- Joined
- Apr 21, 2001
- Location
- Augusta Twp, MI
This guide has many guides inside it. First is AppServ (Apache, PHP, MySQL installation package). It is easy to install, and easy to run for basic server needs. A more advanced server installation package is BigApache. This includes Apache (HTML, PHP, MySQL, Perl, Python, ASP:Apache, and Java-JBoss with Tomcat), Mercury POP3 and SMTP Email Server. ZoneEdit with DirectUpdate, No-IP, FileZilla FTP Server, and more are discussed as well in this guide. Please feel free to skip the stuff you already know about or don't need.
I am also combining all these guides and more (screenshots, updated newbie guides, news, etc..) in a nice little site called Kubels.net. Your welcome to stop by.
--Before You Begin--
Minimum System Requirements:
You can install a web server on almost any computer system over almost any connection. These are the minimum system requirements as layed out by Apache for Win32:
It should also be noted that some ISP's have limitations for server hosting under their TOS. I have found that Comcast and WideOpenWest permit hosting, as long as they are not for "business enterprise" use. WideOpenWest, in particular, "prefers" that you use uncommon ports for server useage (80 is a common port). Verizon DSL, Cox, and Adelphia, for example, do not permit any hosting of any servers for any use at all- no exceptions.
Open/Forward Ports:
You will need to open (firewall) or forward (router) the following ports to your server:
21 - FTP
25 - SMTP
80 - HTTP
110 - POP3
3306 - SQL
14147 - FTP
40019 - DIRECTUPDATE
Optional Pre-Install Tasks:
Doing maintenance to your computer couldn't hurt (scandisk/chkdsk, defrag, etc...). Also, installing Apache on a NTFS is also advisable (but not required). But the primary problem most people run into is that they already have some type of server installed and don't know it. Most of the time, it's IIS (which may be installed on your WinNT, Win2K, or WinXP system). So lets go through the steps to disable OR uninstall IIS so it doesn't interfere with Apache when it wants to serve a page. If you don't have IIS, skip this...
To Disable IIS:
--Don't have a Domain Name? (Use No-IP)--
The first thing you need is an easy to remember address. Instead of having to memorize your dynamic IP address every few days, you can get a dynamic DNS update client and a .no-ip.com domain for free. In newbie language- this client will link your ever-changing dynamic IP address to your .no-ip.com domain name whenever your IP changes. All you need to do is sign up for the free account and download the windows client from the following link:
http://www.no-ip.com/
--Have a Domain Name? (Use ZoneEdit and DirectUpdate)--
Do you have your own domain name? Do you want your domain name to work on your server (even if it has a dynamic IP address)? If so, we will be doing 3 steps to achieve this.
This gets a little more complicated, so let's take this one step at a time:
Create a ZoneEdit Account:
Many of the cheaper domain registrars (like godaddy) do not offer a free DNS service with the purchase of a domain name. Instead, you either have to supply your own DNS servers, or rely on cheap domain cloaking. ZoneEdit is a very useful, free DNS service which allows you to interface ZoneEdit with a DirectUpdate client- which essentially points your domain to your IP, and thus, your server.
http://www.zoneedit.com
Depending on your Registrar, you can either login and change your nameserver settings, or you will have to email them and request they be changed for your domain. Use the nameservers ZoneEdit told you to use. It usually takes a few days when you make a change like this, and usually longer if you have to email them. So be patient. To find out if your nameservers are set, login to ZoneEdit.com and see if that warning message is there. While you wait, we can setup DirectUpdate...
Download Direct Update:
DirectUpdate is the program that communicates with ZoneEdit. It tells ZoneEdit what your new IP address is every so often, and ZoneEdit updates its' nameservers with your IP address. That way, when people visit your domain, they will reach your IP address, and thusly, your server. It works using the same technique No-IP uses. But the programs are NOT related.
http://www.directupdate.net
--The Choice-- (BigApache or AppServ)
BigApache is an Enterprise ready server package. If you need HTML, PHP, MySQL, Perl, Python, ASP:Apache, and Java (JBoss with Tomcat)- then use this.
AppServ is an Entry Level server package. It includes Apache, PHP, and MySQL. It does not include MercuryMail, but if you want it, there is a guide on how to install it later on in this sticky. I personally use AppServ because I prefer the simplicity of it all.
Please choose one (BigApache or AppServ). Installing both on the same machine will cause havok.
--AppServ--
Do not install if you have already installed BigApache instead!
Appserv is an easy to use (open source) software installer package that includes Apache (the HTTP server), PHP, MySQL, Perl, and a few other spiffy features and support. AppServ is a "single step" installation package of all the goodies you need to get your feet wet. It will only ask you a few questions for setup purposes, most can be left at default (except for username, password, email address, etc...). It also installs all this stuff as a service if you want it to be. It's so easy to do!
Installation is complete! Your root server directory (the place where you can throw pictures, web pages, and other directories in order to "publish" them online) is at "C:\appserv\www\".
Example: C:\appserv\www\index.htm is basically the same thing as http://123.456.789.01/index.htm on the web. The only difference is one is being run through Apache. So when you change C:\appserv\www\index.htm, you are also changing http://123.456.789.01/index.htm - because they are the same file. Get it? Great!
--Email Server (Mercury Mail Trasport )--
For use with AppServ. BigApache already includes Mercury!
Mercury should not be installed (using these instructions) if you have already installed BigApache! Email is very essential to a complete server, because many PHP scripts need to use a mail server to work correctly. Also, having your own domain means you can theoretically control as many email addresses as you can setup with your domain. Email is just about as essential as FTP, because many PHP scripts need to use a mail server to work correctly. Also, having your own domain means you can theoretically control as many email addresses as you can setup with your domain. A free and very lite program that I like to use is the Mercury Mail Transport System. It only takes up a few MB of disk space and RAM. It can also be installed on any Windows version from 95 up. Mercury has been around, as freeware, since 1992, so you can rest assured it will be dependable. Installing Mercury Mail is a breeze, but there's a long installation process. I will walk you through the setup that most personal servers will use. These steps are only likely to work with version 4.01a. Please PM me if they update Mercury, or if the link below is broken.
ftp://ftp.usm.maine.edu/pegasus/mercury32/m32-401a.exe
You have finished setting up the mail server. Your SMTP address, in case your wondering, is the exact same address you typed in step 11 of the Mercury/32 Setup process (example: yourname.com). Your POP3 address is also the same.
--BigApache--
Do not install if you have already installed AppServ!
BigApache is an open source project. It includes support for HTML, PHP, MySQL, Perl, Python, ASP:Apache, and Java (JBoss with Tomcat). It also includes MercuryMail as well, which really cuts the time of installing a mailserver. You can find BigApaches' SourceForge project page here. Your probably need not follow each and every step, because it really is a breeze to install, but just for those that might run into problems, here's the step-by-step instructions.
Download BigApache v1.06
Installing BigApache:
Installation is complete! Your root server directory (the place where you can throw pictures, web pages, and other directories in order to "publish" them online) is at "C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\".
Example: C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\ is basically the same thing as http://123.456.789.01/index.htm on the web. The only difference is one is being run through Apache. So when you change C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\index.htm, you are also changing http://123.456.789.01/index.htm - because they are the same file. Get it? Great!
Configuring Mercury/32 Mailserver
--FTP Server (FileZilla)--
FileZilla is a totally free FTP server. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, and is the most poplular method for uploading files remotely to a web server. You can visit FileZilla's SourceForge project page here. As with BigApache, you probably don't need to follow each step, since it is really easy to install, but here's the step-by-step instructions for those that need it.
Download FileZilla FTP Server v.0.9.4b
Installing FileZilla Server:
Configuring Users:
Adding users is as simple as clicking on the Edit menu, and selecting Users. Under Users, you will see an Add button. Click it, type in a username, and click ok. You can enable a password by placing a check next to Password, and then typing a password.
Configuring Directory Access:
To set a users directory access, click on Shared Folders page, and select the user from the list that you want to edit. Under Shared Folders, click the Add button. Choose a directory you wish to assign to that user (example: C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\username\).
Configuring Privileges:
You can give certain users or groups certain levels of access. Simply select a user that you wish to assign privileges to, and place a check next to the privilege you want that user to have.
ACCESS TYPES:
An anonymous account is required for many browsers (such as FireFox) to be able to access and display the contents of a directory (in much the same way HTTP does in browsers). First you need to create an account named "anonymous" (with no password). Second, you will need to give that user access to a directory (example: C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\). Third, you will need to give that user READ and LIST privileges. If you want to let the user navigate through subdirectories, also give the user +SUBDIR access. Once your finished, you can type ftp://yoursite.no-ip.com and you will be able to display, via FTP, the directory contents.
I am also combining all these guides and more (screenshots, updated newbie guides, news, etc..) in a nice little site called Kubels.net. Your welcome to stop by.
--Before You Begin--
Minimum System Requirements:
You can install a web server on almost any computer system over almost any connection. These are the minimum system requirements as layed out by Apache for Win32:
- x86 Family Processor
- Win9x/ME, WinNT, Win2K, WinXP Home, WinXP Pro
- Must have TCP/IP Networking Installed
- If you have Win95, you must have Winsock2 installed (or must reinstall Winsock2 after installing DUN)
- If you have WinNT 4.0, you must have SP3 or SP6
- Connection to the internet (preferably one that is always on, and that does not block port 80, but there are ways around this issue).
It should also be noted that some ISP's have limitations for server hosting under their TOS. I have found that Comcast and WideOpenWest permit hosting, as long as they are not for "business enterprise" use. WideOpenWest, in particular, "prefers" that you use uncommon ports for server useage (80 is a common port). Verizon DSL, Cox, and Adelphia, for example, do not permit any hosting of any servers for any use at all- no exceptions.
Open/Forward Ports:
You will need to open (firewall) or forward (router) the following ports to your server:
21 - FTP
25 - SMTP
80 - HTTP
110 - POP3
3306 - SQL
14147 - FTP
40019 - DIRECTUPDATE
Optional Pre-Install Tasks:
Doing maintenance to your computer couldn't hurt (scandisk/chkdsk, defrag, etc...). Also, installing Apache on a NTFS is also advisable (but not required). But the primary problem most people run into is that they already have some type of server installed and don't know it. Most of the time, it's IIS (which may be installed on your WinNT, Win2K, or WinXP system). So lets go through the steps to disable OR uninstall IIS so it doesn't interfere with Apache when it wants to serve a page. If you don't have IIS, skip this...
To Disable IIS:
- Open Services (START> RUN> type in "services.msc" without quotes and press enter).
- Select "IIS Admin Services"
- Stop the service.
- Right clicking on the IIS service and click "Properties".
- Under the "General" tab, and under "Start Up Type", change it to "Disabled".
- Do the same steps for the following services as well:
-FTP Publishing Service
-Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) Service
-World Wide Web Publishing Service
- Open Control Panel (START> RUN> type in "control" without quotes and press enter).
- Double click on Add/Remove Programs.
- Click on Add/Remove Windows Components.
- Uncheck Internet Information Services (IIS).
- Follow the rest of the instructions to uninstall. Restart if prompted.
--Don't have a Domain Name? (Use No-IP)--
The first thing you need is an easy to remember address. Instead of having to memorize your dynamic IP address every few days, you can get a dynamic DNS update client and a .no-ip.com domain for free. In newbie language- this client will link your ever-changing dynamic IP address to your .no-ip.com domain name whenever your IP changes. All you need to do is sign up for the free account and download the windows client from the following link:
http://www.no-ip.com/
- Go to http://www.no-ip.com and sign up for a free no-ip account.
- After you sign up, you will need to check your mail and click the link in your email from no-ip to activate your account.
- After you click the link, your browser will open, and you will be directed to a No-IP page that says your account was activated. Click the login link to continue.
- If it asks for your email address and password to login, type in the email and password that you used when you signed up. If you are already logged in, continue to the next step.
- Click on the Hosts/Redirects link on the "YOUR NO-IP" menu on the left.
- Click "Add" on the menu on the left.
- Under "Hostname" you want to type in a unique name (ex. jeffsrig).
- Below that is a list of free domains (no-ip.info, no-ip.com, hopto.org, etc...). Choose one that you like.
- Under "Host Type", you generally want to stick with "DNS Host (A)" (will map your hostname to your IP address using the No-IP DUC Client), but depending on your needs, you can choose whichever. Click on the "?" to the right of them for more information.
- "IP Address" should automatically display your current IP address. If this is incorrect, you can change it, but it really doesn't matter because the client (we will install it later) will update this for us.
- "Assign to Group" doesn't really apply since you will most likely not be registering multiple no-ip hostnames to your single server. But this is what you would use if you are dealing with multiple no-ip names.
- "Allow Wildcards" is optional. This will make it so if anyone types in something.yoururl.no-ip.com, they will be directed to your server, rather than get a 404.
- I won't get into "Mail Options", since this only applies to mailserver needs, but this is where you would put in your mx records.
- Click the "Create Host" button to continue.
- You should now get a screen that says something about the hostname being added. It can take about 5 minutes for their systems to process this, so in the meantime, lets setup the client.
- Click on the "Downloads" tab on the top of the page.
- On the menu to the left, click "Windows".
- Select No-IP DUC. You can download it from CNET, or below from one of the other mirrors.
- Install the client, and if asked, YES, you want to install it as a service!
- No-IP should run. If not, start it up.
- It will either display a small setup window when you first install it, or you will have to click the "EDIT" button. In either case, you want to type in the address and password that you setup your no-ip account with.
- Click OK.
- Your no-ip name should list in the white box, and you should see a smilie. You can close this window to make this run in the background. You will never need to open or mess with any of these settings ever again as long as you have selected to run this as a service or each time Windows starts. It should run in the background and update your no-ip address with your new IP address every time it changes.
- Now you have a no-ip address. But if you try typing it in your browser, you will get nothing. Thats because we haven't install a server yet. We will discuss this later...
--Have a Domain Name? (Use ZoneEdit and DirectUpdate)--
Do you have your own domain name? Do you want your domain name to work on your server (even if it has a dynamic IP address)? If so, we will be doing 3 steps to achieve this.
- Create a ZoneEdit Account
- Contact Your Registrar
- Download DirectUpdate Client
This gets a little more complicated, so let's take this one step at a time:
Create a ZoneEdit Account:
Many of the cheaper domain registrars (like godaddy) do not offer a free DNS service with the purchase of a domain name. Instead, you either have to supply your own DNS servers, or rely on cheap domain cloaking. ZoneEdit is a very useful, free DNS service which allows you to interface ZoneEdit with a DirectUpdate client- which essentially points your domain to your IP, and thus, your server.
http://www.zoneedit.com
- Visit the site above and sign up for a free ZoneEdit account.
- Please use valid information. Fill in your Full Name, your Home Address, City, State, Zip, Country, Phone Number, a valid Email Address.
- Under "Select Service Option", choose "Free Trial - up to 5 zones".
- Click "Sign Up Now".
- You will now see a page saying that a confirmation email will be dispatched to your email address within an hour.
- Check your email after 1 hour. You will get an email from ZoneEdit that includes your username, password, and other pertinent information. Use this login information to login to ZoneEdit.com.
- The first message will as you what zone you wish to edit. Click the "Add Zones" link.
- Enter your domain name and click the "Add Zone" button.
- The next page will say something important about you being required to contact your registrar and have them change your domains nameservers to the ones listed on that page. Write down those nameservers! You will need them later!
- Until your nameservers are changed, you will receive a warning message saying your nameservers are incorrect. Ignore these messages for now, and lets make some basic changes to your zone settings. Click on "Start editing your domain before it goes live" on the bottom of the page.
- You should now be on the view page. Click on "IP Addresses" to change your IP Address settings.
- Under name, type in "www" (without quotes), and then under numeric IP, type in your IP address. Then click "Add New IP Address".
- You should get a confirmation page asking you want both www.yourdomain.com and yourdomain.com to point to your IP. Click Yes.
- The rest of the settings are not required for anything else that I am going to discuss in this guide. So log off ZoneEdit.
Depending on your Registrar, you can either login and change your nameserver settings, or you will have to email them and request they be changed for your domain. Use the nameservers ZoneEdit told you to use. It usually takes a few days when you make a change like this, and usually longer if you have to email them. So be patient. To find out if your nameservers are set, login to ZoneEdit.com and see if that warning message is there. While you wait, we can setup DirectUpdate...
Download Direct Update:
DirectUpdate is the program that communicates with ZoneEdit. It tells ZoneEdit what your new IP address is every so often, and ZoneEdit updates its' nameservers with your IP address. That way, when people visit your domain, they will reach your IP address, and thusly, your server. It works using the same technique No-IP uses. But the programs are NOT related.
http://www.directupdate.net
- Download DirectUpdate from the site above and install it using the "Typical (full)" install option.
- Click on the "Status" tab.
- Next to "Accounts", click the "Create..." button.
- Under "Account Type", select "ZoneEdit.com"
- Next to "Domain", type in your domain WITHOUT www, like this: "yourdomain.com"
- Next to "User Name" and "Password", fill in with your login information you received from ZoneEdit.
- Click OK.
- Repeat steps 3 through 7, but instead of excluding www, we will include it, like this: "www.yourdomain.com".
- Once you are finished, click Exit. DirectUpdate and ZoneEdit will now keep your domain pointing to your up-to-date IP address.
--The Choice-- (BigApache or AppServ)
BigApache is an Enterprise ready server package. If you need HTML, PHP, MySQL, Perl, Python, ASP:Apache, and Java (JBoss with Tomcat)- then use this.
AppServ is an Entry Level server package. It includes Apache, PHP, and MySQL. It does not include MercuryMail, but if you want it, there is a guide on how to install it later on in this sticky. I personally use AppServ because I prefer the simplicity of it all.
Please choose one (BigApache or AppServ). Installing both on the same machine will cause havok.
--AppServ--
Do not install if you have already installed BigApache instead!
Appserv is an easy to use (open source) software installer package that includes Apache (the HTTP server), PHP, MySQL, Perl, and a few other spiffy features and support. AppServ is a "single step" installation package of all the goodies you need to get your feet wet. It will only ask you a few questions for setup purposes, most can be left at default (except for username, password, email address, etc...). It also installs all this stuff as a service if you want it to be. It's so easy to do!
- Download the latest final-version appserv installation file from http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/appserv. If you are concerned about stability, stick with a version that does NOT use PHP5. This new version is reported to cause problems with older code and MySQL.
- Double click on the appserv file (appserv-win32-x.x.x.exe) to begin installation.
- The first window will ask you to fill in three fields. You can set server name to "localhost", or you can use your no-ip subdomain, or use your domain name (yourdomain.com) if you are using ZoneEdit and DirectUpdate. Enter your email address for the administrators email. Enter "80" for the port to open for HTTP, unless you have another port in mind.
- The second window will ask you to fill in a new username and a new password. This is up to you. Leave charset at "latin1".
- AppServ now has enough information to begin installation. The third window ("Please stand by") will show you the progress of installation.
- The final window will let you know setup is complete. Make sure you check "Start Apache" and "Start MySQL". Then click the "Close" button.
- Once it finishes, a WinMySQLAdmin program may flash up and then hide to the taskbars notification area (it may show as a stoplight). It may also popup some newly created appserv directories where the uninstall is hidden. Don't worry about that. Close them if they get in your way. Apache should be installed as a service and the only way to stop it now is to disable the service.
- You should now open or forward port 80 on your firewall or router if you have not already done so.
- To make sure your server is running, visit http://localhost. You should be able to see a AppServ welcome page.
- To make sure your server is broadcasting outside of your network, type your IP address in Internet Explorer. If you don't know your IP address, visit http://www.whatismyip.com. If your No-IP or domain name are working, you can try those too.
Installation is complete! Your root server directory (the place where you can throw pictures, web pages, and other directories in order to "publish" them online) is at "C:\appserv\www\".
Example: C:\appserv\www\index.htm is basically the same thing as http://123.456.789.01/index.htm on the web. The only difference is one is being run through Apache. So when you change C:\appserv\www\index.htm, you are also changing http://123.456.789.01/index.htm - because they are the same file. Get it? Great!
--Email Server (Mercury Mail Trasport )--
For use with AppServ. BigApache already includes Mercury!
Mercury should not be installed (using these instructions) if you have already installed BigApache! Email is very essential to a complete server, because many PHP scripts need to use a mail server to work correctly. Also, having your own domain means you can theoretically control as many email addresses as you can setup with your domain. Email is just about as essential as FTP, because many PHP scripts need to use a mail server to work correctly. Also, having your own domain means you can theoretically control as many email addresses as you can setup with your domain. A free and very lite program that I like to use is the Mercury Mail Transport System. It only takes up a few MB of disk space and RAM. It can also be installed on any Windows version from 95 up. Mercury has been around, as freeware, since 1992, so you can rest assured it will be dependable. Installing Mercury Mail is a breeze, but there's a long installation process. I will walk you through the setup that most personal servers will use. These steps are only likely to work with version 4.01a. Please PM me if they update Mercury, or if the link below is broken.
ftp://ftp.usm.maine.edu/pegasus/mercury32/m32-401a.exe
- Click the link above to download Mercury/32 4.01a.
- Double click on m32-401a.exe to begin the install process.
- WinZip Self-Extractor will begin. Click on the "Setup".
- The Mercury/32 Setup program will be displayed. Click the "New Installation" button.
- Click the "No Netware Support" button.
- Click the "OK, accept this directory" button.
- Click the "No Pegasus Mail integration" button.
- Click the "OK, accept this directory" button.
- You should now see a list of protocol modules. To be able to send and receive email, you will need both POP3 and SMTP protocols installed. Select "MercuryS" and "MercuryP". You may select additional protocols to install if you wish, but this guide will not go through the steps of setting them up. Click the "OK, continue installation" button.
- You should now see two SMTP client module buttons. Since most mail servers will blacklist emails that originate from an SMTP server using a dynamic IP address to prevent spam, you should click "Install MercuryC". This module will allow you to relay your outgoing emails to another SMTP server (such as the one provided by your ISP). If you have a static IP address, you can "Install MercuryE", but this guide will not go through the steps of setting up the MercuryE cient.
- Type your domain name that is used with your server. Alternatively, you can use your No-IP address. It should be typed in the form yourname.com or yourname.no-ip.com. You can also use your static IP address. It should be typed in brackets in the form [123.456.78.9].
- Type the username for the postmaster. Admin is fine.
- Type the address of your SMTP server (usually provided to you by your ISP). Example: smtp.comcast.net. Click the "OK, continue installation" button.
- Click the "Normal" button.
- Click the "OK, accept this directory" button.
- Click the "Install Mercury/32" button.
- Mercury is now installed. A folder may be displayed with a few program shortcuts. Minimize that folder, and bring the Mercury/32 Setup application back into focus. Click the "Exit" button.
- Bring the Mercury for Win32 folder back into focus (the folder that you minimized in step 18).
- Copy (CTRL+C) the Mercury Loader Shortcut and paste it (CTRL+V) to your Startup folder. You can access your Startup folder by clicking Start > Programs > Startup. This will make the Mercury Loader start whenever Windows starts.
- Start the Mercury Loader for the first time by clicking Start > Programs > Startup > Mercury Loader.
- Click on Configuration > MercuryC SMTP Client.
- If your ISP's SMTP server (the server Mercury is borrowing to send mail) requires SMTP Authentication, input your ISP email addresses username and password. Click the "Save" button.
- Click on Configuratuon > Manage Local Users.
- Now we are going to add a username. Click the "Add" button. Under Username, type in the users name (example: diggingforgold). Personal name is whatever you want (example: Jeff). Mail password is this accounts password. APOP secret is optional. I usually leave it blank. Click the "OK" button to add that user to the local user list.
- Click the "Close" button when you are finished adding users.
You have finished setting up the mail server. Your SMTP address, in case your wondering, is the exact same address you typed in step 11 of the Mercury/32 Setup process (example: yourname.com). Your POP3 address is also the same.
--BigApache--
Do not install if you have already installed AppServ!
BigApache is an open source project. It includes support for HTML, PHP, MySQL, Perl, Python, ASP:Apache, and Java (JBoss with Tomcat). It also includes MercuryMail as well, which really cuts the time of installing a mailserver. You can find BigApaches' SourceForge project page here. Your probably need not follow each and every step, because it really is a breeze to install, but just for those that might run into problems, here's the step-by-step instructions.
Download BigApache v1.06
Installing BigApache:
- Download BigApacheComplete-1.06.zip and extract it to your desktop.
- Double-click on BigApache-1.06 Setup.exe to begin the installation.
- Click anywhere to continue.
- Click the Ok button on the ports testing dialog. This will scan for ports needed for BigApache and its components. If it warns you that a port is in use, you should open or forward those ports to your server as soon as possible.
- Type your server name. This should be your registered domain name, your no-ip name, or your static IP address. If you aren't sure what to put here, type "localhost" without quotes. Click the Ok button to continue.
- Type your admin email address. this should be admin@ your domain, your no-ip name, or your static IP address. If you aren't sure, type an email address you use now. Click the Ok button to continue.
- Click the Next button to continue.
- Click the Next button to continue.
- These are just notes. Click the Next button to continue.
- If you agree to the liscense agreement, click the Yes button to continue.
- Leave the directory as C:\ and click the Next button to continue.
- Select setup type typical and click the Next button to continue.
- Click the Next button to accept the default program folder.
- Click the Next button to begin the installation.
- Click the Install button to continue.
- Click the Continue button.
- Setup will now copy and install BigApache. This will take a few minutes. If you did not open or forward the required ports, you will get the same errors again during this step.
- Type a username and password to setup a secured stats directory, and click the Ok button to continue.
- Choose Fast-CGI and click Ok to continue.
- Type a canonical name for your mail server. Since you haven't setup any subdomains yet, you can just type your domain name, IP address, or No-IP subdomain. The Name Server setting can be left blank. Click the Ok button to continue.
- Click the Next button to continue.
- Yes, you do want to restart. Click the Close button, and your system will restart.
- Upon restart, click anywhere to continue.
- Type a password for MySQL and click the Ok button.
Installation is complete! Your root server directory (the place where you can throw pictures, web pages, and other directories in order to "publish" them online) is at "C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\".
Example: C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\ is basically the same thing as http://123.456.789.01/index.htm on the web. The only difference is one is being run through Apache. So when you change C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\index.htm, you are also changing http://123.456.789.01/index.htm - because they are the same file. Get it? Great!
Configuring Mercury/32 Mailserver
- Start Mercury/32 by clicking Start > Programs > BigApache > Mercury > Mercury Start.
- Click the Configuration menu, and select Protocol Modules.
- If you have a dynamic IP address, I recommend only selecting MercuryS, MercuryP, MercuryC, and MercuryW. Click the Ok button.
- Restart Mercury/32 by clicking the File menu, and selecting Exit. Now go back to Start > Programs > BigApache > Mercury > Mercury Start.
- Click the Conficuration menu, and select Mercury Core Module.
- Make sure your domain, IP address, or No-IP subdomain is listed next to "Internet name for this system".
- Click the Local Domain tab.
- Click the Change Entry button.
- Next to local host or server, type "localhost" without quotes. Next to Internet name, type the same name you entered in #6. Click the Ok button.
- Click the Ok button again to close the Mercury Core Module window.
- Click the Configuration menu, and select MercuryS SMTP Server.
- Make sure the same name you typed for #6 is displayed next to "announce myself as". If not, type it in, and then click Ok to close the SMTP Server configuration window.
- Click the Configuration menu, and select MercuryC SMTP Client.
- Next to "smarthost name", type the name of your ISP's SMTP server. Most email services blacklist any mailserver that has a dynamic IP (to prevent spam). To overcome this, any mail that is sent from your server to any place outside of your domain will have to be sent using SmartHost (another SMTP server). This will prevent mail sent from your server from being blacklisted. Example: My ISP is Comcast, so I use the server "smtp.comcast.net".
- If your ISP's SMTP server requires authentication, type a username and password.
- If your ISP's SMTP server requires you to check your mail before sending mail, you may also have to select "Authenticate via prior pop3 connection" and type their POP3 server address.
- Click the Save button to close the SMTP Client window.
- If you want to setup user accounts, you can do so by clicking the Configuration menu, and select "Manage Local Users". This is self-explanatory, but if you run into problems, click the Help button for assistence.
- In order for Mercury/32 to start when Windows does, we will have to add Mercury Start to the startup folder. To do so, go to Start > Programs > BigApache > Mercury > and drag "Mercury Start" to the Startup folder located in Start > Programs > Startup.
--FTP Server (FileZilla)--
FileZilla is a totally free FTP server. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, and is the most poplular method for uploading files remotely to a web server. You can visit FileZilla's SourceForge project page here. As with BigApache, you probably don't need to follow each step, since it is really easy to install, but here's the step-by-step instructions for those that need it.
Download FileZilla FTP Server v.0.9.4b
Installing FileZilla Server:
- Download and double click on FileZilla_Server_0_9_4d.exe to begin installation.
- If you agree with the license agreement, click the I Agree button.
- Click the Next button to accept the Standard install type.
- Click the Next button to accept the default install directory.
- Click the Install button to install the default startup settings.
- Once setup has finished, it should say "Completed". You can click the Close button to exit the installation utility.
- To start FileZilla, double click on the FZ icon in the notification area of your taskbar.
- When FileZilla starts for the first time, it will display the Connect to Server dialog box. Leave the settings how they are (Server Address: 127.0.0.1, Port: 14147, Server Password: [Blank]), but place a checkmark next to "Always connect to this server". Click the Ok button to connect. If everything worked correctly, it should say "Logged on".
Configuring Users:
Adding users is as simple as clicking on the Edit menu, and selecting Users. Under Users, you will see an Add button. Click it, type in a username, and click ok. You can enable a password by placing a check next to Password, and then typing a password.
Configuring Directory Access:
To set a users directory access, click on Shared Folders page, and select the user from the list that you want to edit. Under Shared Folders, click the Add button. Choose a directory you wish to assign to that user (example: C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\username\).
Configuring Privileges:
You can give certain users or groups certain levels of access. Simply select a user that you wish to assign privileges to, and place a check next to the privilege you want that user to have.
ACCESS TYPES:
- READ means that user can read/open files.
- WRITE means they can upload files.
- DELETE means that user can delete files.
- APPEND means users can append to uploads, and its also needed for resuming/pausing uploads if their client supports it.
- CREATE means the user can create directories.
- DELETE means the user can remove directories.
- LIST means the user can get a listing of directories and files (this is required to avoid getting a 550 Error)
- +SUBDIRS means the user can access subdirectories with the same priviledges that you made above.
An anonymous account is required for many browsers (such as FireFox) to be able to access and display the contents of a directory (in much the same way HTTP does in browsers). First you need to create an account named "anonymous" (with no password). Second, you will need to give that user access to a directory (example: C:\BigApache\Apache\htdocs\). Third, you will need to give that user READ and LIST privileges. If you want to let the user navigate through subdirectories, also give the user +SUBDIR access. Once your finished, you can type ftp://yoursite.no-ip.com and you will be able to display, via FTP, the directory contents.
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