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alligator · 03:04 PM

EDITED: Now I want to switch to an OS X server instead of a Windows server. I figure I'll use my Windows box for a door stop.

How do I get a domain name and set up an OS X server?

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I know this is a Mac forum, but I have an extra box running Windows XP Pro at home and I'd like to register a domain name and use it as a server. Can someone walk me though what I need? I'm completely new at this, but do have both Mac and Windows computer skills.

Ideally I'd like to be able to supply some web cam images, monitor a weather station, and set up a password protected page to keep tabs on things. I can configure this stuff once I get up and running.

I'm running everything off of a DSL connection with a static IP address, through my airport base station.

typoon · Mar 14, 2005, 03:09 PM

Why not run a Unix Server instead. Something like say FREEBSD. I'm not familiar with how to setup a windows server sorry.

Steve Bosell · Mar 14, 2005, 03:19 PM

install IIS, run windows update...

dlefebvre · Mar 14, 2005, 06:14 PM

Your chances of getting a good answer will dramatically increase if you post the same question on a Windows forum.

goMac · Mar 14, 2005, 06:39 PM

I'd install Apache on it.

viperstrike · Mar 15, 2005, 01:59 AM

FreeBSD is your friend. XP pro isn't really meant to be a 'server' OS. And like dlefebvre said, try a windows forum, or at least google...if you have hours to spare

Superchicken · Mar 15, 2005, 02:03 AM

Take to the top of a tall building, connect ethernet cable... drop from tall building... repeat steps until completely unusable... you'll save yourself a lot of head ache.

powerbook867 · Mar 15, 2005, 05:04 AM

try a linux server instead. it will take you a little more time to figure out all the config files, but at the end of the day, you will have a much more robust/solid os....

plus, you're not giving any money to MS..

derbs · Mar 15, 2005, 06:14 AM

Installing linux? Good idea if you've got a few spare weeks to learn unix from scratch!

Steve Bosell had the right answer. Here's a page telling you how to install IIS (the software that serves web-pages) on XP Pro:

http://www.webwizguide.com/asp/tutor..._winXP_pro.asp

bstone · Mar 15, 2005, 09:28 PM

If you are going to be running a server you might as well do it right. I've "recovered" dozens of hacked IIS servers from even the most strict of security-minded people.

Linux and Apache is the way to go. This doesn't mean you are immune from hack- far from it! But you will be taking a step in the right direction, at least.

Superchicken · Mar 15, 2005, 09:49 PM

Originally posted by derbs:
Installing linux? Good idea if you've got a few spare weeks to learn unix from scratch!

Steve Bosell had the right answer. Here's a page telling you how to install IIS (the software that serves web-pages) on XP Pro:

http://www.webwizguide.com/asp/tutor..._winXP_pro.asp

Yah make sure you learn a Unix before you touch Mandrake...

ghporter · Mar 16, 2005, 10:43 AM

Take a look at this Dummies book-I'm absolutely serious! Unix isn't all that hard if you have any DOS experience, since much of the DOS command line was "lifted" from Unix. With this reference, Mandrake isn't that much of a struggle.

I concur that Linux/Apache is the way to go, if for nothing more than the fact that they aren't Windows with IIS.

macaddict0001 · Mar 16, 2005, 06:49 PM

you mean like a web server? or ftp?

nredman · Mar 16, 2005, 06:53 PM

why not just save yourself some time and have a friend kick you in the nuts?

powerbook867 · Mar 16, 2005, 07:23 PM

Intalling Linux is no more difficult than any other modern OS. Once you learn where the config files are for the kind of server you are trying to setup, it is really not that difficult. Plus, for free, the price is right.

The Linux for Dummies book is the way to go!

milhous · Mar 17, 2005, 01:08 PM

come on guys, screw both unix and linux. it's all about beos and apache. unbreakable an unstoppable.

powerbook867 · Mar 17, 2005, 02:55 PM

ok millhous, the level of geekdom in this thread just hit a new level!!

We could always set up a web server on a Newton 2100!!

Sarc · Mar 17, 2005, 03:36 PM

or a Mac OS 9 system using StarNine's WebSTAR web server, considered by the W3C as the most secure web server ... and it's easy as hell to mantain.

alligator · Mar 17, 2005, 08:58 PM

Okay, I decided to rewire my toaster as a web server. No, make that my cell phone, it has a color screen.

Seriously, I can't figure out what is best for someone new to servers like me. I found a cool site on how to configure Jaguar to work as a server, but I'm not running Jaguar.

I know this much:

1. I need a domain name, and my static IP address will help.
2. I need to set up some type of server that is simple, easy to configure, and very secure since I'll use the computer for other things.
3. I need to be able to receive e-mail and set up multiple e-mail addresses. I'd like for there to be some way to still get e-mail if I turn the server off.

I know DOS and Windows like the back of my hand, but I'm getting very familiar with Unix and my Macs. I'm not afraid of terminal, but I don't know much. Simple books would be a big asset.

Can someone recommend something serious?

Superchicken · Mar 17, 2005, 09:52 PM

Your domain provider should have a web based interface for setting the IP of your website. After that you'll configure it wait a couple of hours/days for the DNS server to update. Then I imagine your sites directory would be where all the stuff for the website would appear. Though I've only ever worked with setting sites up on hosted accounts and stuff I imagine it's somewhat similar.

goMac · Mar 18, 2005, 02:29 AM

If you have a spare PC, run Linux on it as a web server. I have 3 PC's and one Mac (sadly, had to sell my Mac desktop a while back). I have a PC under my desk running as my web server, and its only a Pentium 3/450. It's speedy enough, has all the current web server software for free with Linux, and I can remotely administer it without a monitor from my other machine. I even just finished moving my Dell laptop to Linux. Now total I have one OS X machine, two Linux machines, and a Windows XP box.

Linux might be the best way to go. Very cheap, runs well, and once you set it up its good to go, forever. Just throw the server in a closet or something and never look at it again.