View source for Home Web Server: Single Page Guide

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Home Web Server: 
[[Home Web Server: Home | Home]] |  
[[Home Web Server: Overview | Overview]] |  
[[Home Web Server: Single Page Guide | Single Page Guide]] |  
[[Home Web Server: Install | Install]] | 
[[Home Web Server: Security | Security]] | 
[[Home Web Server: DynDNS Account | DynDNS Account]] | 
[[Home Web Server: DynDNS Updater | DynDNS Updater]] | 
[[Home Web Server: DynDNS Updater portability | Updater portability]] | 
[[Home Web Server: Known Problems | Problems]]
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'''Quick Home Web Server'''<br>'''Home Web Server Uniform Server 3.5-Apollo.'''
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This page provides a quick tutorial showing how easy it is to put a home web server on-line using Uniform Server 3.5-Apollo.

== Install Uniform Server 3.5-Apollo ==
{|cellpadding="4"
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|valign="top"|1&nbsp;||Create a new folder named '''uniserver''' (you can choose whatever name you like)
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|valign="top"|2||Download [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=53691&package_id=48193 Uniform Server] (the file you are looking is '''UniServer3_5.exe''') save it to the folder you created in step 1
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|valign="top"|3||Extract files by '''Double-clicking''' on the file '''UniServer3_5.exe''', accept the defaults.
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|valign="top"|4||Once unpacked you will see a new folder named '''Uniform Server''' open this folder.
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|valign="top"|5||Start the servers by double-clicking on '''Server_Start.bat''', when challenged by your firewall allow connection on all ports.
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|valign="top"|6||Your browser will start (if not already running) and a web page will open displaying your web server control panel (apanel).<br>      '''''Note'':''' You can run apanel at anytime by typing the following into your browser '''<nowiki>http://localhost/apanel/</nowiki>'''
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|valign="top"|7|| With apanel displayed scroll down to the '''Configurations''' section of the left menu.
*Click '''MySQL Server Configuration''' at the bottom of this section.
*The default password ('''''root''''') needs changing, type in a new MySQL Password and click change. ('''[[Home Web Server: Security#Set MySQL Password |details]]''')
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|valign="top"|8|| Stop the servers by double-clicking on '''Stop.bat''' in folder Uniform Server.
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'''[[Home Web Server: Install | Check out detailed installation]]'''

== Put Servers on-line ==
By default Uniform Server is configured to refuse all connections from the outside world. This is controlled by the '''.htaccess''' file in folder C:\uniserver\'''Uniform Server\udrive\www'''.

'''''Note'':''' '''C:\uniserver''' is the folder and drive you used in step 1.

To put the servers on-line edit .htaccess as follows:
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;9&nbsp;||Open folder '''www'''
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|valign="top"|10||Open the file '''.htaccess''' in a text editor and change the fourth, fifth and sixth lines to this:
:'''<nowiki>#</nowiki>Order Deny,Allow'''<br>
:'''<nowiki>#</nowiki>Deny from all'''<br>
:'''<nowiki>#</nowiki>Allow from 127.0.0.1'''
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|valign="top"|11||'''Save''' the file.
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|valign="top"|12||Start the servers, Double-click '''Server_Start.bat'''
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Detailed information

=== Test local access ===
Type '''<nowiki>http://localhost/</nowiki>''' into your browser, Uniform Server image logo displayed (centre of the web page) confirms pages are being served.

=== Test on-line access ===
If you have a fixed IP address us that in the following test otherwise you need to determine your IP address.

To do this quickest way is to use the following link [http://www.whatismyip.com/ http://www.whatismyip.com/] type this IP address into your browser for example''' <nowiki>http://12.345.67.899/</nowiki>'''

Uniform Server image logo displayed (centre of the web page) confirms pages are being served to the Internet.

'''''Unable to connect'':'''

This is not unexpected so don’t be alarmed the servers are working fine confirmed by the local access test. The probable cause, port 80 is not open see next section.

'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
== Open and forward port 80 ==
Your web server listens for incoming requests on port 80. If you have either a software firewall (such as Zone Alarm or Windows etc) or a NAT firewall (router), chances are it is set to block these incoming requests on port 80. Hence you will need to configure your firewall to allow incoming requests on port 80.

I am not going to attempt to show any examples; you would be surprised at the vast number of firewalls available. If you’re having trouble configuring your firewall, check out this site '''[http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/firewalling/routerindex.htm PortForward]''' dedicated to this topic.  If your firewall is not listed post a help request

'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
== Dynamic IP addresses ==
Majority of service provider’s supply a different IP address every time you connect to the Internet this is referred to as a dynamic IP address.

To run a web server you require a fixed IP address allowing other Internet users to access your server. In addition you want a domain name that translates to this fixed IP address.

To resolve this area you require either a Dynamic DNS service provider or obtain a static IP address (costs extra to your standard account) and register a domain name (again extra cost). For testing use a free Dynamic DNS service provider explained below.

'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
== Free Dynamic DNS service ==
There are several free dynamic DNS service providers to choose from, I personally like DynDNS. They provide you with a URL and point it to the IP address of your web server. In addition they provide free clients to update the IP address (effectively making it static).

Create an account at '''[http://www.dyndns.org/ DynDNS]''' log in and set up your account as follows:

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|valign="top"|1&nbsp;||'''Login''' to DynDNS using your '''name''' and '''password'''.
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|valign="top"|2||Click on '''My services''' (either use left menu or top right link)
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|valign="top"|3||Click on '''Add New Hostname''' (link to the right of Hostnames)
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|valign="top"|4||Enter '''Hostname''': that you wish to use (example: '''fred''')to the right select the second part from the drop down menu (example: '''gotdns.com''')
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|valign="top"|5||Check the '''Wildcard''': box
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|valign="top"|6||'''Service Type:''' select the radio button '''Host with IP address'''
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|valign="top"|7||'''IP Address:''' If the IP address field is not automatically filled in click '''Use auto detected IP address''' link
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|valign="top"|8||Click '''Create Host''' (You may have to repeat this process if that domain is already in use)
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|valign="top"|9||'''''Note'':''' When you now click My services you will see your host listed (example fred.gotdns.com) and your IP address.<br>
If you need to manually change your IP address click on your host link it takes you to the config page.
|}

Wait 10 to 30 minutes for the records to update. Start your servers and type your new host name into your browser.
In the above example it would be '''www.fred.gotdns.com''' Uniform Server image logo displayed (centre of web page) confirms pages are being served.

'''[[Home Web Server: DynDNS Account |Check out detailed installation]]'''

'''''Note'''''

DynDNS free accounts no longer offer Wildcards a very important feature hence I now recommend DtDNS check out [[DtDNS: Introduction | '''this write-up''']].  

'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''

== Dynamic DNS updating client ==
Whenever you connect to the Internet your IP address changes. For your DynDNS URL to work you need to login and update the IP address otherwise it will still be pointing to your old IP address, preventing anyone accessing your servers.

To overcome this manual updating you need to run an update client on your computer. An update client continually monitors your IP address and detects when it changes. On detecting this change automatically logs into DynDNS and updates your IP address. Your URL will always point to the current IP address hence your servers are always accessible.

You have two options either a fixed or portable installation.

=== Fixed ===
To obtain a free update client follow these steps:

# Go to [http://www.dyndns.org/ www.dyndns.org]
# Click the '''Support''' tab
# Click '''Download Now''' to download '''DynDNS Updater (3.1.0.15)''' (save to a folder)
# Follow the install instructions at [http://www.dyndns.com/support/clients/dyndns-updater-guide.html dyndns-updater-guide]

The above includes a Window installer, this installs all Windows features such as an entry in the all programs folder.

The installation guide is excellent and easy to follow hence no need to duplicate it here.

=== Portable ===
I prefer a portable solution and have written a detailed installing guide the steps are as follows:

{|cellpadding="2"
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;1&nbsp;||Go to [http://kanasolution.com/download.php?i=36 Kanasolution.com]
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;2||Scroll down the page to '''Without Setup''' and click the download image to download the file '''DynDNS-3.1.0.15.zip'''
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;3||Save this file to folder '''Uniform Server'''. (contains the start and stop batch files)
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;4||Extract the files, right click on the file '''DynDNS-3.1.0.15.zip''' and select extract all, click '''Next''' and '''Next''' again.
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;5||This creates a new folder named DynDNS-3.1.0.15 rename it to '''dyndns_updater'''
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;6||If you wish to save disk space delete the file '''DynDNS-3.1.0.15.zip'''
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;7||Connect to the Internet
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;8||Open folder '''dyndns_updater''' and double click on '''DynDNS.exe'''
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|valign="top"|&nbsp;9||Welcome page is displayed click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|10||Choose your connection type: '''Select Local Area Network''' click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|11||Public IP address: Click '''Detect My IP''', and check that it detects and displays your IP address. Click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|12||Hostname Group: Enter '''ALL''' (choose anything you like). Click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|13||Enter your DynDNS account information '''Username''' and account '''Password'''. Repeat the password in the Confirm box. Click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|14||Make sure the '''YES''' radio button is selected. This downloads all the hosts that exist in your account. Click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|15||Hostname Information: '''Check''' the box for each host that you want DynDNS updater to update. Click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|16|| '''Check''' the box enable automatic update. Click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|17||Leave both radio buttons '''un-selected'''. Click '''Next'''
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|valign="top"|18||Click '''Finished'''.
|}

If you need a little more help: 

'''[[Home Web Server: DynDNS Updater |Check out detailed installation]]'''

'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''

=== Running the Updater ===
The updater can be run at any time, it is independent of Uniform Server.

'''''How to run'''''

Open the folder '''dyndns_updater''' and double click on '''DynDNS.exe''' this runs the program and places an icon in the system tray (bottom right of screen). A green square with white tick indicates the updater is working.

Hover over the Icon to displays the current IP address (if it displays 127.0.0.1 connect to the Internet, right click the Icon and force an update by selecting '''Update IP now''')

'''''Note 1'':''' Your firewall will challenge DynDNS.exe access to the Internet always '''allow access.'''

'''''Note 2'':''' To view the log file, right click Icon and select '''Show main window''', select the log tab.

'''''How to stop'''''

Right click Icon and select '''Exit''', confirm you wish to stop the program by clicking '''OK.'''

== Testing ==
Connect to the Internet, run the updater and your servers.

Type your domain name (host name) into your browser for example '''www.fred.gotdns.com''' the Uniform Server default logo is displayed.

If you copy your site to folder '''www''' (C:\uniserver\'''Uniform Server\udrive\www''') and refresh your browser you will see your index page displayed.

Your site is now accessible on the Internet enjoy.
 
'''''[[#top | Top]]'''''
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{| 
| [[Image:uc_small_logo.gif]] || [[User:Ric|Ric]]
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