help with serving webpages in apache

[adrian29uk]

I have managed to set up and install apache in Mandrake 9.2. I can now start and stop the service in shell and when I enter

http://localhost:8080

I can now serve webpages locally.

I would like to take Apache to the next level by hosting someone real pages so that when someone types in my ip they can view the pages

I currently have a broadband connection with a dynamic IP and router. Inside the router control panel there is a set up for ip forwarding.

How would I serve some real pages. If you could forward me some articles or links that would be great.

 

[smah]

Start here:

http://www.dslwebserver.com

 

[cdlvj]

For businesses that DEPEND on their website for productivity and income, I strongly recommend that you DO NOT attempt to run your own webserver on a DSL or cable connection. Even with a great connection and good hardware/software, you cannot compete with professional webhosts in terms of reliability and uptime. If something goes wrong with your website, YOU will be responsible for fixing the problem and dealing with all the headaches of troubleshooting. The professional web hosts have technicians on hand to oversee these problems.

Am amused by one of the comments on that site, as this is total BS. Been doing it with our own server for years.

 

[Wullie]

You need knowledge to sucessfully run a production server and that site is geared towards people who do not have that knowledge. Someone who knows what they are doing would not be looking on DSLWebServer for advice so taking into account who their target audience are, that information is totally correct.

If you are hosting off a personal computer, you do not have the redundancy required to run a production server. (Redundant connections to backbones, fire supression, raised flooring, UPS, generators etc)

I'm all for people running their own servers to learn about it all but too many people launch their servers with no security knowledge or knowing what to do when something goes wrong.

The original poster knows how to start and stop Apache and thinks he is ready for a production server, he couldn't be more wrong.

Hope this helps

Wullie

Fresh Look - Quality Coldfusion Hosting

http://www.tutorial-world.com

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails. - John Maxwell

 

[adrian29uk]

I am not looking or interested in making money out of this, I am only doing it becuase I am interested in learning and seeing how a basic webserver works thats all.

 

[Wullie]

Adrian,

Sorry if the last message sounded harsh, I was replying to the post before mine and not really to you.

The best thing you could do is take the machine off the Internet while you play with it. Play about with the config and if it breaks, try to fix it. Keep a backup copy so you can restore easily if needed. Once you feel confident that you know how to fully secure the box, put it online and stick a non-critical website on it, something that doesnt matter if it goes offline.

Offer free hosting to some friends but make sure they know that the server could go offline at any time. If you get to the point where you are fully comfortable with the server and daily runnings of it, then you could look at getting a VPS or dedicated server and using that.

A machine running on residential broadband will not cope with multiple medium traffic sites or even one slightly high traffic site so only host small personal sites on it.

Hope this helps

Wullie

Fresh Look - Quality Coldfusion Hosting

http://www.tutorial-world.com

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails. - John Maxwell

 

[adrian29uk]

There was no offence taken. Dont worry the only hosting I will be doing is for myself. I have taken a keen interest in Linux over the last year, god knows how many times I have reinstalled it, but my main objective with Linux is to try and get a webserver running with Apache, not for profit but for self satisfaction purposes. I have heard so many positive things about Apache and Linux that I have to try it and now the time is wright.

 

[smah]

One last thing....many ISP's don't like you hosting a website on a non-business account. You might want to have a look at your Terms Of Service before you actually put it online.