FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, a standard network protocol that can be used when exchanging files over a network. The ftp protocol is still widely used to share files. Often drivers are shared from a website via an ftp server or you need it yourself to send your own website to the host. But ftp can also be used to share and receive files with your friends and family from your own computer or server.
FileZilla Server & Client
FileZilla is a free open source program, which can be downloaded in two variants: FileZilla Server and FileZilla Client from the Filezilla website. With the server you manage who has access to the files. With the client a connection can be made with a server to be able to upload or download files. The programs can also be installed together. Download FileZilla Server and run the installation file. Click through until you reach the Startup settings. In the drop-down window you can indicate whether the FileZilla service should start automatically when Windows starts or if you prefer to start this service manually. Below that is the port for the admin interface, adjust it if necessary and remember it well. In the next step, indicate whether you also want the program to start automatically with Windows. Click Next to start the installation.
Choose whether to start the ftp server automatically or manually.
Set up firewall and router
After installation, the Windows Firewall can be set up. By default, it blocks incoming connections, but creating an exception allows outside users to make an ftp connection. Go to Control Panel / System and Security / Windows Firewall and click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall in the left bar. Click Change settings / Allow another program. Do not click on FileZilla Server Interface, but click on Browse. Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\FileZilla Server and click on the FileZilla Server application. Choose Open / Add / OK. You can now make ftp connections to your PC within your internal network, but it is of course also useful if acquaintances from outside your network can also connect. Set up the router by telling which computer is the virtual server and needs a static IP address. Consult your router's manual or the Portforward website to learn how to do this.
A rule in the Windows Firewall is required to access the FileZilla server from outside.
Set up FileZilla
Launch FileZilla, leave the IP address, use the port you created in step 1, and press OK. Set a password by going to Edit / Settings / Admin Interface settings. Select Change admin password and choose a password. Other settings such as speed limits, IP blocks and logs can also be set here. Create login details for a user via Edit / Users. Click the Add button and enter a username. Give the user a password and go to Shared folders. Click Add and specify the folder(s) you want to share with this user (it is a good idea to create a separate folder in Explorer for ftp traffic). Adjust the permissions as desired, so that the user can also upload and/or delete files if necessary and press OK. You can easily find your external IP address (which the other party needs) via www.watismijnip.nl. For more information, such as how to use groups, please refer to the documentation.
Create users through the server's admin interface.
