SO, what OS do you run?

[Don Wray]

I'm thinking of running a dual operating system on my computer.  Just wondering, what OS are you running and why?  Any Linux users?  Do you like and why?  If so, are you using WINE or comparable to run Windows based programs?

[frankc420]

I don't dual boot, I run Windows Vista.  Yes I know, a lot of people hate it (I was one of them), until I actually used it.   

I've ran Redhat, Ubuntu, Slackware, Debian, Fedora, OpenBSD, and FreeBSD.  By far the easiest and user friendly, IMO is Ubuntu.

Before you go dual boot, download VMware Server, it's free and you can run multiple OS on top of your host OS.

[Don Wray]

Thanks Frank.  That's exactly what I was looking for.  I like Vista ok but I'm having trouble using it as an ftp host.  It keeps asking for the password after getting in and then won't accept it.  I just cancel the request and reboot the section I'm entering and it goes on ok until you switch directories, then you have to go through the process again.

[frankc420]

What FTP server are you using?  If your information is not critical and you don't mind someone possibly hijacking your connection and stealing the information, you could use FileZilla server, http://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=server

This is the nature of all standard FTP servers, as their authentication AND data channel are not encrypted.  So not only could your data be siphoned to a hacker, your user/pass could be stolen as well.

With that said, there is a freeware SFTP (FTP over SSH) server out there at http://sshwindows.sourceforge.net/ - You would need to follow the directions to the T to make it work, but you will be happy with the results.

If you decide to use the standard port 22, you would need to be sure to open your router to do a port forward to the internal IP address of your workstation.  This only applies if your connecting to the internet through a router of some kind.  The easiest way to figure this out is to go to Start > Run > cmd - Type ipconfig - If your ip address is 192.168.X.X - your going through a NAT network and would need to open the port in your router. 

I hope this helps!

[frankc420]

As a FTP, SFTP, or SCP client I would highly recommend WinSCP - It is very simple, to the point, and will connect you up without issue, as long as your server is configured properly.

[Don Wray]

I've just been using the ftp abilities of Vista.  I downloaded the one you recommended but man, it's been over 25 years since I've done any dos stuff.  It seems to be coming back though.  Thanks Frank.