CNET Editors' note: You will be taken to a third-party site to complete your download. Using P2P and file-sharing software to distribute copyrighted material without authorization is illegal in the United States and many other countries. CBS Interactive does not encourage or condone the illegal duplication or distribution of copyrighted content.
CNET Editors' review
There's so much we like about Rejetto's HFS, which stands for HTTP File Server. It's a free, open source, Web-based file-sharing utility that also functions as a Web server. You can use to upload and download files, access remote files via the Internet, host your Web page, and more. It includes HTTP templates, logs, bandwidth management, a dynamic DNS updater, and support for accounts.
HFS downloads as a small executable file that is ready to go as soon as you open it, without requiring a formal installation process, which also makes HFS completely portable, yet another thing we like in utilities. The efficient, simple, highly customizable dialog interface packs many settings and options on a single Menu button, a layout that keeps things clean and uncluttered yet quickly accessible. There's also a full set of controls accessible by right-clicking the program's system tray icon. Main controls feature prominent icons, including the welcome Self Test button. The Help menu links to a Wiki with full documentation. We really love the optional Expert/Easy modes. Easy mode helps newcomers, and Expert mode reserves tricky options for experienced users. Expert mode also displays network activity and enables access to advanced features, such as editing HTTP templates.
HFS is freeware that is listed as working in all 32-bit versions of Windows up to XP but not in newer 64-bit Windows editions. However, we tested it in Vista and 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate, and it worked fine. It's small, efficient, versatile, free, and recommended.
Publisher's Description
From Rejetto:
What is it? It's an easy file sharing, it's a webserver,it's free. You can use HFS to send and receive files. It differs from classic file sharing because it uses web technology, thus it's compatible with today's Internet, ready to run out-of-the-box. Features: Download and upload, Virtual file system, Very customizable, HTML template, Bandwidth control, Easy/Expert mode, Log, Full control over connections, Accounts.
What's new in this version: Version 2.2f fixes the bugs several progress indicators were stuck to zero, save log had extension .tt instead of .txt, big security problem only for Win95/98/ME (not others): directory crossing.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 11 votes
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Current version:
3.4 starsout of 5 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-5 of 5
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"Can't Really Say Much"
Version: HFS - HTTP File Server 2.2f
Pros
It's free. It is a stand alone executable so you don't need to uninstall. You can delete straight to your recycle bin!
Cons
Didn't get far enough to really tell you about cons except that I really didn't get that far into it.
Summary
I started it and ran a self test. It failed and said I was behind a router and make sure port 700... blah, blah, blah. I'm not a computer illiterate person. I use to work at our local college as a Computer Tech. I just don't feel the need to learn more about the computer than I already do just to use a piece of software. If a simple p2p program can connect without any special configuration, why can't this? I have used other similar products without any issues. I'm so glad there was no need to uninstall. I just sent it to the recycle bin. Good riddance.
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"Powerful yet easy to use, great program!"
Version: HFS - HTTP File Server 2.2f
Pros
Tiny single executable that needs no installation!
Easy to use just run the program, drag and drop the files , send the users the ip address and you're done!
Easy to create user accounts and password protect files/folders
You can even host a website on it! ALthough this is not the main purpose for HFS
Support for IP bans (stop users from downloading files) and download speed control, and supports logging of activities
Supports uploads too.
And more!Cons
None that really caused problems with its usage. Although as one user pointed out no newer versions have been launched since. :(
Summary
Great program that allows users to share files almost effortlessly, whether in the same network (LAN)or via the Internet.
I forgot to mention something very important. HFS is designed to work out of the box, if you only intend to send (and receive) files within the same network or LAN.
Updated on Nov 21, 2013
If you want to use this for sending (and receiving) files between you and the Internet, you have to enable port forwarding at the router/modem.
This is not a weakness of HFS, port forwarding is the way you tell the router/modem that any outside connection that wants to connect to HFS, must connect to this computer (the computer where HFS is running on). Without port forwarding, any outside computer that requests to connect to HFS will be denied at the router/modem side as the router/modem has no idea where HFS is.
Gamers may already know about port forwarding as they often need it so that other people on the Internet can connect to the games they host. Just Google about port forwarding. Also remember that to access HFS from the Internet you must use the external IP address of the router/modem. -
"Nice File Sharing App"
Version: HFS - HTTP File Server 2.2f
Pros
HSF is a simple application. You will be sharing files in no time. Its http connection is trusted by more firewalls which make it more available. I find it pretty useful. I can transfer files in seconds to any remote computer if I know its URI.
Cons
Because it mainly serves files it does not include robust search features.
Summary
If you care less about searching for files and more about a good drag-and-drop file server, this is a great program. Something like limewire would be better for managing numerous files.
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"Latest Stable Version Sucks Betas Rock"
Version: HFS - HTTP File Server 2.2f
Pros
Noi install nedeed easy to setup many templates to chose from
Cons
All versions & Templates have many bugs the creators are super slow & making updates to the program & templates
Summary
Beta versions rock 2 of the templates rock but need many more updates. Updates to everything are made only once a yr that sucks hardcore template updates should be made ever 3 to 4 months at most. The more complex templates only work with beta 250 or higher. They have been working on this porgram for 4 yrs now & there are still way to many bugs said. It will be atleast 2 more yrs before you can use this program full time as a main file server. If you want to setup a small size file server for family & friends it is ready but not ready for a lot of traffic & heavy bandwith useage.
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"Great File server for someone behind a firewall."
Version: HFS - HTTP File Server 2.2f
Pros
Works as long as you can browse web sites. Secure usernames. Simple interphase. Custamizeable site.
Cons
Have not found any yet.
Summary
When I first downloaded this program, I wasn't expecting much. I have been trying FTP servers like crazy just to find out that most firewalls now block FTP traffic. I downloaded the single small file thinking it is too easy. Once downloaded I clicked on the file and the program opened up. I found all settings in the menu and easy to change. You can program usernames and passwords so only the people you want to download and upload can.There are no advertisements or spyware surprisingly for a free program. All you have to do is select the folder you want to be seen and you can the files from anywhere. Just log into your HTTP:// address and select the files you want. You can also select multiple files from your computer to upload. I use it for editing my website from remote. Works great. I can't believe you don't have to pay for it.
Results 1-5 of 5
