Continue
to Obtaining Server Software
Go back to What
Role for Publishers
Return to
Contents
A few years ago, operating a Web server was the domain of UNIX wizards. Today it reamins true that industrial strength servers for institutions and large businesses will continue to depend on UNIX, and increasingly on Windows NT. However, it is now possible for any knowledgeable end-user of Microsoft Windows or the Mac OS to operate a server and accomplish useful work. The operator of a Web server can concentrate on the information content of documents rather than on the technology of server operation. Serving documents on the Web is now just another end-user computing tool to be used by professionals in many fields.
Transfer of messages on the World Wide Web is based on the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). A server that serves hypertext documents is referred to as an HTTP server or daemon. Server software frequently has the designation HTTPD somewhere in its name.
Installation of HTTP server software is no different than installing any other software under Windows or Mac OS. The software I was using in 1995 was installed by copying program and support files to an appropriate directory (Windows) or folder (Mac) hierarchy on the hard disk. A few text entries had to be made in an initialization file to customize defaults. In 1997, Web server software is installed by running a typical setup program. The server is configured through familiar dialog boxes. Server software may even be included as part of the operating system.
Fortunately for those with little patience and a strong need for instant gratification, servers for both Windows and the Mac are supplied with sample hypertext documents that can be used for initial testing. Ultimately, of course, custom hypertext documents must be created for distribution to anyone accessing the server. After creating these documents, the Webmaster can advertise the availability of the server to its intended audience. With an Internet connection the potential audience is the entire world.
Documents available to the HTTP server are stored in hierarchical subdirectories or in nested folders within a default directory or folder. When the server is accessed by a browser, the server can serve either a default document or a document that is specifically requested. Other files can be delivered depending on the hypertext links in the first file served. For the beginning Webmaster, the most difficult task may be assigning suitable directory or folder names that will facilitate future expansion of the file hierarchy.
Continue to Obtaining
Server Software
Go back to What
Role for Publishers
Return to
Contents
Revised: December 28, 1999
Harry_M_Kriz
, [hmkriz@vt.edu]