ProFTPD is a highly configurable GPL-licensed FTP server.
Some of it’s features include:

  • 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.
  • 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.


Installing ProFTPD server:
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitutde install proftpd
When given the choice of ServerType, choose standalone installation.
ServerType explained

Changing the configuration file:
sudo vi /etc/proftpd/proftpd.conf
Disabled IPv6 if you don’t use it
UseIPv6 off
Update the server name
ServerName "My FTP server"
Update the message displayed on connect, so it doesn’t show the server details
ServerIdent on "FTP ready..."
Limit users to their home directory
DefaultRoot ~
Disable reverse DNS lookups to prevent performance issues, this ain’t included in the default configuration file so add it somewhere
UseReverseDNS off

Reloading the configuration:
When you’ve change the configuration check the configuration and restart the ProFTPD server if all is good.
sudo service proftpd check-config
“ProFTPd configuration OK”
sudo service proftpd restart

Now anyone with a valid user account on you system can FTP into his/her own home directory