Mini Servers: Introduction

Mini Servers: Compact but fully functional.

Mini Series

stretched limo

No! Not a range of classic cars but a range of mini servers based on Uniform Server's architecture. These mini power units are usable in either a portable mode or may be installed to provide a service.

The eight-cylinder Apache 2.2.9 core powers all models. Models come in three formats; basic straight Apache, turbo charged options either Perl 5.10 or the popular PHP 5.2.6.

Note The turbo chargers are a limited edition and slightly under powered, as is the main Apache engine. However these are upgradeable by visiting each manufacture to obtain their latest full production version, these are highly tuned providing maximum raw power.

Uniform Server for whatever reason reminded me of a stretched limo thought I would chop it up into three minis!

Mini Servers

Apache is a battle-hardened server the new version (2.2.9) bristles with all manner of goodies. Its main features are stability, performance and security some would say at the expense of complexity. In this series I hope to dispel this myth of complexity, what makes Apache so versatile is its wide range of extensions (modules) providing numerous features. This modular approach allows you to tailor the server to your own requirements.

Everyone seems to want bigger better servers with all those bells and whistles occasionally all I want is a small compact test server that performs one specific task and easily configurable. I never like to use something I neither trust or understand hence hack Uniform Server to meet these needs.

Uniform Server’s basic architecture and Apache cores make for truly ace compact portable servers. Instead of throwing these away I thought it worthwhile to document and publish them hence this mini server series. In the series I emphasise the need for security don’t take security for granted search the Internet for professional advice and implement.

What use are they? Well these are not toys; first in the series is a small production server for serving basic HTML pages. Minor changes to this basic server allow you to explore and learn server side languages such as Perl and PHP. In keeping with my minimalist philosophy they use only core language elements. Don’t be deceived by this approach they are small powerhouses capable of producing some impressive web sites.

If you do require full language capability use Uniform Server 3.5-Apollo, transferring from a mini server will not be difficult since they are based on 3.5-Apollo’s architecture. (These servers were tested on Windows XP Home only.)

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Table showing full range of mini servers

Name	Type	Compressed	Uncompressed	Apache	PHP	PERL	Comments
UC Server 1a	Portable	456KB	1.03MB	2.2.9
UC Server 1b	Service	404KB	904KB	2.2.9
UC Server 1c	Portable	472KB	1.24MB	2.2.9			Includes htaccess, authentication and mod-rewrite
UC Server 1d - SSL	Portable	1M	2.99MB	2.2.9			As server 1c with added protect of SSL
UC Server 1d - SSL Standalone	Portable	0.99M	2.95MB	2.2.9			As server 1d SSL Standalone no main server on port 80
UC Server 2a	Portable	2.03MB	6.07MB	2.2.9	5.2.6		Includes Guest Book
UC Server 2b	Service	2.28MB	7.03MB	2.2.9	5.2.6		Includes Guest Book
UC Server 3a	Portable	960KB	2.67MB	2.2.9		5.10
UC Server 3b	Service	1.07MB	3.51MB	2.2.9		5.10

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Server 1a - Apache core 2.2.9

A very basic portable production server for serving web pages (htm and html). Includes a basic web site. Redesigned to allow multiple servers running on same PC, these require a separate virtual drive.

1. Introduction: Intro and security
2. Specification: Four lines! Yep that basic.
3. Modules: List all Apache modules used for the server.
4. Apache configuration file: - Reduced file to make it clean and understandable.
5. Access control: - This access control block defines the server security. Important
6. Support files: - How to download, unpack server and test.
7. Your Web Site: Where to put your web site.
8. Summary: Leading onto uc server 1b.

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Server 1b - Apache core 2.2.9

As above but no longer portable runs as a service. Remains a production server for serving web pages (htm and html). Includes a basic web site.

1. Introduction: Intro and surgery performed
2. Specification: Single line change.
3. Changes: Outlines what changes are required.
4. Apache configuration file: - Highlighted changes in bold.
5. Batch files: - Install and Uninstall server as a service.
6. Support files: - How to download, unpack server and test.
7. Your Web Site: Where to put your web site.
8. Summary: Leading onto uc server 2a.

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Server 1c - Apache core 2.2.9 - htaccess, authentication and mod-rewrite

This server is based on Server 1a. It has the following enabled, htaccess, basic authentication and mod rewrite. Mod rewrite was included to enhance basic authentication. Included are two examples of authentication, protection of single private pages and protection of private folders. A name and password are required to access individual protected areas. Runs on virtual drive Z server uses port 8080.

1. Introduction: Intro
2. Moving the Server: How to change port to 8080 and virtual drive to z
3. How to enable htaccess: and protect from Internet access
4. How to add authentication: Modules required to enable basic authentication
5. :Add password folder and file to save name/password pairs.
6. How to add mod rewrite: Extremly easy to add mod rewrite.
7. Mini server httpd.conf: Complete configuration file.
8. Support files: Download this server.
9. Secure: How to protect single pages with a name and password.
10. Secure2: How to protect individual folders with a name and password.
11. Summary: Leading onto an SSL enabled server.

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Server 1d - Apache core 2.2.9 - htaccess, authentication and mod-rewrite SSL

This server is based on Server 1c. It has the following enabled, htaccess, basic authentication, mod rewrite and SSL. Mod rewrite was included to enhance basic authentication. Included are two examples of authentication, protection of single private pages and protection of private folders. A name and password are required to access individual protected areas. Runs on virtual drive X server uses port 80. Increased security is achieved by encrypting the password and data using SSL.

1. Introduction: Intro
2. Folder structure: Split the root folders
3. Configuration file structure: Uses two configuration files
4. How to add SSL: Enable SSL in main configuration file
5. :ssl.conf Enable htaccess in SSL config.
6. Complete configuration files:Shows both configuration files used.
7. Support files: Download this server.
8. Generate new server Certificate and key: Must create new certificate and key
9. Summary: Leading onto server 1e

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Server 1e - Apache core 2.2.9 - authentication and mod-rewrite SSL Standalone

This server is based on Server 1d. Support for htaccess removed. Basic authentication, mod rewrite and SSL enabled. Mod rewrite was included to enhance basic authentication. Included are two examples of authentication, protection of single private pages and protection of private folders. A name and password are required to access individual protected areas. Runs on virtual drive X no main server on port 80 secure sever runs on port 443. Increased security is achieved by encrypting the password and data using SSL.

1. Introduction: Intro
2. Changes made to server 1d: Overview of changes
3. Complete configuration file: New configuration file
4. Summary of changes: Dtail of chanfes by section.
5. Support files: Download this server.
6. Generate new server Certificate and key: Must create new certificate and key
7. Conclusion: End of server 1series..

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Server 2a - Apache 2.2.9 & PHP 5.2.6

A basic portable production server with the added power of PHP.

1. Introduction: Intro and security
2. Specification: Four lines! Yep that basic.
3. Apache configuration file: - Minor changes required to server 1 config file.
4. PHP Core: - How to download PHP and extract the core components.
5. PHP configuration: Modifications required to php.ini file
6. Security: Reduce public visibility and disable system functions.
7. Support files: - How to download, unpack server and test.
8. Your Web Site: Where to put your web site.
9. Summary: Leading onto server 2a guest book.

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Server 2a Guest book

This mini server includes a quest book (version 1.7.2) downloaded from the DigiOz web site.

1. Introduction: Intro to guest book
2. Server configuration problem: Guest book highlights a server problem.
3. File extensions: - Shows why you should always a php file extensions.
4. Defensive programming: - Never trust user data!
5. Automated posts: Kill the automated post with a captua
6. Summary: Leading onto server 2b Server 2 running as a service.

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Server 2b - Apache 2.2.9 & PHP 5.2.6

As above but no longer portable runs as a service. A production server. Includes demo web sites and guest book.

1. Introduction: Intro and surgery performed
2. Specification: Single line change.
3. Changes: Outlines what changes are required.
4. Apache configuration file: - Highlighted changes in bold.
5. PHP configuration file: Highlighted changes in bold.
6. Batch files: - Install and Uninstall server as a service.
7. Support files: - How to download, unpack server and test.
8. Your Web Site: Where to put your web site.
9. Summary: Leading onto server 3a.

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Server 3a - Apache 2.2.9 & Perl 5.10

A basic portable production server with the added power of Perl.

1. Introduction: Intro and security
2. Specification: Five lines! Yep that basic.
3. Apache configuration file: - Minor changes required to server 1 config file.
4. Perl Core: - How to download Perl and extract the core components.
5. Security: Reduce public visibility and disable system functions.
6. Support files: - How to download, unpack server and test.
7. Your Web Site: Where to put your web site.
8. Shebang problem: Make sure you are using the correct one
9. Summary: Leading onto server 3b run as service.

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Server 3b - Apache 2.2.9 & Perl 5.10

As above but no longer portable runs as a service. A production server. Includes demo web sites and guest book.

1. Introduction: Intro
2. Specification: Single line change.
3. Apache configuration file: - Highlighted changes in bold.
4. Batch files: - Install and Uninstall server as a service.
5. Support files: - How to download, unpack server and test.
6. Your Web Site: Where to put your web site.
7. Shebang problem: Make sure you are using the correct one
8. Summary: Leading onto !!!.

Summary

Each mini server is complete including an example of the type of web site it can support. The first in the series is probably about as secure as anyone can make a server on Windows! Well enjoy I hope you can find a use for one of these or just use the full version of Uniform Server.

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Ric