setting up an ftp server

[ScratchFBST]

I think I'm asking the right question. I have the occassion more and more often to exchange large media files with a few associates of mine and would like to know how to set up a separate computer to store and exchange large files between us. I have a network with 5 systems on site using a router to a cable connection. My patners have similar setups at their own places of business. What is needed to get this done?

I can work my way around LAN's but setting up an ftp server is new ground.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Scratch

[ServerMechanic]

Check this out :

I prefer Linux. It's free and it kicks butt :)

Here is someting from a Linux Site on Linux FTP stuff...

http://www.justlinux.com/nhf/Software/ProFTPD_on_Red_Hat.html

The other choice you have is Windows. I would simply go out and buy WS_FTP Pro WS_FTP Server and set it up. You can find info at http://www.ipswitch.com/Products/file-transfer.html

Depends if you want free, or cost. Also depends if you want Windows or Linux?

[WhiteShadow6]

You will have to find out if there is a way to make your router redirect the FTP requests to the appropriate PC, because I'm guessing your associates will be connecting to your FTP server via the internet, and the only IP address outside internet users can see is your router. (FTP servers connect to IP addresses)


Assuming your not prepared to use Linux (which is my 1st recommendation)

If the system you are setting up is an older machine I recommend Windows NT4 Workstation and any one of the free/shareware FTP servers avalible for download at http://www.tucows.com/ , try some out and see which one you like. (unless of course you have the money to buy one of the more well known and "better" FTP servers)

If the system you are setting up is newer (450MHz+, 192MB+) I recommend Windows 2000 Server with SP3 running the Microsoft FTP Server that is bundled with it, but if you dont have access to Win2000 Server I'd recommend Win2000 Professional with one of the free/shareware FTP Servers at http://www.tucows.com/

These are just recommendations, any Windows operating systems you have access to combined with one of the free/shareware FTP Servers will no doubt be able to do what you want.

But dont forget to see if your router is capable.

WS6

[deltree_windows]

the ftp server itself is pretty basic.

the server listens to a set port, 21 by default. a router must forward the ftp port to the machine running the server.

a basic web browser on a remote machine acts as an ftp client, or special software with more functionality. a user types up the web address of the server to log in

they can log in with individual user accounts and passwords, or can enable anonymous access if you choose.

you can set home directories and read/write permissions to allow/deny certain file access priviliges to certain people


thats really all there is to know about it. linux is better for users to handle their own files in their own accounts because it assigns separate home directories for each user. windows is a little easier for users who want to share all the same files because the PC file structure is more familiar. both are fairly easy to set up and configure

[ScratchFBST]

Thanks guys for your help. WhiteShadow, you nailed my situation to a tee. I will be using a P3 450 running Win 2000 Professional. My associates will be accessing the server via the internet. My router is a Linksys BEFSR81. I'll have to check into it's ftp redirecting requests ability.

If you think of anything else I should know, send it along.

Thanks again.

[WhiteShadow6]

According to this http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=155 your Linksys BEFSR81 can do "dynamic and static port routing" and "filtering and forwarding", sounds like what you need.

WS6

[grover]

Many broadband providers block port 21 and port 80 to discourage people from running their own ftp/http servers. Unfortunately, it's hard to diagnose because the guy on the other end just keeps timing out... So you may have to use another port, like 2121. If you're using a non-standard port, you'd have to enter the address as ftp://ip.ip.ip.ip:2121/ into your web browser.