Public access to my apache web server

[groundzero2010]

I'm very new to the web server world.

My apache server is running and I can view my page from my local computer..but others typing my ip address can't connect.

Current hardware/software:
Belkin router - I have a virtual port setup for port 80.
Norton Internet Security - I think I've succesfully setup a rule to allow port 80 connections. But to be safe I disabled the security.

After all this, I still can't get them to connect.

My ip

http://70.178.61.55

 

[groundzero2010]

Not only am I having this problem.. My friend is using the same setup I am, and he is also having this problem..any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[smah]

Could your ISP be blocking port 80?

 

[groundzero2010]

Hmm..I'm sure its possible. There a way to find out if my ISP is in fact blocking port 80?

I have cable internet through Cox Communications.

 

[smah]

Many of these results seem to indicate that Cox blocks port 80. You might consider asking them or reading your TOS.

 

[groundzero2010]

Thanks for the information. I did confirm with Cox Communications that Port 80 is blocked. There is no way to unblock it. Even with a higher internet package.

So I can just change it to a different port?
If so, where all do I have to change this?

Any suggestions?

 

[lgarner]

Yes, it's the "Listen" directive in httpd.conf.

 

[RhythmAce]

Keep in mind that you can have apache liten on another port but your users will need to attach the port to the end of the url. In this case your ip address. For example:

http://xxx.xx.x.xx:8080.

You can almost bet that you have a dynamic ip addess also which could change quite often. There are two ways around this. You can switch from cable to dsl. Most dsl providers welcome running servers and will even offer support. You can even get a static ip for a few bucks more if you don't already have one. If dsl is not available in you area, you can always use a dns pointer service such as tgo, dyndns or dns2go. They will poll your server for the current ip and if required will also forward to an alternate port. I think most of these are free if you use one of their sub-domains like yourname.dyndns.com. They also ofer this service if you own your own domain name but will charge a small fee.

 

[groundzero2010]

Thank you for all the great information. After all the help I did get my apache server online and although I do have a dynamic ip for the time being, with my computer on all the time the ip doesn't change very often at all. I have a domain forwarded to my ip address and new port since 80 is blocked. Thanks again

This is off the forum topic but I didn't actually find a good place to post it. After getting apache, mysql, php, phpmyadmin, and a php forum all working on my local windows machine. I found a small problem with my forum not being able to send emails out. Someone mentioned having an email server run off my computer. Any suggestions on a good FREE email server and the basics it takes to have one installed?