If you answered "Because I can!", that's OK, but there are real-world reasons:  The first would be in a scenario where you'd like to transfer and update files between your Pocket PC and a system that doesn't run Windows.  ActiveSync, after all, runs in Windows.  Pocket Mac and Missing Sync fill that gap when it comes to Macintosh systems, but if you're running some variation of Linux, Unix, FreeTOS, or even Fred, you'll have access to FTP, but not ActiveSync.  The second scenario is when you're running Windows, but you're on a system where the policy prevents you from installing ActiveSync.  All the current browser have FTP built-in so you can transfer and update files without installing anything on the desktop.  A similar scenario is when you're partnered with a desktop at work but you'd like to transfer some files to a different workstation without having install ActiveSync on the second system.  It's a pretty useful addition to your bag-of-tricks if you're a consultant servicing a number of locations as long as you can get access to the network in each location.  The final scenario is to use it as a teaching aid.  If you've got folks you're trying to train to use the FTP server the "big iron," it's helpful to give them something they can try out first.  ShareIt FTP defaults to using /My Documents/ as the root directory, but you can set it to another, safe location where it won't matter if anything gets messed up in the learning process.

WHAT'S HOT

SETUP  

  

   Tapping either icon brings up the Main Status Screen.

    The main screen shows statistics for any users who are logged on as well as stats on the server itself.  We'll come back to this later after we've covered the configuration.

    The Tools Menu (shown above) has a single option, Settings..., which contains all the configuration controls.

    The System settings tab sets which folder on the Pocket PC is considered the "root" directory for FTP log ins.  It defaults to \My Documents\, which works well for file sharing purposes.  If you're using ShareIt FTP for instructional purposes, you may want to change it to a "safe" folder that can be thoroughly bollixed by novice users.  The System settings tab also allows you to set the maximum number of users (up to 64) which can be logged on simultaneously.  With four users, you can still use your Pocket PC for other things without noticeable performance lags.  As the number of users increases, more time is taken for FTP clients and system performance will slow.
    ShareIt FTP defaults to using port 21, the standard FTP port.  If so some reason, your network doesn't allow that port to be used, or, for security reasons, you'd rather not use it, you can change it to any other port number.
    ShareIt FTP also allows you to set timeout conditions.  From the above screen, if an FTP client session is quiet for 5 minutes, it will automatically be logged off.  When users log on, they will be allowed 3 attempts to choose the proper username and password.  Before the fourth try, the session will automatically close.

    The User Settings tab allows you to set up individual users as well as an anonymous user and set permissions for each user.  The anonymous user logs on without entering a username and password.  Depending upon your application, you may not want to allow any anonymous log on or you may want to limit what such a user can do.  The permissions in the anonymous segment are abbreviated and correspond to the individual settings shown below:

    For each user, including the anonymous one, you can set separate permission to write (create files and directories), overwrite (append or update an existing file), delete (files or directories), and rename.  You may want to allow a novice user only Write permission.

    The Network Settings tab allows you to work around your networks firewall, set performance parameters, and enable deflate compression protocol.  The Fix IP Address option allows your FTP server to be accessible through an external network.  Most firewalls allow you to route FTP commands to a specific IP address within their network.
    The "deflate" mode, also called "Mode Z compression," allows you to increase bandwidth by compressing files before they are transferred.  This is particularly useful for low-bandwidth (dial-up) or pay-by-the-megabyte networks.
    The Compress level setting balances between low CPU use and higher data compression (low bandwidth use).  The Memory level setting balances between low memory requirements and higher speed.  The Window level setting balances between a small amount of memory for storing a "history buffer" and better performance while moving about the file system.

    The IP Access settings tab allows you to set which network IP addresses (which workstations) can access the ShareIt FTP server.  It allows two configuration setups:  With the Accept button toggled, the server will allow any workstation to attempt to log in except those whose IP addresses are listed below.  This is a good setting if you only want to deny a few (or no) workstations access.  With the Deny button toggled, the server will prevent any workstation from attempting to log in except those whose IP addresses are listed below.  This is a good setting if you have only a few workstations that you'd like to allow access to the server.  Although this set up gives you passable control over IP filtering, it's actually not as robust as many routers which combinations of accept and deny lists.  As the manual states, "The IP Access feature is ideal for academic and small (or home) business, but other organizations should invest in a firewall package to exercise a finer degree of control over their servers."

    The Miscellaneous settings tab allows you to set the email address that will appear when a user requests the administrator using the STAT command.  It also allows you to specify a text file whose contents will be displayed when a user first logs into the FTP server.  Normally the file will contain a welcom and any specific instructions you have for the user.

PROGRAM FEATURES

The Server Menu:

    The Server Menu (shown above) allows basic control over the server.  When you start ShareIt FTP, the server automatically starts as well.  You can stop the server using the "Stop" command.  You actually have to stop the server in order to use the Settings... menu.  The "Start" command restarts the server again.  The "Hide Window" command does exactly the same thing as the (X) on the top bar.  It minimized the ShareIt FTP window while continuing to run the server.  The server will continue to run in background.  The "Exit" command shuts down the server and the ShareIt FTP program as well.

    Once the server is started, you can log in through remote FTP programs.  The following is an example of how to do this using Windows XP:

    If you don't mind entering the FTP server's location and user information each time, you could go directly to the Internet Explorer and enter the command "ftp://[your ppc's host name or IP address]" to log on.  If you're going to be using the log in more than once, you can set up a short cut through your "Network Places" (shown above).  Select "Add a network place" to begin.

Now select the option to "Choose another network location" and press [Next>]

Enter the command "ftp://[your ppc's host name or IP address]" like shown above.

The default will be to log on anonymously.  If you don't want to use anonymous log in, uncheck that option and insert your username.  You'll be prompted for the password when you actually log in.

Now enter a nice name for this network place short cut.

If you want to go directly to the FTP server, make sure the "Open this network place..." option is checked and press [Finish].

As promised, you'll be prompted for your password.  You can elect to save the password for future log ins.  You can also elect to log on anonymously this time.

When you log on, your "root" folder will appear as the "pub[lic]" diretory as shown above.

Double tapping on the "pub" folder will open to the contents,
 which, if you've chosen the defaults, will show your "My Documents" folder in your PPC's main memory.

You'll get an error message (like that shown above)
 if you attempt to do anything which violates the permissions you've been given.

From now on, you can go directly to the ShareIt FTP server by using the short cut.

FTP Commands:

    If your software allows you to enter FTP commands directly, you can use the following commands:

    If you're using Windows, many of these commands are sent internally by doing the standard Graphic User Interface operations you're used to using.  For instance, if I selected the Themes folder above and pressed the delete key, the FTP server would receive a RMD or XRMD command.

HELP SUPPORT

    The built-in help menu has only one option:  It allows you to see the "About" screen (shown above).  However, when you install ShareIt FTP, it also copies a complete manual, in Adobe Acrobat .PDF format, to your desktop.  The manual is very complete and well organized.  If you need further help, you can request technical assistance from support@nsctech.com via e-mail.  The nsctech web site has further information including documentation on the standards that ShareIt FTP supports.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

BUGS AND WISHES

PROS

• Fully-functional FTP server
• Small footprint
• Highly configurable
• Offers decent security set up
• Allows file sharing without installing software on remote systems
• Works over any TCP/IP network connection
• Can be configured to overcome bandwidth limitations

CONS

• Definitely priced for "enterprise" use at $69.95
• IP address filtering configuration is minimal

OVERALL IMPRESSION