Web site users, and ftp

[Debian User <debuser@airgazm.com>]

So, I have a few users I want to add to my web server, but I have a 
question or two.

So with apache installed, I am not sure where I should store all the web 
data, previously I was storing in /var/www.

I wan't users to be able to upload their content easily without hassle.

Problem 1.  When a user connects thorough ftp, presently they have to 
change to the /var/www/users folder to upload data.  This is a problem 
because not only will they have trouble changing directorys, a smart 
user can browse my entire server from ftp.

Problem 2.  When a user uploads a file, they have to change permissions 
on that file, problem is that a lot of users, will be using Dreamweaver, 
and Dreamweaver requires a Permissions extension to allow changing a 
permission, I don't want to have to explain to them how to use this.

I came from a Micro$oft enviroment where all this mentioned above was 
done automaticly, is there any way to make this an automatic process to 
eliminate the users calling me all the time?

Maybe I should be putting all the web site files in the users home 
directory, that would make the directory change easier, but I don't 
think it will solve the permissions problem.  maybe there is a way to 
make the permissions in the users directory to default to 755 or 
something.  I have been having trouble finding these answers, if there 
is a page I can read, then I will I just need to know where to look.

Thanks for any info.

Debuser
Debian Woody 3.0
Proftpd
Apache