How To Use A Self Addressed FTP iDropper.

There are many ways to send and receive files. Email. Browser. CD. DVD. How about getting photos and pages to a web site?

There’s no easy way to upload files to a web site unless you know how. iDropper is the electronic self-addressed, stamped envelope for the Mac that eliminates the ”need to know how.”

A few weeks ago, Mac360 received feedback from a reader who wanted to know if there was a way to automate file uploads to a web server, specifically for students and teachers.

The problem, of course, is that most web sites require you to use an FTP (file transfer protocol needed up upload files) application, which requires a login ID and password, an FTP address, and all that adds extra layers of security and support problems.

What was needed was a simple, automated way to upload files. For example, ”here, put your file in this application and click.” That’s the way to do it.

We looked around for a few weeks and came up with iDropper, a nifty Mac utility that bills itself as The Electronic Self-addressed Stamped Envelope™. As if we could afford to pay for this solution to a problem.

The problem? Most people don’t know how to use an FTP utility, and you don’t want to hand out loginIDs, passwords, and FTP addresses all over the place. Too much trouble, right?

iDropper eliminates all that. You, or a Mac system administrator, or web designer, uses iDropper to create a droplet. The droplet is a self-contained mini-appliction which contains all the FTP login and password and upload information.

Then, via email, simply send the “droplet” to the person who needs to upload a file, folder, or files to a web site or file server. All they have to do is drag and drop their files or folders onto the droplet, and it takes care of the login, password, and uploading process.

That’s a simplified description of what happens behind the scenes, but that’s all your user needs to worry about. The web designer or system administrator can set up the droplet to perform all kinds of functions via scripting capability built in to iDropper.

The end result is a Mac user who is happy because all that was needed was a simple drag and drop and the file or folders were uploaded to the right place.

That reduces security issues, reduces support issues, and increases productivity for everyone. Droplets can be configured to send an email after the delivery so everyone knows the file was uploaded appropriately.

There are many ways to upload files to a server or a web site. FTP, the internet file transfer protocol, is the most common and used by system administrators and web designers.

iDropper uses FTP, or the more secure SFTP, to upload files without sharing sensitive login information.

We always enjoy it when a Mac developer is proud of the software they develop for Mac users. Sometimes that pride is reflected in the price. Check out the price tag on iDropper. Make sure that little children are not around to hear your response when you see the price.

Are you required to upload files or folders to a company server or to a web site? How do you move the files? Do you use a special FTP application on your Mac? Do you use a browser to upload files (a login ID and password is usually required)? Share your experience in the Comments section below.

Check out the daily list of our 9 Word mini-Reviews at NoodleMac, and Kate's daily in-depth Mac software reviews at PixoBebo.