myHTTP and myFTP Servers
Overview
These servers are located on my personal computer. These are just
like any other servers you hear about on the internet, only mine do
not cost $5,000 to buy and you don't need a 12 year college degree
in Server Management to install or use them. I use the HTTP
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol; web pages) server to serve web pages,
and I use the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server to transfer files.
Why
The HTTP server lets me see my web pages I have built exactly the
way they would appear on the Internet. This is because when I use my
HTTP server, it is on the internet. This way I can test my pages
before I upload them to the permanent site (my Geocities site). The
server I use also lets me create CGI/PERL files. These files let me
create dynamic pages. For example, I could make a site that you have
to enter a username and password to see, or where you could enter
information into a form and recall it at a later date, or create an
information site that stores information and organizes it in a meaningful
matter using a Web Interface.
More Info
The servers are just like any other program. You install them,
and then run them. Just like Microsoft Word, or Internet Explorer,
or Winamp. The only thing different is what it does. The HTTP server
listens to a port on my computer. The port is like a highway that
information travels on from your computer to the internet and also
from the internet to your computer. There are many of these
highways. The FTP server listens to a different highway than the
HTTP server. One highway for internet pages and another for transferring
files.
I must have the programs running for you to use my servers. This
is a downfall as I don't want them running all the time. Although it
is easier for me to have them on all the time because of a cable
modem instead of a regular dial up modem. |