Configure the Server

Once you have the programs in place, you must configure the server to do what you want it to. Go back to your books, reread the Web pages, and decide. Do you want to allow users to have control of their own pages? It's an option, and it may present a security issue. Same for server-side includes, which also may consume excessive computer time (but they can be useful). Decisions, decisions, decisions.

For the NCSA httpd, the configuration files are:

• httpd.conf - the primary configuration file.
• srm.conf - the server resource map.
• access.conf - configures security.
• mime.types - document type info

Some recommendations:

• Put files in the default locations. This should simplify installation. If you must put files in special locations, use symbolic links in the default locations.
• Try server-side includes. They add a lot of capability, at only a slight cost of computer power.
• Compile in the XBITHACK. This allows server-side includes for any file with the execute permission bits set.

Outline

• Choose a Computer
• Read Some Books
• Install Linux
• Get the Software
• Compile the Server
• Configure the Server
• Create some HTML Documents
• Refine your HTML Documents
• Remember your Audience