Windows 2000/XP: Web Server Recommendations

jameslee · 03-26-2002, 02:24 PM

Any recommendations for software to setup and web server (and supporting ftp server) on either a Windows 2000 or Windows XP system?

I'd rather use the Windows 2000 system as my dedicated web server, but i do have a Windows XP system available if it would make for a better web server. (Yeah, i know. My Linux box would make the best web server, but i don't know much about Linux and fear the setup and learning would take way too long. All i've got with the Linux box is the OS installed. I haven't optimized the drivers, tweaked anything, etc. I don't even have network access on the Linux box yet!)

I've looked into Analog X's SimpleServer:WWW, but it might be too simple. I've also installed LiteServe, but for a all-in-one software solution, the help is terrible (read: a plain text file) and i haven't been able to find any online setup guides.

I'm a little hesitent about installing IIS because of all the security issues. From what i've read, a lot of people recommend installing third-party software, like Apache, on Windows as an alternative to IIS.

In the beginning, i'd just like to have a web server with FTP access for updating. Once that's up and running, i'd like the web server to support more advanced features like CGI and Perl scripts. I don't foresee the server ever needing to support mail protocols or telnet access.

Any advice would be appreciated.

aglio412 · 03-26-2002, 02:44 PM

i'm running apache on a 2k box now...i love it...but then again, i spent a year working as a web admin with apache servers on linux, so i know a thing or 2 about it. IIS is easy...but very scary security wise. i'd say head over to www.apache.org

jameslee · 03-28-2002, 06:41 AM

I'm testing out IndigoPerl, which includes:

. Apache (with mod_perl)
. Perl/CGI
. PHP
. Database access modules

The cool thing is that it's all setup already, and setup well for that matter. All the files are contained in the installation directory and no information is stored in the registry.

It's designed to allow programmers to test their code on their computers before uploading them to the actual servers to go live. But, since all the elements are 'full-featured' versions, it can be easily configured to act as an public web server instead of only a local one.

aglio412 · 03-28-2002, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jameslee
I'm testing out IndigoPerl, which includes:

. Apache (with mod_perl)
. Perl/CGI
. PHP
. Database access modules

The cool thing is that it's all setup already, and setup well for that matter. All the files are contained in the installation directory and no information is stored in the registry.

It's designed to allow programmers to test their code on their computers before uploading them to the actual servers to go live. But, since all the elements are 'full-featured' versions, it can be easily configured to act as an public web server instead of only a local one.

i am definitely checking that out...

Jeffbx · 03-29-2002, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jameslee
Any recommendations for software to setup and web server (and supporting ftp server) on either a Windows 2000 or Windows XP system?

For simple web services, IIS is the way to go. As long as you install all the latest security patches, it's fine. I've actually run IIS and Apache side by side in one of my last jobs - the Apache server was hacked twice while IIS was never touched.

In the beginning, i'd just like to have a web server with FTP access for updating. Once that's up and running, i'd like the web server to support more advanced features like CGI and Perl scripts.

If you want to run CGI and/or Perl, you *should* look into Linux.

03-26-2002, 02:24 PM	#1
jameslee Lieutenant Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 409	Windows 2000/XP: Web Server Recommendations Any recommendations for software to setup and web server (and supporting ftp server) on either a Windows 2000 or Windows XP system? I'd rather use the Windows 2000 system as my dedicated web server, but i do have a Windows XP system available if it would make for a better web server. (Yeah, i know. My Linux box would make the best web server, but i don't know much about Linux and fear the setup and learning would take way too long. All i've got with the Linux box is the OS installed. I haven't optimized the drivers, tweaked anything, etc. I don't even have network access on the Linux box yet!) I've looked into Analog X's SimpleServer:WWW, but it might be too simple. I've also installed LiteServe, but for a all-in-one software solution, the help is terrible (read: a plain text file) and i haven't been able to find any online setup guides. I'm a little hesitent about installing IIS because of all the security issues. From what i've read, a lot of people recommend installing third-party software, like Apache, on Windows as an alternative to IIS. In the beginning, i'd just like to have a web server with FTP access for updating. Once that's up and running, i'd like the web server to support more advanced features like CGI and Perl scripts. I don't foresee the server ever needing to support mail protocols or telnet access. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-26-2002, 02:44 PM	#2
aglio412 Still Unbanned Commander Join Date: May 2001 Location: Suburbia Posts: 1,362	i'm running apache on a 2k box now...i love it...but then again, i spent a year working as a web admin with apache servers on linux, so i know a thing or 2 about it. IIS is easy...but very scary security wise. i'd say head over to www.apache.org

03-28-2002, 06:41 AM	#3
jameslee Lieutenant Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 409	I'm testing out IndigoPerl, which includes: . Apache (with mod_perl) . Perl/CGI . PHP . Database access modules The cool thing is that it's all setup already, and setup well for that matter. All the files are contained in the installation directory and no information is stored in the registry. It's designed to allow programmers to test their code on their computers before uploading them to the actual servers to go live. But, since all the elements are 'full-featured' versions, it can be easily configured to act as an public web server instead of only a local one.

User Name
Password
Remember Me?