Help creating an FTP site for my photo files

12/31/2006 09:15:00 PM · #1

So I think it would be neat and efficient if I could house my photos on an external hard drive connected to my desktop at home. I would then create an FTP site to allow my laptop to download whatever files I want to work on (I do most of my CS2 work on my laptop). This way I can access the files from both computers and don't have to fill my limited HD on the laptop with photos.

I've managed to create an FTP site (no small feat), but I am understanding the problems faced with either allowing anonymous users (anybody could download my pictures) or using specific users (the username and password are not encrypted).

So, there were hints in the tutorial I was reading that I could use encryption to get past this. (I created the FTP site through Windows XP Pro.) Can anybody help me (recalling that I have only enough knowledge about computers to be dangerous) get this underway so that I can have a FTP site I can access from my laptop and have the files still be somehow secured behind a username and password which are safe?

(counting down to the most excellent answer from kirbic...can anybody beat him?)

mpeters

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

12/31/2006 09:31:22 PM · #2

Pretty heavy question for New Years Eve ;)

12/31/2006 09:43:43 PM · #3

Instead of doing that, and assuming both computers run XP, why don't you just use the native networking XP has? This is infinitely easier, and more secure, than what you are trying to do. Just create shares for the various folders you want to work on. Detailed info.

12/31/2006 09:44:05 PM · #4

Use SFTP. Google for it, download whatever free sftp software you find (or buy some) and that's it.

12/31/2006 09:45:15 PM · #5

An SFTP client requires an SSH server on the computer serving the files.

12/31/2006 09:45:21 PM · #6

Originally posted by Louis:

Because my laptop is often at work.

12/31/2006 09:46:22 PM · #7

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Originally posted by Louis:
Instead of doing that, and assuming both computers run XP, why don't you just use the native networking XP has? This is infinitely easier, and more secure, than what you are trying to do. Just create shares for the various folders you want to work on. Detailed info.

Because my laptop is often at work.

You may still be able to set up a VPN network and access your files from home. I do this all the time.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

12/31/2006 09:46:33 PM · #8

Originally posted by Louis:

An SFTP client requires an SSH server on the computer serving the files.

So?

Here Achoo: //www.programurl.com/core-ftp-mini-sftp-server.htm

shanksware

Canon EOS-5D

12/31/2006 09:47:34 PM · #9

you need to implement sFTP (secure FTP)

Check out this page for more info.

Happy New Year Doc.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

12/31/2006 09:48:13 PM · #10

Originally posted by routerguy666:

Originally posted by Louis:
An SFTP client requires an SSH server on the computer serving the files.

So?

Here Achoo: //www.programurl.com/core-ftp-mini-sftp-server.htm

Yeah, better. If you don't like Windows networking that's the ticket.

Edit: //www.programurl.com/core-ftp-mini-sftp-server.htm :P

Freeware SFTP client.

Message edited by author 2006-12-31 21:49:51.

shanksware

Canon EOS-5D

12/31/2006 09:49:32 PM · #11

wow, it's amazing the activity that can occur while you're researching and typing an answer.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

12/31/2006 10:02:27 PM · #12

OK, I'm starting to look through this stuff, but to tell you the truth, it quickly devolves into jargon to me. I'm going to try working with the WinSCP program, but do I also need the SSH program to run on the desktop?

wavelength

Nikon D300

12/31/2006 10:07:02 PM · #13

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Basically, if you set up that sFTP program, your desktop becomes the server, and then your laptop will become the client logging in from work or whatever.

If they both have WinXP, you could just yes remote desktop, I think. Never tried it myself, but my FIL logs in to his PC at his home almost every time he comes down to my house.

12/31/2006 10:07:58 PM · #14

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Core FTP is the server, so you won't be able to use the client without it, yes. (I still say Windows networking is a better choice, simply because it's more straightforward. In theory.)

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

12/31/2006 10:08:50 PM · #15

Originally posted by wavelength:

If they both have WinXP, you could just yes remote desktop, I think. Never tried it myself, but my FIL logs in to his PC at his home almost every time he comes down to my house.

You can't transfer files using Remote Desktop.

wavelength

Nikon D300

12/31/2006 10:13:43 PM · #16

Originally posted by Louis:

Originally posted by wavelength:
If they both have WinXP, you could just yes remote desktop, I think. Never tried it myself, but my FIL logs in to his PC at his home almost every time he comes down to my house.

You can't transfer files using Remote Desktop.

Hmm, that seems a silly thing to not include.

Cheers!

12/31/2006 10:16:15 PM · #17

Holy crap. that was easy. It seems too easy. :) I worry that I did something and now my computer is open to everybody to wander through...

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

12/31/2006 10:31:53 PM · #18

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Holy crap. that was easy. It seems too easy. :) I worry that I did something and now my computer is open to everybody to wander through...

Probably. Better hope that server software doesn't have any holes in it. :P

_eug

Nikon D50

12/31/2006 10:48:56 PM · #19

Originally posted by Louis:

An SFTP client requires an SSH server on the computer serving the files.

I use SCP instead of sFTP which requires the SSH but loses the vulnerabilities of the FTP. Luving it!

12/31/2006 10:51:49 PM · #20

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by Louis:
An SFTP client requires an SSH server on the computer serving the files.

I use SCP instead of sFTP which requires the SSH but loses the vulnerabilities of the FTP. Luving it!

Hm, and that WinSCP client he installed can also use the scp protocol I think.

01/01/2007 12:10:59 AM · #21

Originally posted by Louis:

Originally posted by DrAchoo:
Holy crap. that was easy. It seems too easy. :) I worry that I did something and now my computer is open to everybody to wander through...

Probably. Better hope that server software doesn't have any holes in it. :P

Heh, he was starting out with an IIS based ftp site. From there, anything is a security improvement.

01/01/2007 12:25:52 AM · #22

OK, so I am using SFTP with the SSH shell using WinSCP as the clinet and the shell creation program offered above as the server. Is this a reasonable solution security wise?

01/01/2007 12:28:50 AM · #23

Honestly, a robust username/password combo was reasonable with your initial setup. Yes, you are good to go now.

01/01/2007 12:32:00 AM · #24

My understanding about the username/password problem on the original setup was that it was required to be one of the users and passwords on the computer. If that was intercepted, my whole computer could be at risk...

At least my understanding.