Frequently Asked Questions To Port-FTP

1) What's wrong if my filter program does not work with pftp?

At first check the following:

% ls -l / | filter1 | filter2 > file1

% ls -l / > file2

% diff file1 file2 && echo ok

Where `filter1' is used as the filter program on the client side and `filter2' is used as the filter program on the server side. If this works without interaction from your side than it should also work with pftp as a filter program. Always keep in mind that the filter on the server side is exactly(!) the opposite of the filter on the client side, e.g. `gzip' and `gunzip'.

2) What's wrong if the daemon does not start?

At first take look into the lock file (`/var/log/pftp.log'). Most of the time you will find the error that way. If the server started by the internet daemon does not work try at first using pftp's daemon from command line, i.e. exchange `-i' with `-d'. If this works check your entry in `/etc/inetd.conf'.

3) What's wrong if pftp exits with `** socket: Invalid argument'?

You are using the IPv6 version of pftp but forgot to load your ipv6.o kernel modul into the kernel. ;^)

4) Isn't it insecure to put my filter password into my `.pftprc'?

Well, if someone is able to read the password from your resource file he or she probably does not need it any more! Sit back and take some seconds to think about it. If you do not agree with me nevertheless, let's converse about it via E-Mail (support@pftp.de).

5) Can pftp send files reliable via multicast?

No, not by now.

6) How can I use mcrypt as my second filter program?

Suppose you want to send data from `host1' to `host2' using mcrypt as your second filter program. In your pftp resource file (.pftprc) set the following two global (or host specific) variables:

PFTPSFILTER /bin/gunzip:/usr/bin/mcrypt -q -d -b

PFTPCFILTER gzip -5:/usr/bin/mcrypt -q -b

And as host specific variables you may set:

friend@host2

PFTPSFVAR2 MCRYPT_KEY your_secret_key:MCRYPT_ALGO Twofish-256

PFTPCFVAR2 MCRYPT_KEY your_secret_key:MCRYPT_ALGO Twofish-256

Set these variables on the local host `host1' as well as on the remote host `host2'. On the remote host `host2' you write `host1' instead of `host2'. That's it for the resource file. Now let's go on to the command line options. Whenever you want to use mcrypt as your filter program between `host1' and `host2' or vice versa just use option `-f2', i.e. suppose you want to send some files to your friend at `host2' you may start the client like this

% pftp -1f2n files

where `1' is the number of `friend@host2' in your host name list (try `pftp -l' to see the list, or start pftp with `pftp -lf2n files' to select the host from your list interactively). Please see also mcrypt(1).

7) How can I use pftp to update my MySQL database?

Suppose your first filter program is `gzip'. On the server side, i.e. the side to be updated, enter the following on command line

% pftp -fbbx | mysql database_name

and on the client side, i.e. the side from which to update the database enter

% mysqldump database_name | pftp -1fbb

Where `1' is the sever side host name number from your host name list. See also `/usr/doc/MySQL-3.22.27/manual.html'.

8) What are the major differences between pftp and other file/data transfer programs?

8.1) You do not need root privileges at all to use pftp.

8.2) No authentication is necessary but possible.

8.3) You can filter your transfered data with wathever filter program you like.

8.4) You can send messages to another user on the web reliable.

8.5) Sending data to another user via pftp is much faster, easier, and much more reliable then sending it via E-Mail.

8.6) It's the fastest data transfer program I know. If you don't believe me test it: Send a very large file and take a stop watch to ensure the correct timing. Also send many small files and compare it with other programs. You will be amazed! :^)