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SlimFTPd (V3.181) |
SlimFTPd is an excellent piece of software, deceptively simple and very easy to install and set-up, everyone seems to take this for granted. When asked how to set it up, you are referred to the configuration file for details and left to figure it out for yourself.
SlimFTP is a server in it’s own right therefore can be used independently of Uniform Server. My tutorial uses this independence allowing you to explore SlimFTP’s capabilities from a separate folder installed on C drive. I conclude this tutorial by presenting plug in updates for Uniform Server 3.3 and 3.5-Apollo.
Content Overview
This write-up is about upgrading Uniform Server 3.5-Apollo’s ftp plugin before doing that I though it worthwhile looking at SlimFTPd in more detail. I cover each topic on separate pages split as follows:
| Intro (This page): | Tutorial: | |
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| Browser FTP Client: | Configuration 1: | |
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| Configuration 2: | Uniform Server Plugins: | |
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FTP
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a simple and reliable way to exchange files over the Internet. SlimFTPd is a self-contained file server allowing you to upload and download files. There are two main differences between an FTP and Web page server: FTP uses port 21 while a Web page server such as Apache uses port 80; and FTP uses a protocol that, unlike a Web page server, has the ability to resume an interrupted transfer.
| File FTP – Most Common use | FTP – Site Uploads |
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The most common use for FTP is to download files from the Internet. This is normally achieved by clicking a link on a web page. For example these two links inserted into a web page perform the same download function: <a href=”http://fred.com/someFile.mp3>Download using HTTP</a> An FTP address looks similar to an HTTP (Website address) except it uses the prefix ftp:// instead of http:// Both links instruct a browser to open a transfer window allowing you to either open the file directly or save it to disk. If for some reason during a save operation the Internet link is broken the real power of FTP becomes apparent: You can resume the transfer. This is not possible with a Web server. You need to reload the mp3 file from the beginning by clicking the link again to restart the download process. FTP servers normally require a user name and password. However, our user in this situation is anonymous; anyone on the Internet is allowed access. To cater for this situation FTP servers are configured to allow anyone access using an anonymous account. This requires neither a user name nor password. However, access is restricted to a specific area on the server's hard drive, and only read access allowed. |
The second most common use for FTP is to upload a web site to a service provider or you own web server. To do this you use a special client program such as ACE FTP, WS FTP or FireFTP (browser plugin). There are many more FTP clients, but they all require you to log into the server with a user name and password. If you are offering FTP facility on your own web server or are hosting other web sites then SlimFTPd makes an ideal companion. It offers the entire standard range of FTP commands that a client program expects such as file upload, download, delete, rename and move to mention just a few. In addition you can use the same program to provide FTP for each of your hosts. For such a small program its capabilities are impressive. Note: Most FTP clients allow anonymous access, which can be useful for testing and to bypass browser downloading of open FTP sites. |
FTP – Full blown FTP sites
Full-blown FTP sites are dedicated entirely to FTP downloads because of this they require much tighter control and organisation. SlimFTPd although powerful is not quite up to this task however for a small site it can do a good impersonation.
Support files - SlimFTPd (3.181)
I have provided two download options, original software site and tutorial. Note see plugins page for 3.3 and 3.5 plugins download.
WhiteSoft Development
You can download the latest version of SlimFTPd by going to the WhiteSoft Development site.
Download the current version SlimFTPd including source code (58.5 KB) MD5 Hash: e49b49868fc35991f4569b82bf4d82d8
The current version is 3.181 this software has been around since 2002 and the last update was (released 20-Oct-2006) it’s a mature product and very stable, I would think only security issues would warrant any further updates.
Please note: The tutorial download includes the full package as above.
Tutorial
Download the tutorial support files covered in this section Install Server and associated test files
Summary
The following tutorial shows how easy it is to use SlimFTPd you will find working examples that help you set up the configuration file for Uniform Server plugins these can be found on the final page.
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Ric |