Power User Monday Tip of the Week

Web Serving Made Easy Part 2

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Last we left it, we had Apache running like a champ. The downside was that unless you were connected directly to the internet, you weren't able to connect to your server from the outside world. Today, this will change. We are going to learn the joy of port forwarding.

We are going to tell your router the directions to send the right people (the ones who want your web server) to the right place (your computer). There is a little difference between different routers, but the first part is the same.

1. Go to: System Preferences > Network
2. Write down your IP address (should be something like: 192.168.1.100)
3. Close up System Preferences

Now, the directions change depending on what router you have. The two biggest choices are:

• Apple Airport
• LinkSys Cable DSL Router

For readers with an Airport, click here. For readers with a LinkSys or something similar (IE not from Apple) click here.

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Airport Configuration:

1. Open Utilities > Airport Admin Utility
2. Click the Port Mapping Tab
3. Click add and set the Public Port to 80, Private IP Address to the IP address you wrote down, and Private Port to 80.

Make sure your screen looks something like this.

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LinkSys Configuration:

If you are not using a LinkSys router, consult your manual. Try this though, it might work.

1. To visit the config page, visit http://192.168.1.1
2. If you have not set-up another password, it is admin. There is no user name.
3. Once there click on the Advanced tab
4. Click Port Forwarding
5. Type 80 into boxes opposite the ~ and the last three numbers of your local IP address (the one you wrote down) into the box on the far right. All three numbers should be on the same row.
6. Click Apply.

Your set-up should look something like this.

Now, test the forwarding by typing in your REAL address into your link bar.You can find this IP address by visiting WhatisMyIPaddress.com. You should find the same thing you found last week. If not, go back over the forwarding instructions above. Make sure you write down this address if you're likely to forget it.

A lot of people don't understand what port forwarding is, so here's my analogy.

Some people are lucky to live in a gated community. These gated communities usually have a rent-a-cop that mans the gate. Your router is this rent-a-cop. Port forwarding is just telling the guard that when he sees a delivery truck, send it to his house. The web visitor (the one who wants your web site) is the truck.

So now, that IP address is a pain to remember. Aren't you glad you can type in www.apple.com instead of 17.254.3.183? Here's how to get an easy to remember name, without spending a penny.

DynDNS.org offers a service that you can register for free that will allow you to have an address like: yourname.dyndns.org. Pretty lame name, but it's better than numbers. there are a few other services like this, but I've had the most success with DynDNS. It's easy to setup too, you'll just need info like your IP address. You'll be able to share this with friends. They will probably think you're really cool, but don't expect them dissing you about your plans next weekend--you're now officially a nerd.

What to expect next week? Activate PHP, run CGI scripts and other cool stuff. Maybe even installing MySQL!