Best way to share large files over the internet with a windows user (FTP or to allow to browse a shared folder and get files)

[dictoresno]

I have an external hard drive in a docking bay where I store media files and want to share it specifically with one friend so he can browse the files and chose to download them if he pleases. I remember back in college it was easy, on the same network, to browse local computers on the same network and view openly shared media folders and download content at will. however, this will be over the internet and not over my local network. I want him, running windows 10, to be able to remotely access only this folder to browse the listed files and download the files if he choses, not only read them. Trying to avoid having to have him come over with a large external and take the time to copy/paste files in person. and I have already sent one file using the sendanywhere website, but I want him to be able to just browse instead of me uploading and sending links.

what is the best way? FTP? I looked into FileZilla, but they only offer a Mac client, not server. any help would be appreciated. running the newest Big Sur update on a 2015 iMac.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Others may disagree with me but I think it's just a bad idea to open up a "hole" like that into your device or local network…and the more secure you make it the harder it's going to be to set up.

I'd continue with one of the sending services and just send him a list of what you have so he can peruse that. I have a free Mediafire account set up under one of my junk email addresses for this sort of thing…10GB of space.

 

[Dave Braine]

Dropbox. You upload a file, send a link to it by email to your friend. He can access it and download the file. You're going to upload a file to somewhere, but if you want to avoid sending a link, just give him the login for the account and just tell him there's a file waiting.

Login - Dropbox

Login to Dropbox. Bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and keep your files safe.

www.dropbox.com

 

[Apple_Robert]

Dropbox or FTP.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Others may disagree with me but I think it's just a bad idea to open up a "hole" like that into your device or local network…and the more secure you make it the harder it's going to be to set up.

I'd continue with one of the sending services and just send him a list of what you have so he can peruse that. I have a free Mediafire account set up under one of my junk email addresses for this sort of thing…10GB of space.

I agree. Definitely a bad idea giving someone access. Too much can go wrong under that scenario.

 

[dictoresno]

I agree. Definitely a bad idea giving someone access. Too much can go wrong under that scenario.

It’s my best friend. I’m not worried about granting access to a single folder on my external.

And I’m not going to use Dropbox. I do not want to have to reupload every file to a new folder. I want to have him to be able to ftp into the folder in order to browse and grab the files as needed and download them.

 

[dictoresno]

Dropbox or FTP.

How can I properly set up an ftp server on the folder. That’s the issue I can’t seem to figure out.

 

[BrianBaughn]

It’s my best friend. I’m not worried about granting access to a single folder on my external.

It's not the friend you're supposed to worry about. It's the worldwide hackers scouring the internet 24/7 looking for amateur networking mistakes to exploit.

You have the right to do what you want, though!