Windows Server 2008 supports two versions of FTP
servers. The FTP Publishing Service included with Windows Server 2008
provides the same functionality that was available with IIS 6.0 in
Microsoft Windows Server 2003. This version is referred to as FTP 6.
You can also download and install a new version of the product called
FTP 7. Both versions provide features for setting up FTP sites that
enable users to upload and download files easily. FTP 7 also provides
enhanced security and administration features. In this lesson, you will
learn about how to set up both versions of FTP on a computer running
Windows Server 2008.
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Anil Desai
In
working as an IT consultant, I often see server and service
configurations that seem to be set up haphazardly and without an
understanding of security or other best practices. In some cases,
systems administrators are faced with numerous priorities and don’t
have enough time to set up these services correctly. In other cases,
they lack the knowledge to understand the implications. Regardless of
the cause, the issue is the same: services are often deployed
insecurely.
When
you’re responsible for deploying new features and services that provide
additional functionality, it’s important to consider the possible
security ramifications of the changes. Implementing an FTP server is a
good example. FTP sites provide a method by which users can upload and
download data from your network. Especially when providing access
through the Internet or external networks, it’s important to ensure
that only authorized users have access to the server. Configuration
options such as authentication methods, encrypted connections,
authorization settings, and user home directories can help ensure that
a new FTP site does not lead to security breaches.
Be
sure to take the time to understand the security implications of
setting up network services such as FTP servers. A good rule of thumb
is that if you don’t have the time or experience to deploy the server
securely, it’s probably better not to deploy it at all.
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Installing the FTP Publishing Service
The
FTP Publishing Service (FTP 6) is included as an optional role service
for the Web Server (IIS) server role. You can add the role to the
server by using Server Manager. The first method is to select the FTP
Publishing Service role service when adding the Web Server (IIS) server
role to the computer. If you have already installed the Web Server
(IIS) server role, you can use the Add Role Services command to add the
necessary item. (See Figure 1.)
Using FTP 6
The
FTP Publishing Service includes two role services. FTP Server is a
system service that provides access to FTP sites. The FTP Management
Console is used to create and manage FTP sites, using IIS 6.0 Manager.
Removing the FTP Publishing Service
If
you no longer require the server to provide access through FTP, you can
remove the FTP Publishing Service. Also, if you are planning to install
FTP 7, it is recommended that you first remove the FTP Publishing
Service from the computer. This will help prevent potential port
conflicts or other configuration compatibility issues.
You
can remove the FTP Publishing Service by using Server Manager. In the
left pane, expand Roles, right-click Web Server (IIS), and then select
Remove Role Services. Remove the FTP Publishing Services and its
optional components to disable FTP publishing functionality on the
server. Note that the contents of your FTP file system folders will not
be deleted or modified during this process.
