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Building your own website and personal home web server is relatively easy. Complete packages can be download from the Internet these are pre-configured no need to learn all about servers. Website design packages are a mater of personal preference. Here I cover the server side and how to put it online. All it will cost you is your time all software for this project is open source (free).
You do not need to be a rocket scientist to complete this project. However, I do assume basic computer skills such as how to create and delete folders and files. Download files from the Internet and finally how to use WordPad or a similar text editor ( EditPad Lite is ideal) never use Microsoft Word to edit text files.
Quick start
There is no need to read all the detail use these links to make a quick start:
Project Overview
These notes provide a detailed guide to implementing a home web server using the Uniform Server package. This package contains two servers Apache (web page server) and MySQL (database server) in addition PHP is thrown in with some extras. Using this package makes the whole task of setting up a home web server extremely easy.
I must stress they are not toys but full-blown production servers. After testing your site locally, you can go live and serve pages to the Internet. I will cover security issues however the server design team has covered critical issues and produced a very secure installation. Never be complacent when it comes to security always keep up to date.
Main Sections
The following four steps are required to put your home web server on the Internet..
1) FirewallAlways run a firewall when connected to the Internet. If you are surfing the Internet without a firewall you are dead in the water. Never run any server without one check this out first. |
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2) Install Uniform ServerThis package runs comfortably on Windows XP home if you need a production server that runs PHP and MySQL this Apache server package is ideal and easy to install. |
3) Get a domainFor people to find your web server you need an entry in one of the DN servers. You can buy a domain name or use a free service like DynDns. |
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4) Auto update domainThe majority of service providers allocate a dynamic IP address. Every time you reconnect to your provider, this address changes. Use DNser to track these changes and update your domain name-address pair accordingly. |
Uniform Server current stable releases:
For reference, I have shown the current Uniform Server stable
releases and package contents.
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Memory stick
The Uniform Server package is impressive however, what makes it stand out from the rest is the fact that the servers are portable. You can run them from any folder on any hard drive including a memory stick (allowing you to run them on another machine). One key advantage of this portability the installation does not integrate or place additional software components on your computer. Just delete the folder containing your servers and they are gone no dross left behind, hence the reason why there is no install and un-install package for this software.
Audience
This guide is for any one who needs detailed installation information for the Uniform Server and how to connect it to the Internet. Understanding the basics is essential I like to visualise a complete system take a look at the web server overview it helps with the implementation. Along the way, I will dispel some myths and just incorrect information that can be found on the Internet. The following shows what we are trying to achieve note one critical component the firewall more on this later.
Orientation
I have included numerous images with cut down screen shots. Along with folder views these help with orientation. OK so I like images always nice to see the unexpected, no surprises later. An important concept to grasp is DNS (Domain Name Service) it is what makes the Internet work please read the section on DNS.
System requirements
This installation guide is purely for Windows XP home edition however; the techniques are applicable to other operating systems.
Modem Requirements
I would recommend a fast Internet connection however; a dial-up modem is suitable for text-based sites ( minimum image content, OK not very practical but the point is that anyone can have a play even with a dial-up modem). The real problem with a dial-up modem is not its speed (when sending text) but the fact that you normally cannot remain permanently connected to your ISP ( Speed becomes an issue when your site contains a large number of images or when your site becomes popular and receives several hits at once (if only!).
Live dangerously
I am assuming you are surfing the Internet behind a firewall. If not the security of these servers is of little consequence because you are already open to threats. Do not even think about running any server application without a firewall installed. I will emphasise this point again never ever, connect to the Internet without a firewall running .Check out the firewall section NOW.
Reading Order
Ideally read the notes in the following order or jump to the section that is relevant to your needs. Before going live with your Web server do read the firewall section and any notes regarding security. I must emphasise installing a home web server is not difficult thanks to Uniform Server and similar packages.
- Web Server overview (How all the components fit together)
- Firewall
- Installing Uniform Server
- DynDns (Free service that makes it all work)
- Automatic DNS update
General
These notes are provided for guidance only it is your responsibility to check their validity and correctness. With that little gem out of the way I trust they will be of some value to you.
Where to next
TThe next page covers basic Internet web server fundamentals.
