help with FTP server?

[inflames988]

I want to make an FTP server. my dad needs a way to backup about 1 gig of stuff on his laptop (which has crashed twice, luckily i helped him recover the files). Is there a way for me to make an FTP on my pc that can be accessed using usernames and passwords so that everyone on my home network can access/save files to a hard drive on my PC?

[Statica]

If it's just a home network, is there a particular reason why you need an FTP server rather than just using a simple copy & paste through shared network drives? The more (especially 3rd party) servers and services that are deployed the greater the chances of an unplugged security hole.

[mairving]

It isn't really pratical. If his computer is on the same network as yours, then either copy the files manually or write a .bat file to automate the process. If it is something that you want him to do from anywhere over the Internet then besides the security problem it will take a considerable amount of time to transfer those files. Most broadband connections or slower on the upload (usually around 256Kb) as well.

[glc]

Uploading 1gb over a 256k connection will take you about 8 hours.

[inflames988]

Originally Posted by Statica If it's just a home network, is there a particular reason why you need an FTP server rather than just using a simple copy & paste through shared network drives? The more (especially 3rd party) servers and services that are deployed the greater the chances of an unplugged security hole.

how can i set a drive as a "shared network" drive? my dad has XP home, so i don't think it allows those kinds of networking things.

[StykFacE]

yes it does. while you're in any Windows directory, go to Tools -> Map Network Drive and then follow the prompt. as long as the computers are connect via a router or something similar, then you're all set.

may even try this program, it's a freebie and extremely easy to use:
www.networkmagic.com

[glc]

Styk, that just maps a local drive. What you do is right click on any drive or folder - and share it. THEN you go find it in My Network Places on the OTHER computer and you can map it - but rather than mapping it, just create a shortcut to it on the desktop. This is just basic Windows filesharing.

[StykFacE]

yeah, i thought that's what he wanted was just to map a drive. lol i skim through posts too much.

[inflames988]

Originally Posted by glc Styk, that just maps a local drive. What you do is right click on any drive or folder - and share it. THEN you go find it in My Network Places on the OTHER computer and you can map it - but rather than mapping it, just create a shortcut to it on the desktop. This is just basic Windows filesharing.

thanks...somehow i never knew about this. I mapped a Z: drive for my dad to use thats mapped to a folder on my backup HDD. I'm going to set up SyncBack (GREAT program reccomended by PCMech folks) to back everything up for him. Thanks for the help, I'm sure he will appreciate it...