Setting up a Proftp server

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Proftp  is an opensource ftp server that is used to download files remotely using a ftp client such as filezilla or ftp from command line either with windows or linux. Proftp can be used from the command line or GUI. This tutorial will cover some of both but mainly using the GUI front-end. So lets get started with the installation and set-up of Proftp!

Installation

1. sudo apt-get install proftpd gproftpd. This will install all the necessary config files for proftp along with the GUI (gui being gproftpd)

2. Once install check to see if the server is running by using pgrep proftpd. If you do not see a PID than start it by typing /etc/init.d/proftpd start or status to see if again,  the process is running.

Configuring Server

1. Once installed proftp will be under a new category of programs called system tools. Go to system tool -> GA-ADMIN PROFTP

2. There are several tabs that gui provides in editing your FTP settings: they are server, users, transfers, discs, files, secuirty, and configuration

Server- name your server to your liking. Use your private IP address in the address field. Issuing an ifconfig at the cmd line will bring you your private IP.By default the server is set to an idle time of 120 seconds so adjust time if you wish to.

Users- this is where you will create all users that are allowed to your ftp site. You can create user accounts with annoymous access by unchecking the required password box. The users section is where you will disignate directories/drives for remote users to access as well.

Transfers- Will show you files that where transfered between remote pc and server

Discs- Displays directories that are avaliable to share along with how much space is currently avaliable in those directories

Files-  shows stastics about what was download by the user

Security- Gives a log file view of who was last logged  on the ftp server

Configuration- If for whatever reason that your settings that you edited do not adjust you can change them here. Its easier to read by editing it here than terminal its a little cleaner and easier to see where and what you are editing

Home Router settings

Next, we are going to have to open up some ports on your router. Most newer routers they use port forwarding and with the older ones like my d-link router we create a new virtual server

1. In your web browser go to the you gateway address which would be somthing like 192.168.0.1 or verify it by using ifconfig

2. The port that you want to open is port 21 or if you feel you will be vulnerable to attacks use 2121 or something along those lines

3. For the IP address of your sever it will be your private IP address

4. Save settings

Connecting to ftp server

1. Using a client such as filezilla which is free of charge or if you are an  intermediate-advance user use the command line. This is how we are going to connect to the ftp server

2. Find out Your public IP address using IPchicken.com. Once there it will display your public IP

3. You will use the public IP address to access you site along with a username, password, and port number. If everything is setup correctly you will be able to upload and download files. If you cannot go back and check that your settings are correct along with you private and public ip adresses

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3 Responses

  1. Bruce McIntyre says:

    The only ever time I have had servers compromised is when using ProFTPD.

    Better to use VSFTP methinks.

    Thanks

  2. puppe says:

    Proftp is not supported by Canonical, use vsftpd instead.

  3. Moi says:

    I love this HOWTO. I like how you tell me what info to fill in, in various lines. It actually makes sense now – server setup that is.

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