Files/Filesystem Access Options!

[DT]

Howdy Folks!

I'm a big fan of just having direct access to my devices (i.e., no sync, no "management" front end). So this isn't about local access from the device (using MyFiles or Astro), but from a PC in the same location (so not like 3G remote).

So far I've explored these options:

USB
Connect phone, mount from notification menu, and there you go.


Bluetooth
Pair phone, use "send file" from PC BT app (running in system tray). Files drop into a 'bluetooth' directory, ready to move/use.


Android Web OS
Very beta-esque right now, but runs as a service on the phone, then you can access the filesystem (and SMS, eventually other functions). You can copy up to the phone or download (basically via a simple web mechanism). Use across WiFi.

More here:

http://androidforums.com/samsung-captivate/139380-android-web-desktop.html

SwiFTP
Another service on the phone, a basic FTP server accessible across WiFi. Works pretty good so far, I created a 'network location' in Windows, then a shortcut on my desktop into my MP3 directory on /sd. So I just open that folder, copy over MP3s. Doesn't matter where the phone is currently sitting or connected.


For the services type options, I'm going to check out something like Locale or Tasker, when I can trigger the service to fire up based on a rule (a specific WiFi network trigger would be outstanding).

 

[liewbob]

Have you checked out PandaApp's PC Suite. It's a pretty cool PC console for Android phones - if you can get past the fact that even after you select English as your language - a lot of stuff still comes up in Chinese (including the EULA - so I might have signed away my first-born, for all I know)
LOL

 

[saintdanbert]

Since Linux and Android are both *-nix variants, why isn't there implementations of (1) SAMBA, or (2) NFS, or (3) NFS -- or similar? (SAMBA the likely preferences because it would work for win-doze boxes as well as Linux workstations.) These would work over usb-wire and wifi net and any other way that two boxes connect with TCP/IP.

Wishin and Hopin,
~~~ 0;-Dan

 

[sremick]

There are plenty of Samba clients. Search the marketplace for "smb". They're also mentioned in the Captivate FAQ:

Connectivity - CapFAQ

 

[saintdanbert]

There are plenty of Samba clients. ...

(quizical look) Does the FAQ include howto for setting linux-side samba to mount and share and whatever when the phone connects?

(hopeful grin) Can to phone see the linux-side shares too?

Cheers,
~~~ 0;-Dan

 

[sremick]

(quizical look) Does the FAQ include howto for setting linux-side samba to mount and share and whatever when the phone connects?

Nope, as it's not a "Frequently Asked Question", but if you write up instructions I suppose they could be added.

 

[saintdanbert]

... but if you write up instructions ...

HOWTO -- Using SAMBA shares with Android phones
Release = v0.1

1. install SAMBA to a linux box
2. find (grin) a win-dose box -- win-XP or newer (excluding "home" etc)
3. config SAMBA to interact with the win-dose box
   ... now you know that the linux SAMBA is fat and happy
4. install whichever smb app fills your sails onto your Android phone
5. set the SAMBA config on your phone
6. (LOL) tinker until happy

(Still laughing)
... the devil lies in the details.

Cheers,
~~~ 0;-Dan

 

[motomart]

...but if you write up instructions . ...

Read this post and links to instructions
http://androidforums.com/incredible-support-troubleshooting/73738-share-files-pc.html#post2122739

 

[pyrobob4]

Admittedly, most of this thread has gone over my head (not being versed in linux) But wouldn't the wifi file explorer app cover this subject? I live by that thing these days.

Granted, the OP is what, 5 months old? It's probably unimportant by now.

 

[motomart]

Admittedly, most of this thread has gone over my head (not being versed in linux) But wouldn't the wifi file explorer app cover this subject? I live by that thing these days.

Granted, the OP is what, 5 months old? It's probably unimportant by now.

Yes, wifi explorer is OK if you have nothing better than that... It is still running Web Server, which is IP based (your IP can change anytime when your router decide to do so). You have to browse through your phone by Internet explorer, so you have to save the file before you can open it with your default program. I don't know how drag'n'drop works with WiFi Explorer, let's say you have 36 songs that you highlight and drag to your phone. I doubt you can do it through Web server. Or just right-click on the file and have all the options.

What I have tried to do is connect my android phone to my home network to behave the same as any other networked computer, it is a computer after all.

 

[pyrobob4]

Yes, wifi explorer is OK if you have nothing better than that...

Show me something that is as simple, easy, and effective, and I might concede to your opinion.

Its as simple as the standard USB option, and, IMO, far more convenient. It may not be drag and drop, but its still really easy. And it does have a batch upload option. Granted, that does require a bit of effort (zipping the files)...

Especially handy for the average user; you don't even need to root your phone.

 

[motomart]

Show me something that is as simple, easy, and effective, and I might concede to your opinion.

Pyrobob,
It's not about convincing you or anybody else into anything. I'm glad that you have found the way that works for you. The tread subject is "Files/Filesystem Access Options". I strongly believe that there are many people who are not happy compromising, even if it takes a little more effort to get it the way they like/want/desire. Only I'm offering is the other option, one that in my opinion is neat, trouble free in a long run, very secure and did I mention fast...
I agree, not everyone is sys-admin or programmer but with step-by-step guidance everyone can do it... It's not a rocket science

EDIT 1/14/11
I forgot about what initiated this whole thing....
My wife, as an 'average' user didn't find 'simple, easy and efective' remembering http://192.xxx....:8080 or whatewer thing.
Granted, making desktop shortcut is simple and would solve that but it didn't work when her Droid changed the IP.