Activating the Mac OS X FTP Server: tnftpd

The Mac OS X distribution includes an FTP server called tnftpd, which is a port of the NetBSD FTP server. Because Apple is concerned about the security of your machine, this service is not turned on by default. Currently, you can FTP only from your Mac OS X machine to other FTP servers. After you've turned on the FTP service, you can FTP directly to your Mac OS X machine. Unfortunately, this service also makes your machine more vulnerable to outside attacks. Throughout the chapter, we provide suggestions for some simple precautions that you can take to protect your machine. Of course, the best protection is to not turn on the FTP server.

To activate the FTP server, check the FTP Access box under the Services tab of the Sharing pane. The FTP service starts via launchd.