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Turning My PC Into Web Server

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This seems like the right place to ask this question. As the topic of this thread points out, I would like to know how I can turn my computer into a web server. I have already got a nice local server (xammp) working on my PC and know I need to know what to do next. My friend told me I need to do something called port forwarding, but after doing some googeling I was more confused then I initially started out to be. Basically what I need done is that I can access my PC from any computer connected through the net through my IP address. Can someone please simplify the process for me? Cheers!

:td:
 
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AfternicAfternic
to put you on right track if you want it linux
http://httpd.apache.org/

or download frontpage web server
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX010858021033.aspx

i think when you have the frontpage software it's already included there all you need to do is give away your computer's ip (isp) and you can't turn off your computer so websites are accessible.

if you want to offer cgi, mime, systerm services better use the kf web server;
http://www.keyfocus.net/kfws/
kf web server features:
# Free
No licence fees, time limits or SpyWare included.
# Unlimited web sites
Can host an unlimited number of web sites, each with their own home directories and security configurations.
# Multiple domain names, multiple ports
Map different domain names on to one or more web sites.
Listen on many ports at the same time. No need to limit yourself to the standard port 80.
Core Functionality
# HTTP/1.1 support
Implements the latest HTTP standard, 1.1 to provide request pipelining, range downloads and browser cache support for enhanced performance.
# CGI/1.1
Works great with PHP, PERL, Python and other scripting languages.
For security reasons the running of arbitrary executables is restricted.
# HTTP Compression
Implements standard HTTP gzip compression to increase your performance by up to three times.
# Directory indexes
Supports standard file name substitution, such as index.html, if a client only asks for a directory.
Directory listings can also be generated automatically using a configurable script to suit your needs.
# File cache
Files are cached in memory for faster performance.
# MIME settings
Use the pre-defined MIME file associations, or define your own.
# Custom error messages
Define your own server error message format.
# Logging
Supports the two industry standard log file formats, NCSA and W3C. Each web site can have its own request log file and request times can be written in local time or in Greenwich Mean Time. The log files are compatible with the many web server log analysis applications available.
# Permalinks
Supports addition path info for CGI scripts and a powerful URL re-write rules feature.
# Advanced engine
KFWS was written from the ground up in C++ as a multithreaded Windows application.
Supports Windows 98,ME,2000 and XP.
It is self contained and requires no external libraries on run-time DLLs, other than those shipped as part of the Windows operating system.
# System Service
Can be installed as a systems service on Windows NT,2000 and XP, for enhanced security and administration.
It can be run as a conventional application on Windows 98 and ME.
Administration
# Browser based administration
Configure the server through your browser from any machine on the internet. For security reasons this is initially restricted to the local machine, but a simple setting change enables remote administration.
# System Tray monitor
The server sits as an icon in your system tray and can be configured to start manually or when you boot up.
# Highly configurable
Gives you detailed control over all aspect of the servers operations.
Security
# Multiple security realms
HTTP standard Basic Authentication is based on user names and passwords defined within a realm. KFWS supports an unlimited number of realms, each with their own set of users and user groups.
# Directory security
Set security permissions at the individual sub-directory level. Gives you maximum flexibility on implementing your security policies.
# Hacker protection
Not everyone browsing is friendly and KFWS has many built-in security features to protect against attacks:

* Password failure timed lock outs, to prevent dictionary attacks.
* Request limits to counter Denial Of Service attacks.
* Fail safe operation. Only those requests that pass all the security checks, such as a recognised MIME type and an authorised directory will be authorised. Prevents hackers from accessing system files or executing unauthorised applications.

or abyss web server:
http://www.aprelium.com/abyssws/

or xerver 4.20
http://www.javascript.nu/xerver/

HTH
 
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What happens when you try to access your server by typing in the IP address in a browser somewhere out there on the net? If every thing's fine it should give you a web page. If not, you need to make sure you're ISP isn't blocking port 80 and your server is configured to allow remote connections.

More details on your config would be useful
 
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weblord said:

Please tell me you're joking...

If you're using Windows 98 (you must if you want to try this, since every other version ships with IIS included, with frontpage extensions) you would be a complete *idiot* to expose that server to the internet. Windows 98 is not supported any more, and you are going to quickly be the proud owner of a pwned zombie box if you do that.

If you have Win2k or later, just install IIS via the add/remove->windows components control panels.

If you have an old box that won't run 2k or higher, just install any flavor of linux or bsd on it and run apache.
 
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You may want to look into IBServer, xammp is good if you are happy with it.
Go to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (depends on your router, may be different) and find a portforwarding section. If you plan on hosting mysql remotely you need to portforward mysql, apache, and ftp (filezilla I believe is included in Xammp). I have much expereince with Lammp for linux but I am sure they are about the same. For starters, you need to forward port 80, if it tells you to portforward from "x" to "x" do 80-81. If you wish for FTP access to be local do not port forward that otherwise do the same above for port 21, or as stated 21-22 (SSH is 22 but considering you have windows it would not effect your computer). Mysql is up to you to portforward.

Please let me tell you, windows 98 is NOT capable of running a fairly large or even small site. Depending on your isp you may get suspended for a week or two hosting a webserver, check your ISP's TOS first. And please tell me now that you will not be hosting paid member otherwise you are completely crazy :p

Regards,
 
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You can set firewall rules on your router to allow port forwarding, and if you have a recent router then you will be able to build in a dynamic DNS service to the router to prevent you having to run a DUC on your computer fo rthe IP adddress to update.
 
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Here is a great site:
http://dslwebserver.com/

Basically, the main two limits are: 1) whether or not your ISP lets you; 2) the DSL speed, which will only allow so many people to access your site at once (hence creating a bottleneck).
 
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You know once you do this it can never be turned off the pc as the pages can't be accessed. Plus you're probably going against your ISP TOS meaning you'll have to get a new ISP and a decent line speed(T3/T4) so it helps with the sites page load etc.
 
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Generally, I'd say not to host a website on your home connection. I can say from experience that cable providers and dsl providers are FAR from reliable.

If you're just using ur home server to test it, that's ideal...but there are tons of free webhost's out there for production use. Even at that, paid-for hosting is inexpensive these days.
 
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Thanks for all the helpful replies and links everyone. After reading this thread I cleaned up my closet and found the manual for my modem. I then found the internal IP address to access the my router's config. I've opened up port 80 at the moment and a visit at Shields Up (grc.com) confirmed this. However, when I put my computers external IP address I get a pop up box asking for a username and password. I've tired a multitude of usernames and passwords, including my ISP's password, router password etc. However, each time I get a message saying I can't login to the page. Also I've got an apache server package, XAMMP working on my PC as my local host. Iโ€™m not sure why things are not working properly. Help is appreciated.
 
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Is there any information displayed on the password request box? This would help you determine if it's your router your PC, or something else. You could also check your webserver logs or do a netstat to see if you are connecting to port 80 on your local machine.

Try either placing your machine in the DMZ or forwarding some other port to your local machine and listening for it. This will help determine if you are getting through to your local machine on one port but not another.
 
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I suggest you insall somethimg like WAMP and then you can quite easily configure port fording.
 
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Sounds like the remote administration port on the router got set to 80 somehow. That, or your ISP is blocking it somehow. GRC.com only uses connect() calls to see if a port is open, so it can't tell you if it's connecting to a web server on that port, let alone yours.

Ask a friend to help you test. That's the best way.
 
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Looks like your hitting your router. It may not let you log in because it's blocking remote administration. You need to forward port on your router 80 to your machines local IP address.
 
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OK, I've got some some news. It turns out that port forwarding works just fine and I got 3 msn contacts to send me screenshots of what they see when the put my IP adress in their browsers and this is what they get:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a143/iamdaroot/friend_pc_03.gif
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a143/iamdaroot/friend_pc_02.gif
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a143/iamdaroot/friend_pc_01.gif

As you can see it comes up with a password prompt which is exactly what's supposted to happen. That's because I set up XAMMP to ask for a username and password. I also asked a pc freak on msn why I was the only one who could not access that page through my external IP and he said that this was a same case him.

:)
 
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You probably can't access the external IP from your internal PC because of the routes packets take from your PC to the web server. Your router forwards packets from its external NIC to its internal NIC. You are connecting to the router on it's internal NIC so the routing rules don't apply.

I'm familiar with this problem and it can cause problems testing things if you need to use the actual host name instead of the local IP address (ie a script that checks referrers) A simple work around is to edit the hosts file of the PC on the local network you're using to browse the server. Create an entry for the host name(s) with your local IP address. Then when you use that machine it'll resolve to the local network address instead of trying to go out through the router.
 
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Never run a public webserver from a windows machine unles its 2000 server or 2k3 server. Your asking for trouble if you use any other version.

As for the weberver, just use XAMPP or WAMP this gives you musql, php, apache plus options to install other extensions with a click.

I wouldnt advise any other services, such as mail and pop3...most ISP's get quite annoyed if you do this as it exposes yourself and them to hackers.

Dont use it for known public websites if possible...its not a very good idea to run a live site from your computer...especial when you are going to be using it for personal use at the same time.
 
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