Print PDF
Favorite
Email
This instructable documents the steps I took in order to install and setup properly VSFTPD (an FTP Server) on an Ubuntu Linux distribution, using command line only. That's right, no GUI! Before I begin, I would like to say that it is my first one, so I would welcome any comments and criticism.
The first question one will have to answer before venturing forth is this: "Do I really need an FTP server?" In theory, FTP is useful in the following two cases:
a. You have content you wish to share with the outside world
b. You need to provide with people a way to send you large files.
My case was a bit different though...The whole thing started when I came across a VIA EPIA ML motherboard and decided to use it as a low consumption download station that would stay on 24/7. The fact that it's CPU is only 667MHz and it's overall performance is not that high, made Linux (console only), practically the only choice. Now, since I had at my disposal a machine that would be always on, I figured I could also use it as a means to transfer files from anywhere to my home.
I know that there other ways to do that and one could argue that they are easier/better. In fact, I normally use Dropbox for my file transferring needs and to tell you the truth I am quite happy with it. The problem is, that Dropbox has a limit of 2,5GB for the free users and other file hosting services have even less than that. With your own private FTP server, the only limit is the size of your disk and the time it will take for the transfer to finish.
If you really insist, I will admit that for most people (myself included) it has no real value other than learning a couple of things and bragging to your friends about your mad computer skills, but still, some others might find it useful. So read on!
The first question one will have to answer before venturing forth is this: "Do I really need an FTP server?" In theory, FTP is useful in the following two cases:
a. You have content you wish to share with the outside world
b. You need to provide with people a way to send you large files.
My case was a bit different though...The whole thing started when I came across a VIA EPIA ML motherboard and decided to use it as a low consumption download station that would stay on 24/7. The fact that it's CPU is only 667MHz and it's overall performance is not that high, made Linux (console only), practically the only choice. Now, since I had at my disposal a machine that would be always on, I figured I could also use it as a means to transfer files from anywhere to my home.
I know that there other ways to do that and one could argue that they are easier/better. In fact, I normally use Dropbox for my file transferring needs and to tell you the truth I am quite happy with it. The problem is, that Dropbox has a limit of 2,5GB for the free users and other file hosting services have even less than that. With your own private FTP server, the only limit is the size of your disk and the time it will take for the transfer to finish.
If you really insist, I will admit that for most people (myself included) it has no real value other than learning a couple of things and bragging to your friends about your mad computer skills, but still, some others might find it useful. So read on!
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1Background Info
Why VSFTPD?
VSFTPD stands for Very Secure FTP Daemon, so I guess this one is pretty obvious, right? Honestly, I am in no position to verify whether it is indeed the most secure FTP server out there, but what I can tell you is that it is lightweight, it has very descent features and most importantly works problem free. Please note, that there is a good chance you already have it, depending on your distribution and the kind of installation you performed. In such case, you obviously do not need to re-install it.
Why Ubuntu?
Technically, it's not Ubuntu I have installed on my machine, but PepperMint. PepperMint is a light version of Mint Linux, which is in turn based on Ubuntu. The only reason I chose Ubuntu, is because that's what I've used in the past and I am more familiar with. If you are using a different flavor of Linux, you shouldn't have any problem following this instructable. I will try to highlight all the parts you need to change something.
Prerequisites
If you've read this far, I presume that you use your computer for more than Farm ville.You obviously need to have a Linux machine available. If you are looking for a Windows based solution I would recommend FileZilla, which is easy to set up and maintain. Other than that, the only thing you are going to need is internet access on the machine you are going to use. You could chose to setup the FTP server for internal use only, but in that case you will have to manually download and install the required packages.
Disclaimer
The best practice in setting up an FTP server (security wise) is allowing only anonymous access, downloads only. Not even the system administrator should be able to upload something on the server. The content should be put in the FTP directory using other methods. In theory, what I am about to show you here, compromises your system's security, since I will be creating a user that has upload privileges. Although I have taken extra precautions to make it as secure as possible, if you are paranoid about security, please do not follow these instructions.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
![HLDS Counter Strike 1.6 [Linux]](http://img.instructables.com/files/deriv/F2D/Z30W/GFA43CBB/F2DZ30WGFA43CBB.SQUARE.jpg)
Here a few more tips on how to install and change the default port ... Configuring vsFTPd on CentOS with different port