We never realised how useful an ftp server could be until we had one each, back when ISPs issued users with a block of IP addresses so that every computer on line had its own unique address. That was in the days of System 8 and 9 when Mac’s Users and Groups permissions settings were a lot easier to control and seemingly more robust against foreign intrusion. A simple piece of software was all it took to get ftp up and running. It was easy to understand and gave us each the flexibility to offer a space for files to be sent that were too large to email. Or to make work available for clients and service bureaux to download. We had two ftp servers running, one each, and used them extensively.

As more people got broadband a single IP address became the norm for ISPs to give out and often not a static one. Instead, routers do fancy DCHP switching and can handle up to 50 devices rather than 50 IP addresses being used up. With Mac OS X, although ftp is built in, the GUI controls are non-existant, security is pretty much a joke and running an ftp server on two Macs when there is only one static IP is all but impossible.

Looking at the ftp servers on offer for Mac’s shows a great lack compared with Windows. This Wiki page lists the various options. In the list, one stands out as having by far the most features, CrushFTP written by Ben Spink. Running in Java it is available for all major operating systems.

Full-featured complexity
To a certain extent, CrushFTP’s major weakness from a point-and-click user’s perspective, is its list of options. The user interface has more tabs, buttons, fields and windows than just about any other application. When it was suggested that a simpler and easier to use version would be friendlier to use, Ben replied that he would rather give a full-featured program than a cut-down one. As it is, CrushfFTP works with default settings straight out the box. We got it running almost immediately even though our port forwarding and firewall settings were not correct.

On the Crush website are small training videos and PDFs that go through the settings step-by-step and are very easy to follow. This includes how to configure routers as well as the more advanced features of CrushFTP. In fact, it is only by watching these that some of the incredible range of CrushFTP’s abilities come to light. We are still at a very early stage yet have full-featured FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS and WebDAV servers running and we understand how to control them. For clients unused to ftp, the web interface for managing up and downloads rivals Apple’s for clarity.

Low Cost
Once registered for a very small fee, depending on number of concurrent users and including an unlimited version for £75 ($150), a daemon can be installed on Mac OS X, Linux and Unix, and as a service in Windows. It supports multihoming, hot configuration changes, and has a GUI based user and group manager. The plugin architecture in CrushFTP allows for plugins to read users from SQL, LDAP, Active Directory, folders, and NetInfo.

During the writing of this blog I found at least another four features I didn’t know existed and have now activated. Such as the web statistics plug-in and Widget, to keep an eye on the servers without having to fire up the GUI front end. This is because the various servers start at log-in time and run invisibly and with virtually no system load. When files are being up or downloaded it all happens so quietly that only the blinking lights on the router show activity is taking place. Crush does have email-based notifications but I haven’t read that short PDF yet to learn how to set it up. Nor the one about automatic zipping and unzipping files.

Fast with low overheads
Outside users accessing our servers have told us how easy they are to understand. The HTTP WebDAV service does seem to suffer the usual vagaries of the protocol, with connections slowing or even timing-out but using FTP and files fly in and out at top speed even when the host Mac is doing heavy-weight tasks at the same time. Transfers are, in any case, resumable. CrushFTP shares the broadband connection in a friendly fashion, routers can often set different levels of quality of service to give applications more priority but we haven’t needed to do this.

In addition to the excellent documentation and videos, CrushFTP has an active forum and Ben himself provides an email support line that is the fastest we have ever used. Ben seems to work all hours, with a ready and helpful response to even the most stupid questions. We had a few initially, only to be shown the answer was there in front of us. On the Crush website, a range of automated diagnostic tools can help sort out any connection problems.

Our servers have been running for a couple of weeks without a hitch, we are getting to understand the complexities of CrushFTP and are pleased we chose to use it. Ben’s support is second to none and he is continually improving the application, adding more security, anti-hacking and enhanced abilities as well as keeping up with developments affecting CrushFTP.