Setting Up FTP Server on Linux

Introduction

FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server. We will use vsftpd (Very Secure FTP Daemon) to set up an FTP server on Ubuntu.

Step 1: Install vsftpd

sudo apt update
sudo apt install vsftpd -y

*This command updates the package list and installs vsftpd.*

Step 2: Configure vsftpd

Open the vsftpd configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.conf

Modify the following settings:

anonymous_enable=NO
local_enable=YES
write_enable=YES
chroot_local_user=YES

*These settings disable anonymous access, enable local user login, allow write permissions, and restrict users to their home directories.*

Step 3: Restart vsftpd Service

sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
sudo systemctl enable vsftpd

*This restarts the vsftpd service and enables it to start on boot.*

Step 4: Create FTP User

sudo adduser ftpuser
sudo passwd ftpuser

*Create a new user 'ftpuser' and set a password.*

Step 5: Testing the FTP Server

Use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to the server using the 'ftpuser' credentials.

*If the connection is successful, you should be able to upload and download files from the server.*

Setting Up SSH Server on Linux

Introduction

SSH is a protocol that provides a secure channel over an unsecured network. We will set up an SSH server using OpenSSH on Ubuntu.

Step 1: Install OpenSSH Server

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openssh-server -y

*This installs the OpenSSH server package.*

Step 2: Check SSH Service Status

sudo systemctl status ssh

*The output should indicate that the SSH service is active and running.*

Step 3: Configure SSH (Optional)

Edit the SSH configuration file for additional security:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Modify or add the following settings:

PermitRootLogin no
PasswordAuthentication yes
AllowUsers your_username

*These settings disable root login, enable password authentication, and restrict SSH access to specific users.*

Step 4: Restart SSH Service

sudo systemctl restart ssh

*This applies the new configuration settings.*

Step 5: Testing SSH Connection

From a remote machine, connect to the SSH server using:

ssh your_username@server_ip_address

*Upon successful connection, you should have shell access to the server.*

Setting Up RDP on Windows Server

Introduction

RDP allows users to remotely connect to Windows machines with a graphical interface. We will configure Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019.

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop

Follow these steps to enable RDP:

1. Open the **Start Menu** and search for **"System"**, then click on **"System"** settings.
2. Click on **"Remote settings"** on the left panel.
3. In the **"Remote Desktop"** section, select **"Allow remote connections to this computer"**.
4. Click **"Apply"** and then **"OK"**.

*This enables Remote Desktop connections to your Windows Server.*

Step 2: Allow RDP through Firewall

Ensure that the Windows Firewall allows RDP connections:

Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"

*This command enables the firewall rule for Remote Desktop.*

Step 3: Testing RDP Connection

From a Windows client machine:

1. Open **Remote Desktop Connection** application.
2. Enter the **IP address** or **hostname** of your Windows Server.
3. Click **"Connect"** and enter your server's **username** and **password**.

*You should now have remote access to your Windows Server's desktop environment.*

Conclusion

By following this guide, you have successfully set up FTP, SSH, and RDP services on your servers. These protocols are essential for managing servers, transferring files securely, and providing remote access. Always ensure to follow best security practices by using strong passwords, updating your systems regularly, and restricting access to authorized users only.