Network Solution for Windows – Windows system, Linux system, Ubuntu server configuration tip

If you are a web designer, such as myself, you know the importance of having access to a web server through FTP. I just recently set up an FTP server on my Ubuntu Linux server using ProFTPD and I was surprised at how easy it was to setup and configure.This guide shows the few simple steps you can do to install ProFTPD on your Linux server.

Downloading / Installing, As with most software installations in Linux there are two ways you can install this package.

Simply issue the following command:

sudo apt-get install proftpd gadmin-proftpd

When prompted to install the packages simply press Y to install the packages and their dependencies.

Synaptic: To install through Synaptic Package Manager simply open the package manager (System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager)

and Search for proftpd >> Right click the packages proftpd and gadmin-proftpd (GUI Package) and select Mark for Installation.

At the top of your screen press Apply to install the packages and dependencies.

Configuration: Server Setup

Now its time to setup your sever so you can connect. In my example I will be setting up a user account for a web user as most of you will.

Open up the gadmin-proftpd GUI (Applications >System Tools > GADMIN-PROFTPD)

As seen in the picture above fill out the following fields:

• Server Address: 10.0.0.100 (The address of your FTP Server)
• Server Name: Local FTP Server (This is used to describe the server)
• Admin Email: admin@example.com (This is an administrative contact email address)

Configuration User Setup: Next you will need to add users to your ftp to connect.

As seen in the picture above fill in the following fields.

NOTE: All of the following fields must be filled in before you press Add

• Username: User (the user name you will use to login)
• Password: Password (Used to authenticate user)
• Group: administrator (Group of user)

NOTE: Don’t Press Add yet!

Click Add Directory at the bottom, this will open the “Explorer” window to browse for your directory. In my case I selected the /var/www for access to the web directory.

NOTE: Once you select the directory make sure you select every check box.

At this point you may click Add assuming all was filled out correct the new user will appear in the list.

Now start the server! At the top bar click Apply, this will apply any loose settings. Then click Deactivate and then Activate.

Connecting, Now that your server is setup you should try to connect to it.

Open your favorite FTP Client, I personally love FileZilla.

Enter the Host, User name and Password then click connect on your FTP Client and see if it works

Troubleshooting

If you run into problems first try restarting the ProFTPD server

sudo /etc/proftpd restart

If you have other problems please leave a comment below, I actively monitor my site and I will respond as soon as possible.