How do I turn my computer into an FTP Server?

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Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member Since: May 10, 2002

Really would love to do large file transfers without a monthly fee. Am I dreaming?

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A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Aug 29, 2007 10:11 pm

You could use a Peer to peer client.

Just create a Torrent of the file/files and off you go.

Those programs aren't just meant for Piracy.

You can set it up so only people you know can retrieve the files.

If your ISP offers static/public IP's then you could just use an FTP program.

How large are the files you're talking about?



Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 10:12 pm

It's pretty simple as long as you have broadband.

You:

1. Install a server
a. Install FTP server software on your current PC - sourceforge.net/project/s...?group_id=21558
b. set up a dedicated linux FTP server - bit more complicated but...not windows... :)

2. log into your router and adjust the 'port forwarding' and allow port 21 to the local IP (192.168.x.x) of the FTP server.

------------------------------

you can also get a free dynamic domain name from no-ip.com ...not sure if it will do FTP though... because depending on yur connection your IP address will change...


A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Aug 29, 2007 10:17 pm

zekthedeadcow, What if his assigned IP changes?

Won't this mean he'll have to change the port forwarding every time he logs back on the net?


Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 10:17 pm

OMG...

Bleak, I truly appreciate your response, but to be honest, it might as well be in sanskrit. What is a Torrent? How do I find out if my ISP allows both static/public IP's? I am sure I will not transfer anything over 100M.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 10:26 pm

Ooops, I was late. Bleak and Zek, I appreciate your help.

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Aug 29, 2007 10:28 pm

From Wiki.

A ".torrent" file used by a BitTorrent client or other peer-to-peer programs that use the BitTorrent protocol.

These Peer to Peer networks are very useful for what you are trying to do. i've used them several times to get large AUdio files from Cubase to a mate.

As i said, this has NOTHING to do with Piracy. Pirates just happen to use the same thing.

These programs will allow to shift large files anywhere.

An IP address is basically a string of numbers that identify a machine over a network.

for example

www.homerecordingconnection.com

is otherwise known as

72.35.81.238 (or at least the server it sits on)

We know this because it is a public IP.






Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 10:36 pm

Well, I have broadband. Comcast broadband to be exact. I just tried asking "Helga" or whoever (silicone Sally, the named FAQ data base) and she hasn't a clue if I have a public IP availiable to me or not. And yes Bleak, exactly what I would love to do, right down to using Cubase.

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 10:45 pm

A torrent is a file transfer method that distributes the file... so lets say a file is made available and two people download the file they would start downloading different 'pieces' and then they would connect to each other to share those pieces which results in a faster download... very useful when you're downloading a 4GB Linux install DVD...

I just tested with a no-ip.com free Dynamic DNS... so if you have a Dynamic DNS account there with a 'host type -DNS Host (A)' and then load the auto updater (and allow port 8245 for the update client) then he will have a domain name that automatically updates to his new IP address...

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Aug 29, 2007 10:48 pm

Well even if you could get a public IP you'd most likely have to pay for it.

This is an Article on Azureus, a more popular Torrent client

azureuswiki.com/index.php/Azureus_FAQ

You should understand any risks that might be involved.

So long as you don't go looking for dodgy stuff you will never come across it.

You'll basically be using this to facilitate uploading of you own stuff.

I'll be happy to help you set it up if you like. It's easy enough.




A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Aug 29, 2007 10:50 pm

Just reading Zeks thing. That'll work nicely!

Cool find.

If you go that route make sure whoever's downloading has a download manager of some sort so if you PC is turned off or connection is lost then they can resume later.


Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 10:55 pm

and you have a public IP address...everyone on the internet has one... the trick is known what it is. :)

if your connection is set up like:

cable moden-> router->computer - then your public IP address is actually assigned to the router... which itself assigned your computer a local IP address... as far as someone outside your local network goes your local IP adress is irrelevent... we would need the IP address assigned to the router...and then the router would need to know which computer we're trying to get to based on if we're trying to access as web page or FTP site, etc. that is managed by something known under various terms (port forwarding/virtual servers/IP masquerading)

... basically what happens is I would type in an FTP client track100.redirectme.net and then my username and password... the domain name would go to my no-ip.com DNS server which would tell my computer to look at a certian IP address ...which send me to the router...which say 'ah HA! this request is for me at port 21 so it needs to go to 192.169.2.100 in my local network' ...that takes it to my FTP server...

however if your connection is:
cable modem->computer - then the computer is assigned the IP address and theres no need to monkey about with port forwarding...

however having the router in there helps protect the computer from automated attacks...

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 10:59 pm

Wow! Your amazing! My concept is this:

I would like to be able to give a cohort in recording some kind of address, http, ftp, xx.xx.xx.xx, etc. which would allow that person to find a prepared file for his or her download. It would be fine if it were scheduled even e.g. we connect on a phone line and coordinate the transfer. I am thinking of the days before the internet when you could simply dial into a computer and use a dedicated connection. As far as looking for anything, I can't see it.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 11:02 pm

Ok, This I am understanding. I am Computer => Router => Cable modem. Where do I look for the router's address?

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 11:06 pm

there's a couple ways:

do you know how to log into the routers administration? it depends on the brand... then you can go to the 'status' page.

or if you log into no-ip.com it'll say just under your username after you log in.


A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Aug 29, 2007 11:07 pm

its most likely 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1

Type that in your browesr and see what happens.

Should bring you to a login screen

You'll need the Manuel for your specific Router to work out the port forwarding and so on.

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 11:12 pm

yeah...we probably should clarify... the router will have both a public IP address and a local IP address. :)


Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 11:32 pm

Well on the status page I have the same IP address that I used to access the router's firmware, I have a wan IP, a DNS address, a wan mac address.....

It's a Belcan.

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 11:44 pm

I think it's the WAN IP ... (wide area network) thats the public IP...

but basically get one of the free domain names from no-ip.com and install the update client

install the FTP server software

log into the router and in the:
'firewall->virtual server' section

it should look like:

http://track100.com/Screenshot.png



to basically explain that...my servers local address is 192.168.2.3,,, the web server runs on port 80..the 8245 port is the no-ip update client... and port 21 is used by the FTP server... all other ports are denied by the router.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 11:45 pm

Ok, It's late. Progress has been made! I can talk to my router. Work starts early tomorrow. Hope the offer of assistance still holds. I know I am like the worst to work with when it comes to net protocals.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 11:47 pm

I see that screen. I will log on to no.ip.com now and see what I can pick up.

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Aug 29, 2007 11:50 pm

I'm leaving for the backwoods of Michigan (Brethren) tomorrow morning... I _might_ have access out there... but bleak should be able to handle any questions...

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 30, 2007 12:05 am

WoW, I wishes I was goin with ya. I was raised in Atlanta, MI. Had a forty up there.

I am prowd of me so far however. I have a DNS Host(A) IP address and a host name too! I also downloaded the dynamic host hoosit! All that and I can still use the internet! No smoke risin from my puter either!

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 30, 2007 12:11 am

Ok, logging off now. Enough excitement for tonight.

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Aug 30, 2007 12:12 am

Regrettfully i'll be in the pub tomorrow :)

As your going dump any questions here and i'll sort you out when i get back, though my responses might be a tad more colourful by then :)

And that 'U' in colourful is meant to be there!

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Aug 30, 2007 08:27 am

Hooray, for Northern Michigan! I'm on the other side, and more north, but welcome just the same!

I can help on some Walt, I haven't done the actions mentioned here, but I have set up servers, and services and whatnot.

I may just set up a no-ip.com account too, as I wouldn't mind having a few things 'live' on the internet from my home account.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 30, 2007 08:45 am

All help is well received believe me. I don't even know enough about this to be dangerous without help.

I've become a part of a network of homerecorders just naturaly over time. Some just like to capture their sound and have me help with a mix. Sometimes I just want or need a larger facility to help out with a master. Of course these folks are scattered all over the globe. You know the 'hey Walt could you throw down a quick bass line on this with the upright' kinda stuff too. I just don't want to get into the the monthly 'drain' charge to do these things when I have plenty of machine for the task.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Aug 30, 2007 08:54 am

Personally Walt, I wouldn't recommend doing it at all...unless you are a technical person, I wouldn't recommend opening your PC up to that...

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 30, 2007 09:29 am

There has got to be a point in the software chain where I can 'turn off' the 'connection' when I am not using the machine for transfers. I'm thinkin maybe in the Virtual Servers palet of the router. It has simple check box 'switches' to enable and disable the port connections between LAN and Public ports.

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Aug 30, 2007 05:22 pm

Do you have an older spare computer?

If you can rangle one together then just use that dedicated to this. Configure it so it's a 'stand alone' machine i.e not on you LAN

This way you can experiment all you want and if you get the attention of some unsavoury types then 'big whoop'.

Still load it up with any appropriate protection.

If you have a bit of spare coin then buy a pc (if you don't have a spare). For your stated needs you can get the cheapest uglist box out there.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Aug 30, 2007 08:17 pm

Bleak,

That is probably where I will go. I can pop something together with what I have laying around. For now however, I would like to get the system running on this one. I am intrigued with the challange of making it happen. I now have an DNS Host(A) IP address from no-ip. There are still quite a few blanks to fill in I'm sure.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 01:26 am

Walt, I use the Bit Torrent client Azureus. It will do the compression and such. I use it for sending and receiving of large files. Works a charm.

And as stated, no it is not just for those seeking illegal file downloads.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 01:53 pm

Noise, thanks for chiming in. I am nieve per the different types of communication progs out there as I have been latent in keeping abrest since the end of the modem to modem direct connect bit rate, word config, check bit days. I have no ethical opinions about any communication methodologies. I am sure enoumerous people have been killed with hammers, and I know for a fact the hammer has helped to create many positive resluts as well. I will be more than happy to use any prog that gets the job done. Per my poking around on the net I get only relitively 'phylisophical' overviews of these methodologies. Pictures of little clouds representing the internet and such. Macro usless babble. What I need is the How to version. Per above, I seem to have a number of ingrediants to achieve large file transfers. I'm redicent to just expirement my way through assembling these ingrediants. I need the been there done that assistance in this endevor.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 03:52 pm

Walt, I'll find the link I have to a page that goes in depth on Azurues and how it works. Found it. www.zeropaid.com/news/635...ent+Downloading

This is a pretty good page on how Azureus works and what exactly it can do. This program was written to kind of be an all in one client for use on both sides of the Bit Torrent file system.

Also on the Azureus site itself you will find a good deal of info on its use.

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Sep 02, 2007 05:34 pm

Make sure you get Version 2.5

The newer Version 3 has a stupid new fancy interface that is geared more towards movies or something and uses more resources than it needs to.

If your Router upports UPNP then you won't need to muck around with Port forwarding.




Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 06:39 pm

Ok, I downloaded Azurues and started the installation. I am stalled at the point where it is testing for a NAT / Server port. The test resluts show that my computer is closed to port 54511. Do I need to make some kind of hole in my firewall?

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Sep 02, 2007 06:47 pm

No. First check to see if your router supports UPNP. (Universal Plug and Play).

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 06:50 pm

Yes it does.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 06:53 pm

In my McAffee firewall I have the option of using UPNP Port 5000 which is now unchecked, indicating inactive? Should I activate that?

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 07:09 pm

I tried telling McAffee that I wanted port 5000 open and then tested port 5000 with Azureus and got the same results. Time out and port 500 does not work.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 07:15 pm

Ok, (I feel real dumb. Here I am reporting to cyberspace what I am doing, maybe dB will be kind and delete this thread after I get this mess working :)) I found that I had to turn on the UPNP on my router first. Now I have a port working in Asureus.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 07:19 pm

Ok, the thing congradulated me and is now running. I however have no idea what to do with it. How do I instruct someone to come get a file?

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Sep 02, 2007 07:31 pm

Youn dont! You need to create a torrent. test it out and i'll try and find it.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 07:53 pm

Ok, well I think I made one. It is a file called Jefferson City, Missouri, United States.est

Sorry Bleak, I know I am extreamly slow with this.... tard slow.

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Sep 02, 2007 10:25 pm

Walt, I'm off to NZ for a week so i'll be out of commission.

Try this

paulstamatiou.com/2006/01...t-with-azureus/

Noize said he had some experiance with this too so maybe he can point you in the right direction.

All the best with it buddy

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 11:31 pm

Hey! Happy Travels! When you get back give me a shout. I think I have stumbled on to a solution!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Sep 02, 2007 11:53 pm

Walt, I'm heading for lala land in a couple of minutes. But I will give a shot at finding it on the morrow.

I'll just ask quick here, did you let Azureus create the torrent file? IF so all should be good as long as you leave the file available in Azureus.

Azureus will create a default folder for all torrents and if someone goes searching and your PC is up and Azureus is active it will be located by whom ever searches for it.

Did you install version 2.5 or the full on 3.0? Just curious on that one, as I'm still using 2.5 myself.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 03, 2007 12:00 am

Do me a favor and check your email. I need a bata tester for a sec!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Sep 03, 2007 12:18 am

Got the email. It is coming up errored. Unable to connect to it as it is taking too long. It just plain wont connect. I checked another server as well to make sure it wasn't something on my end.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 03, 2007 12:20 am

Oh well, The connection I am getting must be simply across my lan. I'll try again tomorrow....or later today.

Nite!

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 03, 2007 02:55 pm

Deleted By Walt

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 03, 2007 05:38 pm

Ok, that was pure hell. What a fight. I finally have file server that is working over the net. Final battle was that Comcast my provider was blocking port 80, (as you and I now know) the standard port for servers. I had to put in a 'choice' port.

Thanks all! It took every bit of the information in this thread to weed through the mess.

I'm tired.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Sep 05, 2007 09:21 pm

I got to read your previous post. That was some rant there Walt.

Glad you got it working though. I was beginning to worry for a moment.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 06, 2007 07:21 am

Yup, so was I. I got real pigon holed in that little project. Very frustrating. I vented at one point, but then noticed that the censoring wasn't working so well and deleted the post, (as you can see). I really don't think I'm cut out to be an IT guy. I might get the job done, but then the police would have to escort me out.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Sep 06, 2007 07:44 pm

Having been tossed into IT work for my company by default, I feel your pain. Although my geekness may give me a bit of an advantage I still get lost and bang my head against the wall at times. And yes, swearing comes in handy more often then not as a release vent.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 07, 2007 07:46 am

Blahahahahaha!

I was out till two this morning working on a downed server at work. Not alone thank God. The young man that installed it was there as well, but it is a stich... "Walt your a geek, see what you can do with this thing". My first time into a server. I had imagined some holy grail of command line only line code. Ha! Friggin Wizzards runnin around all over and such. I was dissipointed.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Sep 07, 2007 07:53 am

*in the best Steve Jobs voice i can do*

[quote]
i give to you, the iphone, it's the solution to all your needs[/quote]

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