file versioning too.
• Con: Because your data is always on the server, you pay for space. So...sync gets pricey if you have tons to share/sync, or you never want to clean house.

 

[sevoneone]

I want to set up an easy way for a mac & PC on different networks to access files on a Mac Pro. I thought I could use Cyberduck, but the Mac Pro running Mojave doesn't seem to have any way (that I can find) to set up SFTP. Do I need to install something like Mac OS Server software?

SFTP is enabled when you enable SSH on your Mac. This is done by turning on Remote Login in the Sharing pane of System Preferences. Once enabled, you can connect via the SFTP client of your choice.

I would not expose SSH to the internet though. You should look into a VPN or something like ZeroTier One to put the computers on a virtual lan where it would be simple to connect to each.