How do you to create an FTP server for clients?

[helicoptersoup]

Hi,

I've just been given the impossible task of setting up an FTP server for our small business...lucky me. I was hoping someone here may be able to help me. We have a brand new Mac Mini Server and Comcast Business connection for our internet. We also use a linksys router which I would like to hook the server up to, but if I have to go directly to the modem that is also an option. I've installed PureFTPd Manager, but have had little success in getting it to work. It says the FTP is running, but everytime I try to connect on a different computer, it fails. I realize this is a huge task that probably can't be answered in one post. But some wise mac user could tell me if PureFTPd Manager is the right way to go and if an FTP Sever will work on a Comcast connection, then at least I'll know I'm moving in the right direction. Thank you!

 

[blacka4]

I'm not sure on how to do it with server but with the client you go to system prefs, then sharing, File Sharing. Make sure you create user folders that you would allow the users to FTP to. You also have to make sure you create actual users in the user account screen so they all have access to the computer.

Connect the mini server to the linksys router. Log into the router. Go to applications and gaming. In the pull down select FTP and input the IP address of the server and check the box to activate the service make sure at the bottom of that page you click save changes.

If you have ichat I would be willing to screen share and assist you in setting up this service. I am not familiar with OSX server so it what I told you might be completely wrong

 

[dazey]

Are you running osx server? If so I strongly recommend that you look at ditching the ftp idea and changing to webdav. I used to use ftp for delivering photographs to clients, but as ftp is not really designed to work with NAT there are always clients who have problems. Webdav is basically HTTPS so it works just fine. The other problem is that ftp is not secure and sends passwords in the clear.

I run two companies webdav accounts on my machine, each with a different address. Each of the users is given an password and account on the server that allows them access. You can allow people read only access or full read/write access. I have a set of folders that the webdav server looks at. Each client has their own folder and only they have access to this folder. If you want to see how webdav looks from a client perspective, below is my userguide that I issue to my clients:

http://www.dazedproductions.co.uk/Server_Access.pdf

You can set the server to allow access through internet browsers and it will automatically do the folder listings, but clearly for downloading files mounting as a drive is better.

All you need to do on the router side is forward the https port to the server. You need to forward a lot of ports if you are running ftp and want both passive and active modes to work (which you should allow if you don't want to be constantly debugging client problems)

 

[dazey]

Just read it is OSX server!
Hopefully I have managed to attach some pics that show my setup.
The folder set PBDAV is for one company. Clients of this company are part of a group and they can all browse and read the main pbdav folder. The other company has another set of folders and another user group. All new users must be part of the correct group to get access to the folder set.

This permission is setup using the realms in the web part of OSX server admin. The subfolders of pbdav are set for individual clients or jobs. Each folder has a corresponding realm that restricts access of that client/job folder to one, or a number of clients.

Hope that makes some sense