HTTP File Server (HFS): Share Files Over LAN and Internet with a Mini Web Server

Do you want to transfer files on an internal network? For some strange reason, are your devices "not seeing" shared folders? Don't you have the privileges to change settings? Or would you rather have everything done via the browser? Whatever your situation, you should take a look at HFS, also known as HTTP File Server. With just a couple of clicks you can run a mini web server that allows you to download and transfer files not only on a LAN but also over the Internet.

HTTP File Server: Share Files Easily with a Mini Web Server — HFS

Why HFS?

Sometimes the simplest solutions turn out to be the best, and that extends to software. "The latest" isn't necessarily "the best," and what seems like a good decision for the developer ends up hurting the user. It's impossible to count how many programs have advanced in versions only to lose support and introduce new problems. With that in mind, it's always worth reviewing some classic applications. Take HFS, HTTP File Server. Its development dates back to 2002, and despite the gaps between stable builds, the project remains active, fixing bugs and giving rise to new forks, thanks to its open-source code.

Its introduction says it all: HFS is a tool for sharing files. With the necessary precautions, HFS can do this over the Web, but most of its guides focus on LAN networks. To be honest, sharing files should be much easier. We all know Windows' madness with folders or permissions, and on the other side, Samba remains a nightmare (I call upon the patience of Linux riders at this point).

HFS not only makes transferring files easy on Windows, but also on Linux, with a bit of Wine in between. Being a web server, HFS assumes it can work on port 80, but you can use any port as long as it's open on the router (the process is the same as required by many BitTorrent clients). Once that's done, you just specify the folders and/or files to share, and access from the other terminal using the IP address from your preferred browser.

Security and documentation

That should be enough for use on internal networks. Now, if the plan is to transmit files using HFS to remote systems, the process is more complicated, mainly because of the security aspect. HFS does not support HTTPS, and implementing it requires the intervention of Stunnel, plus several manual adjustments. Fortunately, HFS has a wiki, and a good portion of its documentation is available in Spanish.