9 replies to this topic

[RogueAlly]

So a bunch of my friends and I have a couple of terabytes of media and gaming junk and were thinking of setting up a ftp server to contain all our stuff. I don't know much about servers or ftp servers in general... or if there is even a difference. So I was wondering what it is that we're looking for to store our stuff and be accessible from all our different colleges. Anyone have ideas for what brand of servers to use or if we want to make our own... all that sort of stuff.

[ShLoNkY]

What you really need is a super fast internet connection and a computer with a sh*tload of storage (obviously) Computer speed really isn't all that important. (you shouldn't need a quad Xeon with 16 GB ram or anything) An older computer with a bunch of cheap 500gb ide drives would probably work fine. You just have to figure out how much stuff youll be uploading and downloading from the server. If you do this from a school, they'll most likely ban you for uploading too much......

[RogueAlly]

Yeah that makes sense, the thought occured to me... I just didn't know if speed would matter. I'd prolly have to build the computer though considering how many bays I need (even using 500s). It'll be a long term project though, everyone won't be reunited until after June so there is plenty of time yet to figure out how best to go about this.

The upload/download problem hadn't yet occured to me, any ideas how to get around that other than leaving it at someone's house?

[ghozy]

well don't get caught serving pirate media or software in your house either. its serious sh*t.

[RogueAlly]

Well if we do a ftp server the IP will only be given to the people that have sh*t on there. That way, if we get busted we're all liable and are thus inclined to not doing something stupid. That also means that while we can run the small risk of dling stuff to our computer, we can store whatever it is on the ftp and wipe it off our pc's record.

It's a nice little system

[monster]

Well, depending on the demands of your system, you don't need a lot to serve files.


I run an ftp and http server at my house... on win xp pro. I have an account with no-ip.com and they update my dynamic IP to monster.hopto.org when it changes. It doesn't use much for resources, and it's not always serving files. But if a friend wants to upload sh*t to me, or I want to host a group project for school.... it's handy as hell.

Let me know if you want the rundown on this simple setup. XP pro can handle 10 simultaneus connections. A simple computer with a bunch of hard drives will suffice.


-Monster

[ghozy]

Well if we do a ftp server the IP will only be given to the people that have sh*t on there. That way, if we get busted we're all liable and are thus inclined to not doing something stupid. That also means that while we can run the small risk of dling stuff to our computer, we can store whatever it is on the ftp and wipe it off our pc's record.

It's a nice little system

oh, using it as a personal file server wouldn't be a problem i guess. I thought you are going to public or something.

[RogueAlly]

Yeah m0nstEr I could use the info on all that, it'll come in handy for when the buddies and I get to actually planning this out.

irt ghozy... haha yeah I dont want to deal with a public server... this will just let my friends and I share our illegally gotten media and whatnot without having to wait till we're all home and stuff. Easy way to keep everything up and running.

[monster]

Ok, first you need to have XP pro. Home edition doesn't include IIS (internet information service). You can use another ftp server if you like, not everyone likes IIS. But that's what I use.


Next, you need to create an account at http://www.no-ip.com

pick a domain for your server.... mine is hopto.org. Then create a name, mine is monster.

You either 1. Download a small app that constantly updates your IP address with them.... or do like I did and:
2. Configure your router to update your ip address.


Then you open IIS by:

right click my computer, click manage, open IIS.

Then I think you create a new IIS connection in FTP. As far as details... ask if you get stuck. However, you MUST have a static IP on your lan. Go change your IP to something like 192.168.0.2 (assuming your router's ip is 192.168.0.1).

Firewalls are not your friend when running a web or ftp server. For some reason they don't like people browsing the files on your computer. If you use IIS, make sure to keep windows updated frequently.

Oh... another thing. Unless you want anonymous access to your server, you need to make use of the windows accounts. Make sure your FTP server has an option checked like "let windows manage accounts for this connection" or something like that. Then go to users, and reset the admin password to whatever you like. you can create new admins if you want, but that's your preference.


This is hard to explain in text, so ask me in vent one day if you don't understand.

[ghozy]

I also I found this software. it is opensource and doesn't need IIS; http://www.warftp.org/

you can find more info in guides section of the site.

monster: thanks for the no-ip link. i didn't know about that :)

Edited by ghozy, 30 March 2006 - 12:54 PM.