File Chute: Send Your Files Down The Rabbit Hole

Here at MacApper, we enjoy talking about apps that are incredibly simple to use. FileChute is one such app, which does what it needs to. No more, no less. This application allows you to quickly upload files to either .Mac, or a server through FTP/WebDAV.

Setup is a fairly simple process, especially if you are a .Mac subscriber. You simply select .Mac as the Account type, and then ‘tick’ the box which says ‘Use system’s .Mac info’. This only works provided you’ve assigned a .Mac account with your computer, although it’s safe to assume you have.

If you’re going down the FTP or WebDAV path, the process is a little harder, but still very intuitive. Just enter the FTP/WebDAV details, as you would with any other client, and choose where you want it published. You can also setup a proxy for use with WebDAV, through the tab at the top of the dialogue. If you’re using either EarthLink or FolioNet, you’ll also find presets available.

After this simple setup, you’re set to go. All that’s left is to drop a file on the ‘chute’, whereby the application will ask if you’d like to directly upload the file, or wrap it in an archive (either ZIP, DMG or TAR). You can even password protect the file, if it’s wrapped in an archive.

I personally recommend you keep it in your dock, as you can then drag and drop files onto the icon, quickly sending them off to your iDisk or server. There are further settings which come in handy, such as automatic removal from the remote location after a set time, default archive passwords as well as the default file wrapping method (ask me, never wrap, or always wrap).

Another nice feature is URL shortening, which is nice if you happen to bury the FileChute folder deep within your server. File chute is an excellent app, which does exactly what it needs to. If it were to become any more complicated, or over-bloated with lots of new features, it would loose its appeal to me.

FileChute is available from yellowmug.com, for $14.95, with free upgrades available (a nice deal sweetener). A free trial is also available.