How To Install ProFTPD on Centos / RedHat

by lifeLinux on May 9, 2011

What is ProFTPD?

ProFTPD is a ftp server written for use on Unix and Unix-a-like operating systems, there is no support for native use under Microsoft Windows.

ProFTPD Features

  • Single main configuration file, with directives and directive groups which are intuitive to any administrator who has ever used the Apache web server.
  • Per directory “.ftpaccess” configuration similar to Apache’s “.htaccess”.
  • Easy to configure multiple virtual FTP servers and anonymous FTP services.
  • Designed to run either as a stand-alone server or from inetd/xinetd, depending on system load.
  • Anonymous FTP root directories do not require any specific directory structure, system binaries or other system files.
  • No SITE EXEC command. In modern Internet environments, such commands are a security nightmare.
  • Source code is available (and must always be available) for administrators and developers to audit.
  • Hidden directories and files, based on Unix-style permissions or user/group ownership.
  • Runs as a configurable non-privileged user in stand-alone mode in order to decrease chances of attacks which might exploit its “root” abilities. Note: This feature is dependent on the capabilities of the host Unix system.
  • Logging and utmp/wtmp support. Logging is compatible with the wu-ftpd standard, with extended logging available.
  • Shadow password suite support, including support for expired accounts.
  • Modular design, allowing server to be extended easily with modules. Modules have been written for SQL databases, LDAP servers, SSL/TLS encryption, RADIUS support, etc.
  • IPv6 support.

Install ProFTPD server

Type the following command as root user:

[root@server2 ~]# yum install proftpd

Start ProFTPD when the system reboot:

[root@server2 ~]# chkconfig --level 345 proftpd on

To start proftpd ftp service, enter:

[root@server2 ~]# service proftpd start

To Stop proftpd ftp server, enter:

[root@server2 ~]# service proftpd stop

To restart proftpd ftp service, enter:

[root@server2 ~]# service proftpd restart

To reload the configuration file, enter:

[root@server2 ~]# service proftpd reload

Configuring ProFTPD Server

The default configuration file is located at /etc/proftpd.conf. To edit the configuration file, enter the following command:

[root@server2 ~]# vi /etc/proftpd.conf

Checking the syntax of the configuration file

[root@server2 ~]# proftpd -t6

Now you need to edit the /etc/proftpd.conf file using vi or any other editor and you need to change the following Directives or add the following directives for proftp server configuration these are only some of basic directives if you want to know available directives check here

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