have seen many 'goods' for apache...can anyone

[spewn]

walk me through setting it up on my computer?

also saw a post that would allow, (after setting up apache) to run a web page from a pc, acting as a server.

very interested. right now, i have to ftp everything to my account server, to test the perl scripts.

-spewn

 

[goBoating]

What OS are you running?

If a Win OS, go to

http://www.activestate.com

and download the appropriate msi file. Double click it just like any other installation on a Win box. To get CGI stuff going, see the section in the FAQ document about setting up CGI . It is pretty straight forward.

On a *nix OS, go to

http://www.cpan.org

and either get a binary or source. If you are running Linux, it is probably already on your machine. If linux and you don't already have it, get the module and use rpm to install it. If you are running a common *nix flavor, you should be able to find a binary to work on CPAN. Download it, and look for a 'README' file in the base directory of the downloaded file structure. Follow the directions. Again, this won't be hard. Just read it and do what it says.

Come back and post any questions about specific problems or questions.

'hope this helps

If you are new to Tek-Tips, please use descriptive titles, check the FAQs, and beware the evil typo.

 

[spewn]

i feel so lost!

i went to active states page, but was unable to find apache. i assume that it's not apache you are referring to. with so many downloads, can you point me to the appropriate d/l? i am running win 2000 ME.

thank you! -spewn

 

[goBoating]

I AM SO SORRY!!!!!! - I read 'apache' and answered about Perl. 'My most sincere apologies. :~/

Now to answer your question......

http://httpd.apache.org/docs/windows.html

That page contains information about the Win ports of apache and how to download/install the software. You can download a binary for your system, and double click. It comes as a Win style *.msi file.

My standard warning about installing a web server..... Any time you open you machine to the public, you are inviting trouble. I run Apache on a Linux box. I routinely get web log entries indicating that people are trying to get into my box via Windows style attacks. No harm done no my box, but, if I had been running a Win OS, I might have been in trouble. Be sure you readup on the security issues associated with your OS (and with M$, there are a few ).

Again, I apologize for the misdirection. 'hope this helps

If you are new to Tek-Tips, please use descriptive titles, check the FAQs, and beware the evil typo.

 

[spewn]

i can use apache as a way to run and test cgi programs on my comp, yes?

i don't really need to use it as my website server, i do have a competant company i use.

if i just use it to test my stuff, there is no risk, other than what we are all subject to?

thanks for all your help...

-spewn

 

[goBoating]

i can use apache as a way to run and test cgi programs on my comp, yes?
Yes. Apache is a web server that will enable you to do that exactly.

i don't really need to use it as my website server, i do have a competant company i use.
That is how I use mine. I develop code for clients on my system and then move/install it on their's.

if i just use it to test my stuff, there is no risk, other than what we are all subject to?

If you are connected to the net with a web server running (apache) then you are vulnerable. If you are not connected, you can run the web server on your local machine and test you code with no risk.

There are real risks associated with how you write your code. There are also real risks associated with how you setup your web server. If you are running a system that will allow you to create users and control their permissions, then you should create a web server user that has very limited abilities. You can imagine that if you set up your web server user with root (or admin) priviledges, then when you system was compromised, the invader would have root abilities. VERY BAD! However, if all your web server is allowed to do is read and write it's own files, then the only thing it can hurt is itself and the rest of your system is a little safer. This is one example of many possible vulnerabilities.

For more, take a look at

http://www-genome.wi.mit.edu/WWW/faqs/www-security-faq.html

To see about Perl's taint mode, see

http://gunther.web66.com/FAQS/taintmode.html

and, get a book. There is a lot to read/learn on this subject and it is worth learning. I don't want to scare you away from running a web server. I run one and find it indespensible. You just need to be aware of the risks and how to minimize them. 'hope this helps

If you are new to Tek-Tips, please use descriptive titles, check the FAQs, and beware the evil typo.

 

[Haunter]

I have done the same. My situation is similar and I have gone through the process. These are a few things that may help you.

Install Apache
Install PERL
-Perl is automatically associated with *.pl files
Edit Registry
-Search the registry for the .cgi extension. It will probably say the it is a 'CGI file'.
-Search the registry for the .pl extension. It wil probably say it is a 'PERL file'.
-make the .cgi registry entries the same as the .pl entries. This will make the exucation of .cgi files look for the PERL interpreter.

Config Apache
-Now you have to edit the Apache config files.
-configure interpreter source you are looking for a line that states 'ScriptInterpreterSource' this must read 'ScriptInterpreterSource Registry'
-configure extensions to exucute as cgi. Apache defaults this as just .pl you just need to add .cgi behind the .pl and it will recognize both as exucutatble perl files.

That should get you going as a desktop server that will run CGI and PL extensions. I dont have my config files infront of me but I will post further if I made any errors. Also there is an Apache forum here as well.

hope this helps