Setting up a proxy and ftp server?

[orange400]

I want to get my computer running as a web proxy and an ftp server, but I have the regular old neighborhood-style comcast cable internet. Is it still possible to be a server?

Also, any tips on setting up a server securely?

Thanks a lot!

[Cjwinnit]

Get an account and a domain name (free) from www.no-ip.com so whenever anyone types in the domain it goes to your computer.

Not sure about FTP but there are a few good ones about. If you want to run a website Apache (http://httpd.apache.org) owns all.

[su root]

Use linux, although it can be done on windows, it's much faster (no overhead), and generally more secure than a default windows install.

I would suggest looking into iptables (http://netfilter.org/) (or ipfw if you use a unix/bsd box) for firewalling. They're a little complex, but if you can find a decent set of rules for them to start you off, then you'll be good.

Only install what's necessary. For your situation, I would use a very basic linux install, add iptables (for NAT/firewalling), and squid (for proxy), and pureftp or proftpd (for ftp services), and a dns name caching daemon (named) for caching dns lookups... and nothing else.. no gui, nothing. That would give you a very lean firewall/proxy/nat/ftp box that could be run on a 386, if you wanted to.

I would be careful while configuring ftp.. with proftpd, it's a little tricky to get it set up for no-anonymous (IMO).

[jajmon]

Your cable connection should be fine.