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I have SSH enabled on my Ubuntu Server so that I can remotely manage and configure it. I want to make it a file server so that people on my LAN can upload files onto it or download files. Should I use FTP to do so, or should I avoid opening another port by just using SSHFS? Another way to word this is, what are the benefits of FTP over SSHFS?

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  • It depends, both have advantages and disadvantages. Can you describe what you are using it for ? file transfer? one way, two way ? Over the internet ? Over a LAN ? How important is security ?
    – Panther
    Oct 2, 2015 at 3:04
  • File transfer, two way. Probably over a LAN, maybe over the internet in the near future. Security isn't too crucial.
    – Rohan
    Oct 2, 2015 at 3:59
  • If security is not crucial and you are on a LAN, FTP is fine. Alternates include samba. Over the internet ssh (sshfs) or kerberos.
    – Panther
    Oct 2, 2015 at 14:48

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Really, go with SSHFS. All you need to do is set up a guest account and password that can be SSH'd into. Then users can upload anything they want into a folder on the server. FTP is much less secure, and is easier to hack/be hacked. I would go with SSHFS. Plus, you get the added benefit of being able to use RSA/DSA authentication keys.

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  • Thanks! But what exactly are RSA/DSA authentication keys?
    – Rohan
    Oct 2, 2015 at 3:59
  • This should help you: help.ubuntu.com/community/SSH/OpenSSH/Keys
    – Daniel
    Oct 2, 2015 at 14:44
  • And if you like this answer, please mark it as accepted with the little check mark to the left.
    – Daniel
    Oct 2, 2015 at 14:44

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