you have some very simple solutions.
first, only one of you needs to run server software, the other can either just log on using IE or you can use a client ftp software.
The client software is something like cuteftp, bullettproof ftp client, etc. PM me if you need some direction.
second, and the most important. You did not say, but I am guessing that you have a dynamic IP (a static IP never changes) and that your isp peroidically changes your IP #.
IF you have a static IP, no problem, just connect to that, otherwise you need something to detect the ip changes and keep things up to date so that you do not have to keep changing your IP #
1.
www.tzo.com has some software you can try for 30 days which you d/l and run on your puter. Basically you give yourself an easy to remember addy, register it with tzo and whenever anyone types in that ftp addy they are connected to your ftp.
for example.. you want to use the addy "mygreatserver" then you register that at the website and they append something to your addy which will allow their server to redirect.
you end up with something like
ftp://mygreatserver.tzo.com
whenever your friend types that in they are directed to your ftp.
But wait......what???.....You are do damn cheap and don't want to pay anybody anything????...you want it FREE????
Ok,
Still got you covered. Same deal, slightly different setup.
FREE: Go to
www.no-ip.com and sign up with them. You can pay if you want to , but if you use their minimum service--its free.
still get your desired addy, you get to choose from among several options as to the second part of the addy (no-ip.com, .net, .org, servehttp.com, serveftp.com, etc)
d/l small pgm to your puter to check the ip every 10 min or so and report back to their server.
but i digress.
both of you get a client then connecting and transferring between yourselfs is easy.
Email me and I will show you.
just be warned, I am on a ADSL line with 1200 down/ 128 up and it takes about 5 hrs to transfer 300 mB. so the big files take a while, limited by the upload limit.