For the past few months, I have been looking at options to give me an in-browser method of editing/uploading files on my server because I am having to cut costs and get rid of my ISP (namely, HughesNet). Where I live it, we are in an extremely rural area and haven’t been able to get highspeed access to the internet without using one of the satellite service providers. Due to the limitations on the service, I have been really been bound to what I could or couldn’t do online.
Two months ago, AT&T Wireless upgraded our cellphone towers to 3G. Having an iPhone and having downloaded HandyLight in the few hours it was available through the iTunes store, I have been looking for a method of being able to FTP in files and folders to my server through the data connection established with my iPhone (I do have the unlimited data plan on my iPhone and needed a method to utilize this in the fullest capabilities.)
I have tried and tried to find a way to make it work and was just about to throw in the towel when I came across a site that had the exact solution to my problem. FileManager was the answer to my problems. Installing it on my server and integrating it into my homepage was rather simple. All I have to do now is visit my homepage with the data connection from my iPhone and the index page initializes my FTP session in the browser. And using a zip and unzip php script, it takes a lot less time to upload a new folder to the server because I can upload the zip file the decompress on the server.
I can now say goodbye to HughesNet and their high priced/low quality service and hello to a much more efficient and cost effective method of conducting my business online.
For those of you who have HandyLight and have been looking for a way to FTP in and out of a server with it, try this out. I have the homepage protected using .htaccess/.htpasswd to keep others out.
This would also work great if you need to edit or upload files from a public computer or other device. It is a perfect method for you to work on your websites from work, too! ;D
