In the previous part, we described why you should use a web-based file manager. Then we presented a PHP-based open-source file manager called “BytesFall Explorer.” We recommend reading the first half before moving on. You should find it published here on DevShed. Although we’ll do our best to explain the core concepts once again, it certainly doesn’t replace reading the whole article.

Before we begin, let’s point out the assumptions. You should have access to a web-server (either paid hosting on a shared server or a dedicated server that you run), PHP versions higher than 4.0.6, MySQL versions 4.0.x or higher, and the following libraries: GD (> or = 2.0.1) and Zlib.

In the previous part, we dwelled a bit more on these server applications, so if you are in doubt and don’t know what to do, then please refer back to the first article. Otherwise, you can move on. Keep in mind that during the installation process, there’s a stage where PHPfileNavigator checks the server requirements. This is when it points out if your server is lacking some packages or if there’s some configuration problem.

Now we can begin. But first let’s check out the features of pfn2. It is a secure, multi-user file manipulation utility that allows indexing, searching, web access control, tree-view, downloading compressed versions of files and directories, powerful image management, file type restriction, verbose logging (activity and error logs), full administration, uploading new files, editing existing files, and so forth.

Let’s see how we can set it up on our web server. Read on.