Home Web Server: Home
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Home Web Server: Home | Overview | Single Page Guide | Install | Security | DynDNS Account | DynDNS Updater | Updater portability | Problems |
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Home Web Server Uniform Server 3.5-Apollo. |
Building your own web site and running a personal home web server is relatively easy. Uniform server is one of several complete server packages you can download, it is pre-configured no need to learn all about servers. As for website design, again many packages are available for download these are a mater of personal preference try as many as possible.
I cover only the server side and how to put it on-line. All it will cost is your time all software for this project is open source and free.
You do not need to be a rocket scientist to complete this project. I assume you have basic computer skills such as how to create and delete folders and files. How to download files from the Internet and finally how to use NotePad or a similar text editor (|EditPad Lite is ideal) never use Microsoft Word or WordPad to edit text files.
Quick start
No need to read the rest of this introduction or the web server overview page jump straight to the Single Page Guide and get stuck in.
If you want a little background information perhaps they are worth reading.
Project Intro
These notes provide a detailed guide for implementing a home web server using the Uniform Server package. The package in reality contains two servers Apache (web page server) and MySQL (database server) in addition PHP and Perl is thrown in with some extras. Using this package makes the whole task of setting up a home web server extremely easy.
I must stress these servers are not toys but full-blown production servers. After testing your site locally, you can go live and serve pages to the Internet. I will cover security issues however the server design team have covered critical issues and produced a very secure installation. Never be complacent when it comes to security always keep your software up to date.
Main Sections
The following four steps are required to put your home web server on the Internet.
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1) Firewall When connected to the Internet always run a firewall Never run any server without one check this section out for details. |
2) Install Uniform Server 3.5-Apollo This package runs comfortably on Windows XP home if you need a production server that runs PHP and MySQL this Apache server package is ideal and easy to install. | |
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3) Get a domain For people to find your web server you need an entry in one of the DN servers. You can buy a domain name or use a free service like DynDns. |
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4) Auto update domain The majority of service providers allocate a dynamic IP address. Every time you re-connect to your provider, this address changes. Use an Updater to track these changes and automatically update IP address at DynDNS. |
Uniform Server current stable releases
For reference, I have shown the current Uniform Server stable releases and package contents.
| Uniform Server 3.2a | Uniform Server 3.3 | Uniform Server 3.5 Apollo |
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| Apache 2.0.54 | Apache 2.0.55 | Apache 2.0.59 |
| MySQL 4.1.12a | MySQL 5.0.17 | MySQL 5.0.37 |
| PHP 5.0.4 | PHP & Extensions 5.1.1 | PHP Version 5.2.3 |
| - | phpMyBackupPro 1.7.1 | phpMyBackupPro v.2.1 |
| phpMyAdmin 2.6.3-rc1 | phpMyAdmin 2.6.4-pl4 | phpMyAdmin 2.10.2 |
| ActivePerl 5.8.7.813 | ActivePerl 5.8.7.815 | ActivePerl 5.8.8.820 |
Memory stick
The Uniform Server package is impressive however, what makes it stand out from the rest is the fact that the servers are portable. You can run them from any folder on any hard drive including a USB memory stick (allowing you to take the servers with you and run on another machine). One key advantage of this portability the installation does not integrate or place additional software components on your computer. Just delete the folder containing your servers and they are gone no dross left behind, hence the reason why there is no install and un-install package for this software.
Audience
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This guide is for any one who needs detailed installation information for Uniform Server and how to connect it to the Internet. Understanding the basics is essential I like to visualise a complete system as shown in the web server overview it helps with implementation. Along the way, I will dispel some myths and just incorrect information that can be found on the Internet. The following shows what we are trying to achieve note one critical component the firewall. |
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Orientation
I have included numerous images with cut down screen shots. Along with folder views these help with orientation. OK so I like images always nice to see the unexpected, no surprises later. An important concept to grasp is DNS (Domain Name Service) this is what makes the Internet work please read the section on DNS.
System requirements
This installation guide is purely for Windows XP home edition however; the techniques are applicable to other operating systems.
Modem Requirements
I would recommend a fast Internet connection however; a dial-up modem is suitable for text-based sites ( minimum image content, OK not very practical but the point is that anyone can have a play even with a dial-up modem). The real problem with a dial-up modem is not its speed (when sending text) but the fact that you normally cannot remain permanently connected to your ISP ( Speed becomes an issue when your site contains a large number of images or when your site becomes popular and receives several hits at once (if only!).
Live dangerously
I am assuming you are surfing the Internet behind a firewall. If not the security of these servers is of little consequence because you are already open to threats. Do not even think about running any server application without a firewall installed. I will emphasise this point again never ever, connect to the Internet without a firewall running .Check out the firewall section NOW.
Reading Order
Ideally read the notes in the following order or jump to the section that is relevant to your needs. Before going live with your Web server do read the firewall section and any notes regarding security. I must emphasise installing a home web server is not difficult thanks to Uniform Server and similar packages.
- Web Server overview (How all the components fit together)
- Firewall Make sure to use a firewall
- Installing Uniform Server 3.5-Apollo
- DynDNS (Free service that makes it all work)
- Automatic DNS update
General
These notes are provided for guidance only it is your responsibility to check their validity and correctness. With that little gem out of the way I trust they will be of some value to you.
Where to next
The next page covers basic Internet web server fundamentals.
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Ric |