How to enable FTP access on an Ubuntu machine.

Step 1: Install an FTP Server

1. Open Terminal on your Ubuntu machine.
2. Update the package list and install vsftpd (a lightweight FTP server):

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install vsftpd -y
   

Step 2: Configure vsftpd

1. Open the FTP server configuration file:

   sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.conf
   

2. Edit the file to configure the FTP server:
   • Allow local users to log in: Uncomment the line:

     local_enable=YES
     

   • Enable write access: Uncomment the line:

     write_enable=YES
     

   • Disable anonymous FTP access: Ensure this line is set:

     anonymous_enable=NO
     

   • Enable FTP access to a specific directory (optional): Add the following line to restrict FTP users to their home directories:

     chroot_local_user=YES
     

3. Save the changes (press Ctrl+O, then Enter, followed by Ctrl+X).
4. Restart the FTP server to apply the changes:

   sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
   

Step 3: Configure Firewall (if applicable)

1. If the firewall is active (ufw), allow FTP traffic:

   sudo ufw allow 21
   sudo ufw enable
   

2. Verify the rules:

   sudo ufw status
   

Step 4: Create an FTP User (if needed)

1. Add a new user:

   sudo adduser ftpuser
   

2. Set a password for the user during the prompt.

Step 5: Access FTP

1. Use an FTP client like FileZilla, WinSCP, or a command-line FTP client to connect.
2. Connection details for the client:
   • Host: The IP address of your Ubuntu machine.
   • Username: The FTP user’s username (e.g., ftpuser).
   • Password: The password you set.
   • Port: 21 (default FTP port).

Optional: Enable Secure FTP (FTPS)

For encrypted connections, enable FTPS:

1. Open the configuration file:

   sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.conf
   

2. Uncomment or add the following lines to enable SSL:

   ssl_enable=YES
   rsa_cert_file=/etc/ssl/certs/ssl-cert-snakeoil.pem
   rsa_private_key_file=/etc/ssl/private/ssl-cert-snakeoil.key
   

3. Restart the FTP server:

   sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
   

Now your FTP server is ready for use!

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