Linux Lite Forums

Software - Support => Installing Software => Topic started by: Earthenware on July 04, 2016, 09:48:09 AM

Title: Secure File Transfer
Post by: Earthenware on July 04, 2016, 09:48:09 AM
Can I get some advice on how to securely transfer files using a GUI please?

I've installed a Ubuntu 14.04 server.  I can SSH from my Linux Lite client to the server no problem.  I am using a non-standard TCP port and I'm using a password (SSH keys didn't work out well for me).

Reading online, advice was to try Nautilus and Filezilla.  I installed Nautilus via "Install/Remove Software" but it doesn't seem to be present in any of the menus.  I also tried Filezilla but I can't seem to get it to work as it looks like it expects SSH keys.

What software are you all using to transfer files securely from your Linux Lite clients to Linux servers (using a non-standard TCP port)? 

NB: These are all running in Virtualbox VMs but I don't think that's an issue as I have all other services talking to each other.
Title: Re: Secure File Transfer
Post by: Earthenware on July 05, 2016, 03:44:33 AM
It turned out that although I couldn't connect in Filezilla using the "quick connect" facility, I was able to if I set up the connection using the "Site Manager".

My guess is that the quick connect feature was using the TCP port to determine the required service, which wouldn't work of course when using a non-standard port. 

In the site manager I was able to specify both the service (SSH) and the port number and it works nicely.
Title: Re: Secure File Transfer
Post by: LL-user on July 05, 2016, 03:48:50 AM
Hi Earthenware,

Recommendations depend of course also on the exact case of usage, i.e. how often, how much, how many users, how much comfort etc.

I always try to keep it as simple as possible which also means to install as little as necessary.

Linux Lite has already everything on board - as so often thanks to the great, considerate developer team :)

Therefore I would recommend using the installed file manager Thunar.
If you use the Toolbar Style (Thunar menu: -> View -> Location Selector -> Toolbar Style) you just need to type in:
Code: [Select]
sftp://<username>@<serverIP>:<port>/path/to/folder/on/server/
If you prefer to keep the Pathbar Style you can  hit Ctrl+L and type above command in the pop-up window.
For serverIP you can of course also use the hostname if you set it up the way that it gets resolved.

This will provide you with a Thunar window to your remote folder.
Then you open another Thunar window selecting your local folder.
From there you can use drag and drop or any other Thunar method to perform your file management.

Other solutions:

1. sshfs
You can mount the remote folder via sshfs to a local mount point. Then also using Thunar for file management.
sshfs needs to be installed though on the client.

2. Samba
Already installed and prepared by the Jerry & Co via Network Share Settings. But your server needs to run a Samba server too.

3. nfs
You could export the distinct folder on the server via nfs and mount it via nfs (and preferable automounter) locally. This would entail a lot more configuration and some installation.

Hope that helps for a start :)
Am sure others will contribute other ideas...
Title: Re: Secure File Transfer
Post by: Earthenware on July 05, 2016, 10:25:28 AM
That's great, thanks so much.
Title: Re: Secure File Transfer
Post by: Wirezfree on July 05, 2016, 11:46:48 AM
Hi,

A couple of things I did a while back, maybe of interest..??

- Remote Terminals (https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/on-topic/remote-'terminal'-access/msg8742/#msg8742)
- Remote Desktops (https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/tutorials/remote-'desktop'-control-options/msg8705/#msg8705)



GL
Title: Re: Secure File Transfer
Post by: LL-user on July 05, 2016, 09:44:34 PM
That's great, thanks so much.

You're welcome :)
Let us know how you go or where you need additional input.

If you decide to go with the sftp/Thunar solution:

1. Please be aware of this bug with certain LL (XFCE?) versions:
https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/other-17/data-loss-when-using-thunar-and-sftp-connection/msg24756/

2. You can easily create bookmarks in Thunar for your remote folders. All configuration can be done from within Thunar. If you prefer to work directly on the config file, you'll find it here:
Code: [Select]
~/.config/gtk-3.0/bookmarks

All the best :)