Newbie WebServer
 

I am trying to setup a webserver (just a test server for me and a couple friends) to post websites on. I have a system running fedora core 1 but I am not sure what all I have to do to get the server active and go live with it. It would also be kinda cool if I could run an email server with this so I don't have to use a hotmail address but I am not sure if that is all possible without purchasing a domain name and hosting service. Anyone that could help clear up anything for me would be most helpful. Currently I have only installed fedora core 1 on the system and have opened the web ports on my router. So any suggestions would be great.

Russ

I don't know about the email, but the webserver part is easy...

First, you need to install Apache webserver. It probably already comes with your distro, so look on your CD. If you can't find it, you can download (free) it at http://www.apache.org.

The installation will create a directory /var/www/htdocs. Put your websites in the htdocs folder. To view the site locally, you can enter in your web browser http://127.0.0.1/document_name.html. The document name is index.html you don't have to specify it in the document name. To view the website you have to get your IP address. I am new to Linux so I dont know how to do it for your OS. Then, make sure your connected to the internet, and have your friend type in http://YOUR.IP.ADDRESS/document_name.html

Hopefully, if all is well, he should see your page. I dont think I forgot anything here, if I did, perhaps one of the gurus will clue me in! ( :

If you want to find out your ip address, type IFCONFIG, it'll tell you in there. Thats your local ip address. To find your external ip address, open up a webbrowser on your server and go to either:

http://whatismyipaddress.com
or
http://checkip.dyndns.org

I prefer the later one, its alot cleaner and tells you what you asked for, no adverts, crap, etc.