i have a gateway machine configured for internet connection sharing.i want to setup an ftp server inside my network.the question is, is it possible?and how? or should i just install it in on my gateway pc.i am really new to linux world and just beginning to migrate so forgive me if this question sounds stupid...tnx

It may be better to put the ftp server in the DMZ. That will keep the traffic out of your LAN. If the ftp server is dedicated you can lock it down tighter then you would for a workstation on the LAN, or even the gateway. Besides closing the other ports, you would only install what you need for an FTP server to work.

by DMZ u mean i should install it on my gateway machine?can u recommend an ftp server which is easy to manage and install or somewhat gui-based?many thanks for the help..
btw i am using mandrake 10 for now but im planning to upgrade to mandriva 2007.

By the DMZ, I mean a third zone. The first being the internet zone, the second being the LAN and the third for hosts that are exposed to the internet, such as an FTP or Web server.

It has been years since I used Mandrake Linux. I remember that if I installed a wizdrake package, that there would be GUI config wizards in the MCC for servers such as Samba. I don't remember whether there was one for an FTP server. The ftp service shouldn't need a lot of maintaining anyway. Several people have posted there favorites on this site so a search may be fruitful. You might look into webmin for maintaining the server. It will allow you to configure via a web browser and not need to install the xorg server.

You might want to pick up a book on Hardening Linux before you offer a public service. It will cover such things as which programs to uninstall, hunting for suid programs and running services in a jail.