how to make a ftp server?

Question

I need some help i have 3 computers in my house one of them is very old and i want to use it to make an ftp server i have tryed a few bits of softwere but when i type in my IP adress it comes up with my router config page i own a belkin router does any one know how i can make it so that when some one tyoes in my IP adress it is possable for it to go thought to my ftp server and not my configuartion page. Also if you know some good softwere which is free and helps with making and managing an ftp server i would really like it.

Many thanks

Tom Wheeler

Answer 1

Your router most likely uses something called NAT - or Network Address Translation.
Here's how it works:
Your ISP (verizon,comcast,aol,etc) assigns you an IP address.
Your router takes this address for it's own.
Each of your computers gets assigned it's own IP address by the router.
When any of the computers connects to the internet, the router remembers the ip address of the computer making the request.
It then makes the request using it's ip address, and sends the response on to the original computer requesting it.

If you want to run any type of server, you must tell the router that that is what you're doing.

You do this by setting up something called "port forwarding".
Not knowing your router model, I'll just say that it's an option in the configuration dialog.
You tell the router which computer IP you want to receive requests, and on what port.

By default, FTP servers use port 21.
You can set your ftp server to use a different port if you want.

Check you router's manual for further instructions on "port forwarding"

Here are some links to free ftp servers:
http://www.goldenftpserver.com/
http://www.freeftpd.com/?ctt=overview

Answer 2

FTP tutorial
http://www.pageresource.com/putweb/ftpmain.htm
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Answer 3

http://www.pageresource.com/putweb