FTP Server - Is it possible?

1) Is it possible to make an FTP server WITHOUT a website?

2) If Yes, Can people connect to the FTP server just by typing in my ip address in there url, or do they need a client version of the ftp software?

3) If so, which FTP program will do this? Preferably free.

4) How does this affect my security on the net?

5) If no, whats a fast and free way of transferring files on the net between people. I mainly want to do like 2-10MB videos, and game patches and files. Most free sites only allow 20-30mb of free storage. And AIM is just SLOWWW.

I'm new to this whole ftp thing.

Thanks for the help.
Jnick

 

1) Is it possible to make an FTP server WITHOUT a website?
YES
2) If Yes, Can people connect to the FTP server just by typing in my ip address in there url, or do they need a client version of the ftp software?
YES and they can use 3rd party software (recommended) as well

3) If so, which FTP program will do this? Preferably free.
SmartFTP

4) How does this affect my security on the net?
Port 21 will be open to connections. Make sure you do NOT allow anonymous access to the FTP

what OS are you running?

 

XP Home

Thanks

 

Yes -most Internet Browsers will connect to an ftp if you type the URL correctly -but as Kodo mentioned you should set a username and password. FTP clients are much more able to surf an FTP site.
For example:

from BPFTP support:
The syntax to use in the URL box is :

"ftp://loginassword@yourserveriport/[/url][path/file.zip>"
damn smilies: how do I disable them?

edit:that'd do it.

 

Scroll down when you reply and there is a checkbox.

 

Thanks. (smilies RE-enabled)
-522.