First time configuration: Difference between revisions

From rejetto wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(27 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
If you connect to the Internet through a hardware router/firewall you will almost certainly have to configure your router in order to get HFS to work properly. The critical task is called "Port fowarding".  <br>You can get help about this at [http://www.portforward.com Portforward], and on the HFS [http://www.rejetto.com/forum/index.php?board=27.0 Forum].<br>
If you connect to the Internet through a hardware router/firewall you will almost certainly have to configure your router in order to get HFS to work properly. The critical task is called "Port fowarding".  <br>You can get help about this at [http://www.portforward.com Portforward], and on the HFS [http://www.rejetto.com/forum/index.php?board=27.0 Forum].<br>
Many firewalls also require that you give HFS permission to send and receive files.
Many firewalls also require that you give HFS permission to send and receive files.
==Summary==
This section explains what you have to do to establish a working, fully-secured and protected, HFS server. These tasks include:
# Starting and testing.
# Adding folders for upload and download.
# Determining  addresses.
# Setting passwords.
# Defining user accounts.
# Saving a configuration.


==Initial state==
==Initial state==
Line 12: Line 22:


Now make sure that your server is visible on the Internet, by using "Self Test". Click the option and follow the onscreen instructions.  
Now make sure that your server is visible on the Internet, by using "Self Test". Click the option and follow the onscreen instructions.  
A succesful test, popsup the following:
A successful test, popsup the following:


[[Image:Selfok.png]]
[[Image:Selfok.png]]
Line 18: Line 28:
"Self Test" is an amazingly powerful HFS feature. It not only checks Internet visibilty, it also attempts to automatically repair many common connection problems.
"Self Test" is an amazingly powerful HFS feature. It not only checks Internet visibilty, it also attempts to automatically repair many common connection problems.


In general terms, if "Self Test" is successful you can be almost certain that you have configured everything correctly, that you are visible on the Internet, and that the server is ready to accept and process upload and download requests. Equally, however, if it fails there is little point in continuing configuration until you have solved this connection problem. (Most often failure to forward port correctly.)
In general terms, if "Self Test" is successful you can be almost certain that the server is visible on the Internet, and is ready to accept and process upload and download requests. Equally, however, if it fails there is little point in continuing configuration until you have solved this connection problem. (Most often failure to forward port correctly.)


You'll see that the first Address displayed is now replaced by your normal IP address. Click "IP address" to see the various address-handling options  available. But do not change it right now.<br>
You'll see that the first Address displayed is now replaced by your normal IP address. Click "IP address" to see the various address-handling options  available. But do not change it right now.<br>
Line 36: Line 46:
==Adding a download folder==
==Adding a download folder==


Next, add a download directory so that your friends can easily download files. This can be a virtual folder (see [[HFS: Glossary]]), but for first-time use, it's probably easier to use another real folder. To do this:<br>
Next, add a download directory so that your friends can easily download files from you. This can be a virtual folder (see [[HFS: Glossary]]), but for first-time use, it's probably easier to use another real folder. To do this:<br>


# Create a new folder on your hard disk eg. "C:\Downloads", by using Window's Explorer. Copy some test files there, of the type you imagine your friends will want. MP3s, for example.
# Create a new folder on your hard disk eg. "C:\Downloads", by using Window's Explorer. Copy some test files there, of the type you imagine your friends will want. MP3s, for example.
Line 42: Line 52:
# The alternative is to drag&drop the folder "Downloads" to the left pane  of the server window named "Virtual File System".
# The alternative is to drag&drop the folder "Downloads" to the left pane  of the server window named "Virtual File System".
# You probably should password-protect "Download", but, assuming your system is reasonably secure (ie. you have at least an updated firewall), it's safe to leave it  without any restrictions for a few minutes while you complete configuration.  (See "Password protection", below.)
# You probably should password-protect "Download", but, assuming your system is reasonably secure (ie. you have at least an updated firewall), it's safe to leave it  without any restrictions for a few minutes while you complete configuration.  (See "Password protection", below.)
# You can type (or paste) '''<nowiki>http://localhost/</nowiki>''' into your Internet browser to check what your site's users see when they access your site. Alternatively, use the ''Browser''  function in HFS.<br>
# You can type (or paste) '''<nowiki>http://localhost/</nowiki>''' into your browser to check what your site's users see when they access your site. Alternatively, use the HFS ''Browser''  function.
In this example, the folder "For j" is used.
 
The HFS Virtual File System now looks like this:


[[Image:024.jpg]]
[[Image:061.png]]


<nowiki>http://localhost/</nowiki> now displays this:
<nowiki>http://localhost/</nowiki> now displays this:


[[Image:030.png]]
[[Image:062.png]]


==Addresses to give out==
==Addresses to give out==
Line 57: Line 68:
[[Image:025.jpg]]
[[Image:025.jpg]]


or of the item (the folder "For j")
or of the item (the folder "Downloads").


[[Image:026.jpg]]
[[Image:026.JPG]]


In order to make it more readable, you may care to use the HFS "URL Encoding"  facility (Main menu in "Expert mode"). Uncheck "Encode spaces" to remove the % signs which conventionally represent spaces, and the superfluous digits. The item then becomes a little more clear and readable:
If you use folder names that contain spaces, the item address may include % signs and some unwanted digits. In order to make it more readable, you can use the HFS "URL Encoding"  facility (Main menu in "Expert mode"). Uncheck "Encode spaces" to remove the % signs which conventionally represent spaces, and the superfluous digits. The item then becomes a little more clear and readable:
 
[[Image:027.jpg]]


'''Warning'''<br>
'''Warning'''<br>
Many HFS users like to give their site adress to their buddies while they are using a Chat or Messenger application. In these circumstances, you may find some difficulties if you attempt to send the more readable version. (The Messenger browser, for example, normally just freezes when it encounters a non-encoded space.)  The best solution is to just right-click on the address (or file, or folder, or item) in HFS, and use  
Many HFS users like to give their site address to their buddies while they are using a Chat or Messenger application. In these circumstances, you may find some difficulties if you attempt to send the more readable version. (The Messenger browser, for example, normally just freezes when it encounters a non-encoded space.)  One solution is to just right-click on the address (or file, or folder, or item) in HFS, and use  
"Copy URL". You can then simply paste the address into your chat browser.
"Copy URL". You can then simply paste the address into your chat browser.


A neat solution to any problems with this, is to only create folders with names (character strings) that do not contain spaces! <br>
A neat solution that avoids any problems with this, is to only create folders with names (character strings) that do not contain spaces! <br>
For example "Downloads", "Mother", "Music", "Catherine",etc.
For example "Downloads", "Mother", "Music", "Catherine",etc.


==Password protection==
==Password protection==


You can protect folders, files, other items, or your complete site, by assigning passwords. This is not the same as setting-up user accounts. (See PHnote link to somewhere!)<br>
You can protect folders, files, other items, or your complete site, by assigning passwords. This is not the same as setting-up user accounts. (See below.)<br>
To password protect the folder "For j", for example, click the folder to select it, then right-click and choose "Set user/pass". Then complete the dialog box:
To password protect the folder "Downloads", for example, click the folder to select it, then right-click and choose "Set user/pass". Then complete the dialog box:
[[Image:035.png]]
[[Image:081.png]]


After you've clicked "Ok", only those who use the correct  username and know the password can access this folder. You'll notice that a locked icon appears next to the folder in HFS.
After you've clicked "Ok", only those who use the correct  username and know the password can access this folder. You'll notice that a locked icon appears next to the folder in HFS.
[[Image:036.png]]
[[Image:063.png]]


To remove the protection, click "Reset user/pass".
To remove the protection, click "Reset user/pass".
Line 115: Line 124:
Fill-in the "Username" and "Password" and click Ok.<br>
Fill-in the "Username" and "Password" and click Ok.<br>
Click "Restrict access" again to check that the acount has been established correctly.<br>
Click "Restrict access" again to check that the acount has been established correctly.<br>
If you click "All existing accounts", all users with an account (including the one you have just setup) must enter their username and password in order to access the "Downloads" folder. <br>
If you click "All existing accounts", all users with an account (including the one you have just setup) must enter their username and password to access the "Downloads" folder. <br>
If you click
If you click "No account", you effectively remove all username/password  protection for the item.
 
==Saving your configuration==
 
If you have followed the process outlined above, you now have a simple, very easy-to-use HFS server that is fully-secured and protected.<br>
The final task is to preserve your work by using "Save file system". <br>
You are prompted for a filename to use. Many users find it convenient to use an incremental naming system, eg. "01.vfs", "02.vfs", "03.vfs", etc.
But, of course, you are free to adopt whatever naming system you prefer.
'''Warning'''  Do not attempt to change the default file extension;always use "vfs".
 
See [[ Refinements]] for for more step-by-step guidance about some of the other features included in HFS

Latest revision as of 11:24, 12 August 2007

If you connect to the Internet through a hardware router/firewall you will almost certainly have to configure your router in order to get HFS to work properly. The critical task is called "Port fowarding".
You can get help about this at Portforward, and on the HFS Forum.
Many firewalls also require that you give HFS permission to send and receive files.

Summary

This section explains what you have to do to establish a working, fully-secured and protected, HFS server. These tasks include:

  1. Starting and testing.
  2. Adding folders for upload and download.
  3. Determining addresses.
  4. Setting passwords.
  5. Defining user accounts.
  6. Saving a configuration.

Initial state

When you have configured your router, double-click the file named hfs.exe to start your server. Initially, it looks like this:

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

Of course the "Address" in the above illustration is not the address you actually see on your server.

Self Test

Now make sure that your server is visible on the Internet, by using "Self Test". Click the option and follow the onscreen instructions. A successful test, popsup the following:

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

"Self Test" is an amazingly powerful HFS feature. It not only checks Internet visibilty, it also attempts to automatically repair many common connection problems.

In general terms, if "Self Test" is successful you can be almost certain that the server is visible on the Internet, and is ready to accept and process upload and download requests. Equally, however, if it fails there is little point in continuing configuration until you have solved this connection problem. (Most often failure to forward port correctly.)

You'll see that the first Address displayed is now replaced by your normal IP address. Click "IP address" to see the various address-handling options available. But do not change it right now.
You can check your normal IP address at, for example: IP address or Audit PC.

Adding an upload folder

Next, add an upload folder so that your friends can easily send you files. This must be a real folder (see HFS: Glossary). To do this:

  1. Create a new folder on your hard disk eg. C:\Uploads, by using Window's Explorer.
  2. If you have "Add to HFS" in the Windows Explorer context menu, simply right-click on the folder and click this option. Then click "Real Folder" in the resultant dialog box.
  3. The alternative is to drag&drop the folder "Uploads" to the left pane of the server window named "Virtual File System".
  4. Make sure that "Uploads" is selected (ie. it has the focus). Use Upload →Upload for accounts →Anyone so that any of your friends can access this folder.
  5. You can password-protect "Uploads", but most users don't do this so that all their friends can upload files without any restrictions. (See "Password protection", below.)
  6. You may care to type (or paste) http://localhost/ into your Internet browser to check what your site's users will see when they access your site. Alternatively, use the Browser function in HFS.

Adding a download folder

Next, add a download directory so that your friends can easily download files from you. This can be a virtual folder (see HFS: Glossary), but for first-time use, it's probably easier to use another real folder. To do this:

  1. Create a new folder on your hard disk eg. "C:\Downloads", by using Window's Explorer. Copy some test files there, of the type you imagine your friends will want. MP3s, for example.
  2. If you have "Add to HFS" in the context menu, simply right-click on the folder and click this option. Then click "Real Folder" in the resultant dialog box.
  3. The alternative is to drag&drop the folder "Downloads" to the left pane of the server window named "Virtual File System".
  4. You probably should password-protect "Download", but, assuming your system is reasonably secure (ie. you have at least an updated firewall), it's safe to leave it without any restrictions for a few minutes while you complete configuration. (See "Password protection", below.)
  5. You can type (or paste) http://localhost/ into your browser to check what your site's users see when they access your site. Alternatively, use the HFS Browser function.

The HFS Virtual File System now looks like this:

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

http://localhost/ now displays this:

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

Addresses to give out

Your friends can now download any files you add to the folder C:\Downloads on your hard disk. You can either give them the address of your site,

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

or of the item (the folder "Downloads").

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

If you use folder names that contain spaces, the item address may include % signs and some unwanted digits. In order to make it more readable, you can use the HFS "URL Encoding" facility (Main menu in "Expert mode"). Uncheck "Encode spaces" to remove the % signs which conventionally represent spaces, and the superfluous digits. The item then becomes a little more clear and readable:

Warning
Many HFS users like to give their site address to their buddies while they are using a Chat or Messenger application. In these circumstances, you may find some difficulties if you attempt to send the more readable version. (The Messenger browser, for example, normally just freezes when it encounters a non-encoded space.) One solution is to just right-click on the address (or file, or folder, or item) in HFS, and use "Copy URL". You can then simply paste the address into your chat browser.

A neat solution that avoids any problems with this, is to only create folders with names (character strings) that do not contain spaces!
For example "Downloads", "Mother", "Music", "Catherine",etc.

Password protection

You can protect folders, files, other items, or your complete site, by assigning passwords. This is not the same as setting-up user accounts. (See below.)
To password protect the folder "Downloads", for example, click the folder to select it, then right-click and choose "Set user/pass". Then complete the dialog box: File:081.png

After you've clicked "Ok", only those who use the correct username and know the password can access this folder. You'll notice that a locked icon appears next to the folder in HFS.

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

To remove the protection, click "Reset user/pass".

Passwords and folder restrictions

Some users get confused about the use of folder restrictions, and the "username/password" facilities, in HFS.
It is perfectly possible to have a highly secure HFS server without using the "username/password" facilities at all.

The best practice is to just protect your HFS folders. This a key difference between HFS and conventional file servers. Many have used conventional servers and discovered that you have to have an account and login before you can do anything.
HFS just isn't like that.

On this site for example, "rojetto" (whoever he is) has no account. But he can access the folders "Uploads and "4rojetto". He can't access "Downloads" (because he doesn't know the password). You can see that "Downloads" has a padlock icon, to show that it's locked.

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

You can also password-protect root.

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

Now "rojetto" (who still doesn't know the password) can see the folders, but can't access any of them.

For extra security however, you can set-up user accounts.

User accounts

Use the facilities in "Restrict access" to setup user accounts.

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

Assuming you haven't setup any accounts before, select the "Downloads" folder, and click "New account" to display:

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

Fill-in the "Username" and "Password" and click Ok.
Click "Restrict access" again to check that the acount has been established correctly.
If you click "All existing accounts", all users with an account (including the one you have just setup) must enter their username and password to access the "Downloads" folder.
If you click "No account", you effectively remove all username/password protection for the item.

Saving your configuration

If you have followed the process outlined above, you now have a simple, very easy-to-use HFS server that is fully-secured and protected.
The final task is to preserve your work by using "Save file system".
You are prompted for a filename to use. Many users find it convenient to use an incremental naming system, eg. "01.vfs", "02.vfs", "03.vfs", etc. But, of course, you are free to adopt whatever naming system you prefer.

Warning Do not attempt to change the default file extension;always use "vfs".

See Refinements for for more step-by-step guidance about some of the other features included in HFS