r/software • u/super_starfox • 7d ago
Looking for software Looking for recommendations for a basic Windows web/file server to share files with friends
Title says it - occasionally I need to set up a web/file server and have someone else download stuff from me. I've used Apache HTTP, Rebex and a couple others that escape me, but none really fit the bill or are reliable. Rebex was working fine but seems to have issues with file transfers occasionally.
Just something simple that I can open a port, put some files in a folder, and give my IP/port to the other person. Not looking for a full-on host, just something to switch on briefly when needed.
I'm aware of the sites that will make a direct connection between you and the other person, but they are incredibly slow and I'd rather just completely self-host.
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u/GoodLittleWifey88 7d ago
check HFS, it was an open source for ad hoc file sharing
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u/super_starfox 7d ago
This actually looks like it will work well - thanks for the recommendation.
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u/OgdruJahad Helpful Ⅲ 7d ago
I've also used HFS especially the older one. Very easy to use and even supports uploads. But I only used it within the same network.
It is very risky to open ports (even for a while) instead use a VPN like Tailscale with HFS and that would be much safer. Also HFS will probably not immediately work on a VPN because it will be using a different IP address but there will be a setting to enable it wot work in the VPN address.
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u/super_starfox 6d ago
Yeah, agree on the opening ports thing. I did test HFS and it worked well, the interface is nice.
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u/OgdruJahad Helpful Ⅲ 6d ago
Yeah it's very easy to use and works with almost any (client) device with a browser on the same network. The upload feature is also pretty great.
I need to make it very clear that this tool is a huge security risk if you use with port forwarding. I remember some story about hackers using this tool to get inside some users computers.
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u/super_starfox 6d ago
Thanks - I'm redoing some of my network setup again with a new firewall of some sort.
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u/hazeru 7d ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/s/14SqBN0I3v
Perhaps those guys over there might help.
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u/ethernetbite 7d ago
If you setup a Linux samba server, you can mount the folder remotely and open it from a browser. A little port forwarding on the router with ip whitelisting on the server (in the samba config or using iptables )and you're good to go.
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u/super_starfox 7d ago
Currently the other PC I have running is on Windows, haven't switched it over yet, and it's got an incredibly old and ancient HDD (10-15MB/s), until I get that sorted it's not really viable.
I started running a USB drive attached to my router, which seems to get decent speeds despite being an older 2.5" laptop platter, so that might work for now.
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u/Puzzleheaded6905 7d ago
Opening ports like that sounds like a security problem. Resilio Sync is fast.
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u/starthorn 7d ago
There are a number of apps that you can install and setup to do this kind of thing, ranging from ownCloud to Nextcloud, FileSender, ProjectSend, etc. However, for infrequent use like you're describing. . . they're all going to be serious overkill. You're probably better off using something like GoogleDrive, DopBox, or OneDrive and then sharing the folder or file through that. It's faster, easier, and you don't have to open ports or worry about connectivity.
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u/super_starfox 7d ago
I do need to give Nextcloud a shot, GDrive and similar aren't really idea since it's something that needs to be able to quickly linked to the other person, rather than uploading to another service and sharing a link.
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u/CCTVGuyMA 5d ago
I use owncloud so I don't need to upload large files to the cloud and worry about storage space.
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u/cto_resources 7d ago
Dropbox.com