Quick and Easy File Transfer with netrw
Fast Transport
© Lead Image © Tomas Anderson, 123RF.com
Even without elaborate infrastructure, you can still push your data across the network with netrw.
If you're looking for a quick and easy tool for transferring files, netrw [1] offers an elegant solution. According to the project website, the purpose of netrw is to "simplify and speed up file transfers to hosts without an FTP server." Netrw is also useful for scenarios where the user transferring the file does not have an account on the target machine.
The netrw project consists of two programs, netread and netwrite. As the names imply, netwrite writes the file from the sending machine and netread reads it on the target. The advantage of this ad hoc solution, compared with solutions in which the daemon listens constantly, is the brief existence of the open channel. This design reduces the likelihood of an attacker accidentally stumbling across the open port.
Netrw gives you the ability to transfer any kind of electronic data. Of course, it's always better to use netrw on a protected network, and you are advised not to use it in an insecure setting. If you do, however, you'll want to protect your privacy by encrypting the payload.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
EU Open Source Strategy Plays Key Role in Tech Sovereignty Package
Comprehensive measures adopted by the European Commission aim to reduce dependency on non-EU countries.
-
Linux Foundation Report Indicates AI Driving Tech Hiring
Within growing security and skills gaps, AI has been found to be a positive driving force behind tech hiring trends in Europe.
-
United Nations Open Source Portal Goes Live
A new open source portal seeks to coordinate and scale open source efforts across the United Nations system.
-
KDE Linux Drops AUR
KDE Linux developers have dropped the Arch User Repository from the build pipeline due to security concerns; other distributions should consider doing the same.
-
California May Exempt Linux from Its Age-Verification Law
After backlash from the Linux community, California may be backing off on its promise to force all operating systems to verify age, but one platform may still have to comply.
-
Another Logic Bug Found in Linux Kernel
Qualys has discovered a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can be used to elevate standard user privileges.
-
Ubuntu Core 26 Offers Game-Changing Enterprise Features
Ubuntu Core 26 could be a game-changer for organizations looking for increased security and reliability.
-
AI Flooding the Linux Kernel Security Mailing List
AI is giving Linus Torvalds a headache, but not in the way you might think.
-
Top Priorities for Open Source Pros Seeking a New Job
Professional fulfillment tops the list, according to LPI report.
-
Container-Based Fedora Hummingbird Designed for Agent-First Builders
Fedora Hummingbird brings the same approach to the host OS as it does to containers to level up security.