I've just installed RH 9 (my first experience with Linux) as a dual-boot with Win2K on an old machine to use as a server for web page and scrpting tester and as backup for my main Win2K computer.

So far, everything has gone fairly smoothly, with the exception of configuring Apache 2.0.40.

My network hardware configuration seems to work, as I can reach the Internet through my router and cable modem. I can acces locahost both through the computer name and by localhost. However, I can't reach it from the other connected machine by computername or IP. I can ping it only by IP.

I've spent over eight hours searching for a solution, often reading how-tos, manuals, threads, etc. that were way beyond my knowledge level and often totally irrelevant. I suspect that this problem has been posted here before, but I can't find the specific answer I need, so I would appreciate your help.

I've also tried reconfiguring with Webmin, and, as a result of all of the searching and trying on my own I've changed numerous files. Nothing else seems to be not working though.

What more information wouold be useful?

Apache 2.xx - Arrrgh!

Been having a few not uncommon problems with that myself of late - would suggest removing 2.x and replacing it with 1.3.x - however that may be beyond you at the moment.

So with that in mind here are a couple of things for you to try:

1) Make sure the httpd service is running.
a: /etc/rc.d/init.d/httpd restart

2) Running but still can't see it from the localhost or by IPADDR?
a: Check the firewall settings to see if you are blocking port 80 a quick way to test this is by dropping your firewall by /etc/rc.d/init.d/iptables stop

3) The service is started and it's not my firewall!
a: How about posting your /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf file for us to pick through to spot any major errors.

I sincerely hope that helped you out. Usually it works a charm on a clean install of RH9 not heard of your problem before.. Just to check when requesting the page you are http://localhost/ <-- from the linux box and http://<linux box ip address> <-- from your windows box...

Bleah

Incidentally windows won't see your Linux box by name unless you are running smb. - well that's what I found - however some bright spark will no doubt come and correct me. - live and learn.

Thanks - that worked, so the problem is with the firewall. Which file do I look at to correct that? I want to block all access except from my main Win2k machine.

Your help is appreciated.

[edit] Well, DUH! That would be /etc/sysconfig/iptables (not enough coffe yet this morning)

This looks like where I'd open the port? Which line?
Then, where would I restrict access by IP?

[/edit]

Firewalls can be particular.

Try having a quick look around the netfiler site for more info or post something on the security thread. It's fairly easy.. you should always accept all connections from your windowsbox IPADDR regardless of port. Would do the trick and be the easiest to implement.

All the best

Bleah