Web file access 1

[angktwap]

Hi to all,

I would like to setup a web server for online access to the files in the file server.

If I were to use Apache and linux how should I go about it??

Thank you.

Regards,
angktwap

 

[Cadwalader]

Wow...that's a loaded question...

Start with identifying exactly what you need this server to do--number of clients, are the files going to be modified, and then saved on the server (kinda like a database?), or are you just trying to set something up so users can download files like drivers, "missing" files, etc. --things that only go from your server to the users, and are not saved on the server?

See, it's loaded...give us some more details so we can better answer your question... I'd be glad to help ya if I can... Hope I was of some help...
--OR--
Thanks for the help...
--Rich

 

[angktwap]

Hi Rich,

Thank you so much for your reply.

I would like to set up a web server to be access by around 5 to 10 users at the same time. This is alone users on the road to access the files in the file server.

This online file access needs to allow users to be able to download and upload the files to or from the file server.

The users are able to read, write or both according to their priviledges.

When the are on the LAN, user will access the files and folders as normal without going through the web server e.g. through the windows explorer.

The file server will be set up as a samba server to allow windows machine to access the files and folders.

Hope I have provided enough information.

Thank you..


Regards,
angktwap

 

[danielhozac]

I think that you'd be better off with an FTP server, if your users would need to upload stuff. //Daniel

 

[Cadwalader]

Well,
using SAMBA would work just fine, but there might be security issues to consider. By using SAMBA, and making files accessible by Windows machines, there is a possibility of unautherized users (ie: scriptkiddies) gaining access to your files and raising cain...

An ftp server might do the trick, but if each user has to DL a file and then upload to save it, what if another user is trying to do the same thing? The file would be overwritten by the last one to upload...see where this is going?

There a ton of questions flying through my head, but something that might cover jsut about all of them...are you going to be using a database? If so, see what db will meet your needs. If I am not mistaken, most of the better db's can control who has what files, so someone else can't get it and overwrite it at the same time, bla, bla, bla...

As far as hardware...for 5-10 users, you could jsut about use an old Atari ;-).

What types of files are you going to be using? I mean like Word Templates for the users to DL, then they fill them out and save them on the server...or live files that are modified locally (on site) and abroad? ...sorta like a Network Drive?

I am a little shakey with WAN file shares, but maybe I can point you in the right direction...

Hope I was of some help...
--OR--
Thanks for the help...
--Rich

 

[angktwap]

Hi,

There wont be any db.

To be able to access files when we are out on the road like a network Drive as if we are using a windows explorer.
In this case we will use an internet browser.


regards

 

[aixmurderer]

Browse and download won't be an issue using Apache, just create a symlink in the document root to the directory you want to browse/download from, e.g. ln -s /some/other/dir mydir
This can then be accessed as

http://myserver.mydomain.com/mydir/

For uploading you will probably need to provide an upload form (+ a cgi script) where the user can attach a file from his PC, the script will then save the file to the directory. IBM Certified Confused - MQSeries
IBM Certified Flabbergasted - AIX 5 pSeries System Administration