Sharing Files on Hard Drive

Jquest · 04-29-2009, 11:25 AM

I want to set up an extra computer as an FTP server to share files with others I am working on a project with. It was recommended that I use "Filezilla." I am highly concerned about viruses and data theft. Is Filezilla secure and will the computers accessing the FTP server be vunerable? Is there a better low cost solution?

**lorjack** · 04-29-2009, 04:38 PM

Is this at home? You can set it up to be secure read the documentation for Filezilla. If you aren't accessing it over the internet then you don't have that much to worry about.

**johnwill** · 04-30-2009, 07:41 AM

FileZilla is quite safe, there's little risk if you just open the single port 21 through the router. Millions of FTP servers are running on the Intenet, including mine.

Jquest · 04-30-2009, 10:23 AM

Thanks for the replies.

This is a home computer, but I am planning to share with 5 others, over the internet.

However, this is not my primary computer. This computer will only be used for file sharing with people I'm working on the project with.

I'm mostly concerned about vicious scripters having an easy way in to launch viruses or steal data. Also, if a virus gets on that PC will it spread to the PC of those that FTP in.

The computer does have the latest Norton 360 install for some sense of security.

**lorjack** · 04-30-2009, 10:32 AM

The other thing you can do is set it up in a DMZ to separate it from the rest of your network.

**johnwill** · 05-01-2009, 07:43 AM

I don't see any significant risk here, FileZilla is pretty secure, just use a strong password on the FTP accounts. You're only opening one port...

04-29-2009, 11:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jquest Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Xp and Vista	Sharing Files on Hard Drive I want to set up an extra computer as an FTP server to share files with others I am working on a project with. It was recommended that I use "Filezilla." I am highly concerned about viruses and data theft. Is Filezilla secure and will the computers accessing the FTP server be vunerable? Is there a better low cost solution?

04-29-2009, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
lorjack TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 2,205 OS: Windows 2K, XP Pro sp3, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Ubuntu	Re: Sharing Files on Hard Drive Is this at home? You can set it up to be secure read the documentation for Filezilla. If you aren't accessing it over the internet then you don't have that much to worry about. __________________ Those who can't write, write manuals. Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you...

04-30-2009, 07:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Sharing Files on Hard Drive FileZilla is quite safe, there's little risk if you just open the single port 21 through the router. Millions of FTP servers are running on the Intenet, including mine. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

04-30-2009, 10:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Jquest Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Xp and Vista	Re: Sharing Files on Hard Drive Thanks for the replies. This is a home computer, but I am planning to share with 5 others, over the internet. However, this is not my primary computer. This computer will only be used for file sharing with people I'm working on the project with. I'm mostly concerned about vicious scripters having an easy way in to launch viruses or steal data. Also, if a virus gets on that PC will it spread to the PC of those that FTP in. The computer does have the latest Norton 360 install for some sense of security.

04-30-2009, 10:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
lorjack TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 2,205 OS: Windows 2K, XP Pro sp3, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Ubuntu	Re: Sharing Files on Hard Drive The other thing you can do is set it up in a DMZ to separate it from the rest of your network. __________________ Those who can't write, write manuals. Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you...

05-01-2009, 07:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Sharing Files on Hard Drive I don't see any significant risk here, FileZilla is pretty secure, just use a strong password on the FTP accounts. You're only opening one port... __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience