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
US / Canada
UK / Australia
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
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.
-
AerynOS Alpha Release Available
With a choice of several desktop environments, AerynOS 2025.08 is almost ready to be your next operating system.
-
AUR Repository Still Under DDoS Attack
Arch User Repository continues to be under a DDoS attack that has been going on for more than two weeks.