Ftp server saftey?

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enderbro3300

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Aug 31, 2013
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Hi, I would like to set up an ftp server at my house but I would like to be able to access it at my school, not just on my network. But, being 15, i'm still governed by my dad and he's wondering that if i set up an ftp server at our house would there be the possibility of a virus getting in and infecting our other computers?
 
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COLGeek
Yes, you could make your own "cloud" so to speak. You'll need to check your ISP rules (who is your ISP BTW?) for setting up a server from your home connection. That too may be an issue.

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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Not if you set the FTP server up in its own network segment (called a DMZ). Depending on the platform, you can certainly run anti-virus/anti-malware tools on a dedicated FTP server, like any other system.

What specifically do you have in mind?

Also, you need to be aware that some ISPs forbid the use of "servers" (FTP, webservers, etc) on home based networks. They require you to change to business class connections.

There are alternatives to setting up a FTP server by using cloud based solutions as well (Dropbox, Google Docs, etc).
 
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enderbro3300

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Aug 31, 2013
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what I have in mind is that I could put things like episodes of shows or whatnot on it and be able to use vlc media player to stream from it, but I don't want to have to be connected to my home network to do it, I would like to be able to access it over the internet. My dad however thinks that if someone got on and put a virus on it it could infect the rest of our network, like the computer that my mom uses for work. The server itself would be on a beater computer that I really don't care if it gets a virus.
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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It would technically be separated from the rest of your network on its own network segment (what a DMZ does). So, your mom's PC (in this case) would not even know the server was in place.

With an FTP server, you can determine who has access and who doesn't. Also, what users can access or upload.

Depending on where you loive, you may also have some legal issues doing what you propose (streaming of copyrighted data/shows). Still, you could dump videos to Dropbox (there are other such services as well) and not have the hassle of dealing with a dedicated server.

Do you know what make/model of router you are using (this will determine if setting up a DMZ is even an option for you).
 
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enderbro3300

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Aug 31, 2013
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It's a dlink router, not sure what model it is though, would I need to port forward it? I could easily do that. and as for avoiding the hassle, I have about 6 hard drives just sitting around that i want to do something with, and this would be a great use for them. and what even is a dmz? what does it do?
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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DMZ definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMZ_%28computing%29

In your router (if supported) you designate a port that is logically separated from the others and assign it its own network segment. Then, you configure it for external access.

You really need the model number of your router to determine if this is a supported feature or not (in your situation).

Do you live in the US? If so, what you are proposing is (potentially) illegal and your ISP is likely to notice and not allow it.
 
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enderbro3300

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Aug 31, 2013
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i do live in the us, and it might be illegal, i'll check, but I could still just use it for my own "cloud" storage right? I just think it would be fun.
 
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