Well, I have Windows XP installed in my small office. What do I require for creating a web-server at my place(SOHO web-server)?
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Well, I have Windows XP installed in my small office. What do I require for creating a web-server at my place(SOHO web-server)?
If your small office or home office (SOHO) has access to high-speed cable or DSL Internet connections, you can take advantage of broadband and Windows XP Professional to host your own Web site.
You can do so by installing the Internet Information Services (IIS) 5.1 that comes with the OS. IIS 5.1 is a client-side Web server. As such, it is not for hosting high-demand sites. In fact, 5.1 is limited to 10 simultaneous connections, though I have heard of an undocumented hack that will allow up to 40 simultaneous connections. Even if your business already contracts with a Web site host, you can still use IIS 5.1 to run a staging server or development platform.
Installing IIS: IIS does not install by default when you first set up Windows XP Pro. To add the client Web server later on, place your Windows XP Professional CD in the CD-ROM. Click Start >> Control Panel >> Add or Remove Programs >> Click the Add/Remove Windows Components icon on the left of the following dialog. Within the Windows Components Wizard, click the check box for Internet Information Services (IIS)
Important Note: Each IIS option adds a security risk to your network. Therefore, when configuring installation options, weigh necessity against vulnerability, and only install what you absolutely need. If you change your mind later, you can always add components then.
Note that the IIS checkbox is grey. This means there are further components that have not been selected. To view them, click the Details button.
FTP Server is unchecked by default. If you want to install this, check the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Service box.
Note that within the Details window the World Wide Web Service option is also grayed out, which means you need to drill down another layer. Again, click Details.
By default, both the Printers Virtual Directory and the World Wide Web Service are checked. You can also add Remote Desktop Web Connection if you need remote management.
After customizing your installation, click OK to accept and dismiss both Details windows, then click Next to start the setup program. Installation will take a few minutes.
To run a full-time, secure SOHO Web site, in addition to the minimum requirements of Windows XP and IIS 5.1, you will want to take care of following things:
- A computer that stays connected to the Internet 24/7.
- A static IP address. Most ISPs will provide one for an extra fee if it’s not already included as part of your business account.
- Your own domain name. Purchase this name from a domain name registrar such as Network Solutions.
- A firewall to reduce your Web site and SOHO network’s vulnerability to Internet mischief. A properly configured hardware or software firewall blocks all Internet activity except that which you authorize.
- A router to enable you to share the cable or DSL broadband connection among your small office or home network computers. Often, routers include basic firewalls. You may want to configure it to isolate your Web site from the rest of your network.