How to Set Up a Public Web Server
By Robert Murkot
A web server is a great way to share information or files. You can use it to run a business, or you can just create a homepage for anyone to see. It can be configured for the internet as a public server. Windows 2003 requires Internet Information Services, or IIS, to be installed along with the World Wide Web Service. Installation is required because these services are not installed automatically with the operating system installation.
Click on "Start." Then click on the control panel. Choose to add or remove programs.
Click on "Add/Remove Windows Components" at the top of the window.
In the list of components, click on "Application Server," but do not click the checkbox.
Click "Details." Click the "Internet Information Services" checkbox.
Select each of the following if they aren’t currently selected: "Common Files," "Internet Information Services Manager" and "World Wide Web Services."
Click on "World Wide Web Services," but do not click the checkbox. Click on "Details."
Click on the "OK" button thrice. Choose the button that says "Next."
Click on "Finish" and close the "Add or Remove Programs" window.
To configure your web site, open your IIS Manager. Click a button for websites under your server name.
Right-click on "Default Web Site" and left click on "Properties." Left click the website tab.
Click on the home directory tab at the top. If you want to use a directory on the server, click on "A Directory Location on This Computer." Enter the location of the directory you want to use. Example: C:\website.
Click on the documents tab and click add.
In the "Default Content Page," type in Index.html. Click on "OK" twice.
Right click on "Default Web Site." Click "Stop."
Right click on "Default Website" and click "Start."
Tips
- Make sure you name your working directory to something simple so you navigate to it with ease. If you forget your directory name, you'll have to go back into your IIS Manager and find it again.
Warnings
- Don't use a dated computer. Websites can use a lot of hard drive space. It is a good idea to ensure you have enough on your current drive. If not, install a dedicated hard drive just for the website.