From: reidc@dcs.glasgow.ac.uk (Chris Reid)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.comm
Subject: EasyTransfer is here
Date: 5 Sep 92 16:23:14 GMT
Organization: Glasgow University Computing Science Dept.


EasyTransfer has been posted to comp.binaries.mac
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             cr@cs.strath.ac.uk

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What is EasyTransfer?

EasyTransfer and EasyTransfer-Server form a tool that allows users 
to exchange files (Macintosh or otherwise) between Macintosh 
computers. There is no need to compress and/or BinHex or manipulate 
the files in any other way first.  The transfer is done in real 
time, so it gets the files across when you want it  and not with 
days of mail queue delay. EasyTransfer allows you to send or 
receive files to/from any Mac anywhere in the world, provided both 
Macs are equipped with MacTCP.  It is designed for groups of people 
who work together on some project and wish to exchange/update files 
frequently. Compressing/BinHexing/Cutting-into-bits takes up a lot 
of time which EasyTransfer eliminates. EasyTransfer is extremely 
simple. It has no particularly fancy  user interface and apart from 
sending or receiving files thereUs not a lot to it. This is quite 
deliberate. It is meant to provide a *simple* and *quick* way of  
transferring files without the need for an elaborate setup and many 
configuration files. There is no need for special servers (eg. POP 
hosts) or UNIX services. Absolutely no knowledge of networks etc. 
is required. Users should be able to get it up and running in at 
most ten minutes. Users who seek compatibility with Unix, or Mac e-
mail, should have a look at, for example, Eudora. Also, it is not 
meant to substitute ftp, even though it can be used this way (if 
you are looking for a Mac-style ftp client, try Fetch!).


EasyTransfer-Server is the server side. It runs in the background 
(unless it is activated) and deals with incoming/outgoing files.  
It uses little memory and very little CPU time when sleeping. 
Clients who wish to transfer/deposit  files must have an account 
(with optional password).  There is the possibility of an 
TanonymousU login, which or may not be enabled. The TownerU of the 
server may add/delete registered users at will. 

EasyTransfer is the client. It is only run when you want to 
transfer some files. You may transfer files to more than one 
machine at a time (up to 30). The server is not required just to 
drop/read files on some other machine (provided the other machine 
has the server running, of course!).


System Requirements

EasyTransfer and EasyTransfer-Server require system software 6 or 
higher and MacTCP. I have not tested it on MacPlus or older, but 
would like to hear whether it runs/doesnUt run on older machines.

Limitations

EasyTransfer is not meant to be a substitute for e-mail etc. It certainly makes 
no attempt to create a sophisticated Mac based mail system. It is merely  
providing a quick and easy means of sharing files.