By Tina Hope

Linux web hosting not only helps you build your website from a small business to a large enterprise but also gives you many advantages over contemporaries and competitors alike. Once you decide your budget and also your required features, then you will be able to decide on the Linux web hosting package that will further improve your chances of doing well in business. The scripting language that is incorporated in your website also comes into play and so does the interactive facilities that are implemented in it. There are many advantages that one ends up getting through Linux web hosting services. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Linux is open source code software and eventually does not require the gigantic licensing fee that one usually ends up paying for others. Other operating systems command a huge licensing fee in comparison to this one and it is this virtue of minimizing costs that makes this form of web hosting highly endearing to hire. You not only get to download it free of cost but also are rendered the advantage of using it sans any sort of costs.

2. The Linux based website can be converted to a window based website at any time of the day without any hassles. The website can easily be changed back into its original form or to any other form when the requirement of the user keeps growing continuously. The conversions can be done depending on the user requirements and can also be changed according to changing times.

3. This form of hosting is the most economical form of hosting and the user gets to save a huge amount of money out of the total budget. The only costs involved are those of the distribution that are further incurred by the proprietor or the owner.

4. Linux also proves to be the most cost effective and frugal option for your website when the scripting has to be done in languages like PHP and My SQL along with Perl. Unless and until the scripting is very heavily loaded, one does not have to worry about the whole process.

5. The operating system allows the user to run as many kinds of databases one feels like running. The most widely used databases include the likes of My SQL and Postgre SQL. These databases might look interrelated by nature and also allow highly optimized communication. This is done to quickly reclaim all the data.

6. It offers paramount security. The end user does not have to worry about the security of any of the applications and can go about doing anything on the server. Designers and programmers prefer this form over any other form and can mostly be seen using it.

These advantages this form of hosting a lot of advantages that are too good to ignore and subsequently have created a huge fan base for Linux web hosting India. Be it any IT professional who deals with this, Linux hosting is never short of springing in surprises and always manages to fox people.

IDS Web Hosting a brand name in India for its web hosting services which provides best e-commerce hosting services, hosting with crystal report and domain name registration at affordable prices. For more details visit our Web hosting India website.

Welcome to the beginning of a path to simpler website administration!

This article is the first in a series aimed at the average user with the average hosted website; someone without a vast amount of hyper-technical knowledge about the guts of the internet. We will see that utilizing the more “complicated” part of the hosting provider’s service can be easy and can make your website management easier as well. I will provide you with a basic road map to simple Linux utilization that, I believe, will both benefit, please and, ultimately, empower you to better manage and amplify your site’s potential!

As we all know, with the proliferation of user-hosted websites in our age, the market has driven most hosting services to provide users with more user-friendly interfaces; windows, or browser, based menuing systems with simple and easy to understand layouts.

This is a good thing, but it’s also a bad thing. One could make the argument that the simplification of hosted website management through the use of these interfaces makes it possible for the average person to easily set up and manage their own website or e-business. This is true. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons that the web hosting industry is experiencing a boom. Consumers demand ease-of-use from merchants and simple picture-menu based setup and maintenance systems fulfill that demand.

So how can this be a bad thing?

There are a multitude of reasons, but the one I’ll be addressing here is, coincidentally, the exact same thing: Ease Of Use! What most people don’t realize at first (but soon become aware of) is that the “Ease Of Use” supplied by these point-and-click-simple solutions, more often than not, make a lot of simple tasks extremely difficult, if not impossible!

The double-whammy is that they essentially “mystify” the underlying operating system (that place where the work actually gets done) and lock most people into a cycle of endless forum-searching or email-tag with customer support (and experienced Linux users) where they find, mostly, answers that assume they already possess whatever basic knowledge they need to complete the task at hand. I’m not saying that any of these folks are unfriendly or unwilling to help, just that the average user ends up no better off in the end and has to go back to… the windows-like menuing system.

The good news is: You don’t have to settle!

Given the right circumstances, you can enhance your ability to maximize the potential of your website, and, ironically, increase your “Ease Of Use” by making use of that underlying operating system.

By learning just a few of the basics of Linux (the most popular operating system for most web-hosting solution providers), you can dramatically increase the ease with which you can maintain, and even optimize, your website.

Below, we’ll go Point-by-Point, with “Tips” along the way, toward adding use of the Linux operating system to your bag of tricks. The de-mystification begins!

Point Number 1: Don’t let any roadblocks you hit discourage you. What you’re about to accomplish is within the realm of absolute possibility. You CAN use Linux to maintain your website, enhance it, optimize it and much more. None of this is beyond your ability. Societally perpetuated self-doubt, mass-belief that it’s all just too complicated and the pervasive notion that Linux is comprehensible only to computer science majors and “techies” are myth’s and falsehoods.

You can master Linux as easily as you can master your ABC’s. If that seems like over-simplification, believe me when I tell you that it’s not. Remember how much easier it was to remember LMNOP than it was the rest of the alphabet? In simplistic terms, you’ll be learning how to help yourself by learning how to use Linux to your advantage in much the same way. We’ll start with the parts that come easily, and the rest will fall into place over time, seemingly without effort!

Point Number 2: In order to make any of this work, your service provider will have to offer you the option of using a “shell account.” This is the most common terminology for direct access to the underlying operating system. “Shell access” is also commonly understood. If you are already being hosted, be sure to use these terms when requesting the access you’ll need. All service providers understand what a “shell account,” or “shell access” is and will be able to let you know, immediately, whether or not they offer their users that option.

Tip: If you are in the consideration phase, and looking for a hosting provider, be sure to ask them if they offer you the option of a “shell account,” or “shell access.” It’s your call in the end, but, if they don’t, I would advise that you continue your search for a provider elsewhere.

Tip: Most providers offer “shell accounts,” or “shell access,” but they don’t make a point of letting you know. In my experience, it’s never anywhere near the top of the list of features the hosting provider offers, and, most times, you have to go to the support page, or elsewhere, to find out. You just need to ask. If it’s something they offer, they’ll give it to you (however grudgingly); usually with simple login instructions. Hosting providers generally don’t like the thought of “regular” users mucking about with the underlying operating system, so they generally don’t make it a point to let you know you have this option!

Point Number 3: Now you’re going to need to get to your shell account. This is a piece of the puzzle that most service providers will assume you know how to do. We’ll assume for the moment that you don’t. For our purposes here we’ll assume your provider is a company named XYZ.com and you already have access to the internet and have that connection active when you connect to your “shell account.”

There are certain things that you’re going to need in order to access your shell account; all of which are free. Some you’ll have to get yourself and some you’ll most likely have to request from your service provider.

Most importantly, you’ll need your connection information. You will get this from your service provider. It should include:

1. The host name or IP address of the server you’ll need to connect to in order to access your account (e.g. webhost.XYZ.com or somecrazyname.XYZ.com). You’ll almost never be given an IP address exclusively. Your service provider should, however, include this information along with the server name (e.g. webhost.XYZ.com – IP Address: 192.68.224.176). Having an IP address to connect to can be advantageous if, for some reason, you can’t reach the server via the host name.

2. Your login information. This will simply be a user name and password.

3. The method by which you can access your shell account. Generally this will be via “SSH” (Secure Shell), but some hosts still use “Telnet” (Telecommunication Network

‘t let the definitions I’ve included in parentheses put you off. They’re simply provided for completeness and shouldn’t concern you at this point. Their strict “definitions” may never ever concern you – They don’t concern me and I’ve been in the business for well over a decade!

Basically, the difference between the two connection methods is academic. Telnet sends information over the internet as-it-is. This is one of the reasons most providers use SSH. SSH sends information over the internet in “encrypted” form. That is, Telnet is an “unsecure” protocol, while SSH is considered “secure.” It’s much harder (if not nearly impossible) for someone to hack into your connection and “see” what you’re typing if the information is encrypted. Encrypted information is protected. Unencrypted information (what you’ll be sending if you use Telnet) can be read (by the proper hacker) as if he or she were looking over your shoulder watching you type!

Tip: Don’t accept Telnet if it’s offered as a connection option. Insist on SSH. If SSH is not available from your provider, there are other options you can pursue, but they’re beyond the scope of this article.

Next, you’ll need a method by which to connect, using the information given to you by your hosting provider. This is simply going to be some software “client” that you’ll use to connect. Many SSH clients are available for free and can be downloaded at various freeware sites on the internet (Use any search engine and simply type in a search for “SSH client freeware download.” You’ll be surprised at the number of options available!)

Tip: Don’t pay for an SSH client unless it makes you feel better. There are several reputable and highly effective clients available for free. Almost all work right out of the box (just start them up and look for a button that says “new connection,” or something similar, and then you’ll be presented with a screen into which you can type in the host name, user name and password information you received from your hosting provider. Just click connect and you’re logging into your “shell account!”

Point Number 4: Now, strangely enough (with most providers), you’ll be presented with a “menu screen” once you login to your “shell account.” This will generally provide you with several options such as editing files, sending email, uploading or downloading files, etc.

A text-based menu is generally fairly easy to follow. Options are presented on a numbered menu (possibly with letter shortcuts in parentheses alongside), you select the number (or letter) of the option you want to use and then you do whatever that is until you exit and come back to the menu. A simple menu might look like this:

—- Welcome to XYZ.com Shell Access Menu —–

1. Edit Files (e)

2. Send Email (s)

3. Upload Files (u)

4. Download Files (d)

5. Linux Shell (l)

6. Quit (q)

Enter your option

Tip: If you use any option and it isn’t made obvious how you can get back to the menuing system, you can generally get back there by “killing” whatever program you’ve launched by selecting your option. This can usually be done by typing one of the following “control-character” sequences. ctl+c, ctl+x, ctl+v, ctl+d. The key combinations described here are simply the typing of two keys at once (denoted by the + symbol), so for ctl+c you would type the “control” key (usually “ctl” or “ctrl” on your keyboard) while simultaneously typing the “c” key. Just type them both at the same time. Nothing to it!

Please note that all of these options may disconnect you completely from your server and should be used only after you’ve saved any work you’re doing.

Not to worry; if you do get disconnected, all you need to do is connect again. Of course, any and/or all of these options may do nothing at all. If you just “need” to disconnect and can find no remedy in your “shell account,” you can always take the guaranteed step of closing your SSH client.

Now you have arrived!

This part of the lesson is coming to an end, but your journey has just begun. At this point, fool around with the various menu options and try out the various features of your “shell account.” Use them with caution, as you would when interfacing with your window-based menuing system. Try to keep your actions non-destructive (e.g. If you’re going to edit a file in a foreign editor, make sure to back it up, or copy if off, first, etc).

If your hosting provider’s “shell account” is literally that, you’ll end up at a “shell prompt” after connecting. Take some time to investigate. For now, stick to using “info,” “help” or “man” (for manual) commands to learn about your environment. You’ll know you’re at a shell prompt immediately. It may look something like this (But, there’s no mistaking it for a menu!)

/home/user/public_html >_

Practice with the skills you’ve gained so far. You’ll find, with time that they will become second nature. Of course, we’re only part of the way there now, but, as this article is a “Beginning,” you have accomplished your goal.

Remember, with practice and patience, you can learn a thing or two about Linux as you explore your new environment. Be cautious, but have fun. It’s one of the best ways to learn!

“Ease Of Use” in managing your website will take on a new meaning for you as we continue. Hopefully, it has already!

If you’re already slightly farther ahead in the game, or would simply like to take some steps to get your existing, or in-progress site notices, my website might be worth your while to check out.
But, that may be for later.

Mike Tremell – (c) 2007

If you have any questions about this article, or you’d like to be kept informed of updates to this series, please feel free to email me and I will include you in a mailing to announce future updates. Please also note that I respect your privacy and your email will not be resold or used for any other purpose; I do not send out unsolicited email or do any bulk email marketing.

Having trouble passing computer certification test? Look no further than this ebook on Computer Certification Success [http://www.web-advantage.org]!

Having a web hosting company to host your website is a common thing among webmasters nowadays. The question is which type of platform should you choose? Should you choose the Windows, Linux or Mac? Let’s compare them to see which stands out in the comparison.

The first thing that users compare is the price. Linux is known to be the most affordable among the three platforms. The other 2 are more expensive because of the licensing issues because they are owned by Microsoft and Apple. So, by being an open source system, Linux can be obtained without having to pay for anything. Many users turn to Linux because of this reason.

Another sought after feature is the stability of the platform. Again, Linux is known as the most stable platform and is the most suitable to be use as a hosting solution. The BSD system used by Mac is build base form the Unix system. One of the earliest platform types around. This also makes Max a very stable hosting option. As for the Windows, they are less stable and often have problems such as blue screens, freeze and crash. However, Microsoft has made a lot progress throughout the years. Nevertheless, Linux is still the one to turn to when it comes to stability.

Then there is the need to be user friendly. For this, operating platforms need to be simply and easy to use. To be able to use a Linux operating platform, you will need to be equipped with some technical skills because it uses commands similar to DOS systems. Therefore, Linux is more difficult to operate if compared to Windows or Mac. This is because the other 2 systems are using graphical interfaces and this is usually more user friendly. This interface will mostly require users to click and choose according to the administration process displayed on the screen.

So, based on the history of the industry, Linux has been the longest platform around but the other 2 systems also has a deep background. The Mac hosting is becoming more popular due to its solid application depending on the scenario. No matter what, all 3 choices could serve you well as long as you are using it for your website. If you are in need of your own server, you will have to choose wisely. In conclusion, with a small price, you can have a good quality platform to operate your website on.

A last piece of advice

Web hosting is a topic that every business owner and web developer has to deal with. I am sure that most of us have been pretty frustrated with shady web hosts and biased hosting reviews. There are sites however, who are dedicated to reviewing and providing information about different web hosts.

TopWebHostReview.net for example, is one of those quality websites that provide nothing but honest web hosting reviews. If you are one of those who needs guidance in term of website hosting, make sure you don’t miss the website. I am sure their unbiased hosting reviews, (for example this one: FatCow Review) will be very helpful.

Article by Justin Knights, freelance writer.

Below is a snapshot of the hosting in 1997

click image for full-size

Nowadays, for under $10 a month you can host many websites on that single plan. Plus get hundreds of GIGABYTES of website storage space, and more bandwidth a month than you’d probably ever use!

Upgrading to another level of service is always a concern. If your shared plan is getting too slow or you’re at the point of being suspended because you’re using more than your allotted bandwidth, then moving up to an affordable reseller web hosting plan may be your best option.

Here is what you need to look at before you view many of the offers by web providers.

Use

How much of the server do you anticipate on using. If you are running just your own website or maybe just a few small websites, then you only need to look at the smallest plans available and they are always affordable for reseller web hosting. On the other hand if you are going to be involved with offering other web site owners use on your site for money, you may want to consider the largest reseller plan available. It may not be as affordable, but it will make life easier in the long run.

Support

If you are a reseller, you don’t have access to root directories, but you do have the ability to pick and choose your configuration. Choosing the right web host provider with the best tech support becomes ever more important. The last thing you want is to have a scrambled mess when you are hosting someone else’s site. You also don’t want anything to happen to your sites if you are using your reseller account strictly for your own web sites.

Software

The availability of certain types of software for email, control, merchant carts etc., is an important consideration. Know what you need before you choose a company that can provide you with affordable reseller web hosting.

Bandwidth

No need to hunt very far for bandwidth. It’s one of the first things that pop up when you are looking for a hosting company. But how much bandwidth and how much memory you need is another question. Jot down what you think your use will be over the next year or so. If you are pushing the limits now, when you start adding extra hits or added software, you will need more of everything, including low cost bandwidth.

Upgrade

That being said, you may want to look at something beyond a few months or a year in advance. If you are on the cusp of being suspended for too much use for your plan, which all companies do, your host provider may force you to upgrade anyway. Looking ahead may save you headaches in the future. To upgrade to affordable reseller web hosting plan now rather than VPS or a dedicated server will only lead to that eventuality if your business continues to grow.

Cost

Although it is last on the list, it may be the most important consideration. But part of the cost is future upgrades, downtime during a transition, and long-term reliability. If you want your reseller web hosting to be affordable, looking at various plans while focusing on all the aspects and applying a rating to each may be the easiest way to find a provider to fit your particular needs.

You can find all you need to know about affordable reseller web hosting, dedicated hosting, VPS, managed hosting or email at the unbiased ratings and review site created for easy use. Visit: http://www.cheapdedicatedhosting.ratingsbyusers.com

When the competition is high, the need to stay on top is higher. Therefore it is very common to see some web host providers try to get customers by using any means necessary. Sometime the marketing tactics used can be illegal. This however is true for some of the provider but there are many good providers out there who always play by the rules.

One of the most famous tactics used is lower down the service charge. This is to get the attention of general public. People tend to look for cheaper service. This may seem brilliant at first but over time as their number of subscribers increase they might not cope with the load. As a result, their service quality will surely drop. So always be cautious of cheap service though it is good.

Think ahead and plan for the future. You website is likely to grow in nearest future. Therefore find a service which can support your website for all its lifetime. In future as the number of visitor keep increasing you will have to upload more files and better software. You have to consider all these factors before deciding on a web hosting plan. Imagine using the specific provider for a few months or years, will the service provided by them is sufficient for your needs? A limited web space or bandwidth plan would not be able to sustain your business.

There are no prior rules what to look for when you are searching for web hosting services. Do not judge the service provided by the web host based on the website. A website with state of the flash and graphic design might not necessarily provide the best service. Do not be surprised if a normal website with no special effect be the company that you are looking for. What you must have your eye on is their professionalism. You should be able to get the basic information regarding their service easily through their website. They should have user friendly web design that could help you find the information you seek easily. Besides that, the company should be transparent enough and have a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section and their contact info.

Be extremely careful with what the website promises to offer especially the promises which seems too good to be true. This is because it is very easy to promise but very hard to deliver what you promise. Most of the website will promise a ninety-nine percent uptime but this might not be true at all time. A reliable web host will go as far as to give money back guarantee if they cannot deliver what they promised. At least you will have some ideas on what to do if your site is down for days without any response from the web host.

There are many cheap hosting in market today but not without any hidden trap. Most of this host will offer you the cheap rate only if you sign up on a long term contract with them. All you know you might be paying $3.99 per month which is considered very cheap but then you will be stuck with them for 3 long years. So be aware of extremely cheap deals out there.

Last but not least the customer support provided by the provider is also very important criteria when you are selecting a prospective company for no company is complete without superior customer support. For this reason a good provider should provider twenty four hours a day and seven days a week of technical support.

Are you looking for a reliable web host? 2 millions have hosted their websites with Host Gator and that really provides a strong proof on how good they are. Perhaps you need to read this review for more evidence on their quality.

Kalen is a full time webmaster and writer since her college days. For years she has accumulated valuable experiences in picking a great host. She has somehow come out with a set of theory where you can read more at her website.

]]> http://linux.bihlman.com/2009/08/31/my-hostgator-1%c2%a2-promo-code/feed/ 0 http://linux.bihlman.com/2009/08/14/linux-web-hosting-know-what-makes-it-so-acceptable/ http://linux.bihlman.com/2009/08/14/linux-web-hosting-know-what-makes-it-so-acceptable/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2009 06:29:35 +0000 Contributor http://linux.bihlman.com/?p=262 Linux Web Hosting – Know What Makes it So Acceptable
By Anand Maheshwari

When you figure out the requirement to form a website, you will also have to zero out which web hosting firm to select. There are several platforms which you are open to make your pick from. The most famous amongst them is Linux Web Hosting. Linux hosting is taken to be as an alternate for making use of technology based on Microsoft Windows for working a website. Linux, an open source system was designed subsequent to Unix. This suggests that Linux is absolutely free, which a factor is considered by some people while making a choice. Apart from being free, it is also taken as extremely steady even in between long-lasting multitasking. Its flexibility, portability as well as power make it more credible in usage.

Other factor which contributes in making Linux Web Hosting a hit among the users is that the distribution cost is very small. With this you also avail free applications to assist the server run swiftly and consistently. Some of these applications you will also very well acquainted with such as HTTP server, File Server, FTP, DNS server among various others. With the technology of PHP, it is able to produce web pages having dynamic content and is also visually attractive. Such pages can change in terms of appearance as well as content. This is mainly keeping in consideration the interest of the person watching it has to so something like getting a form filled. Another most important advantage that plays a crucial role is that it is extremely easy in terms of its scalability. The provider of Linux based services offers practically a website, small as well as large as per your needs.

The system of data base which is used by Linux web hosts for varied websites is MySQL. Python, the programming language that is much valued by the programmers is also used in Linux hosting. It is comparatively refined and at the same time is very simple to learn too. It often makes use of words commonly used in English unlike other programming languages which make use of symbols.

It also renders you with the flexibility to make alterations and check them instantly without even making those changes everlasting. Extensible Markup Language, abbreviated as, XML is another technology made use by the Linux Web hosting. It is an extremely flexible way of regulating the information that contributes in formation of a website. With HTML, the previous system that was used every information piece was marked mainly for manifestation. With XML, this phenomenon has undergone a change and now you can use any kind of marker that pleases you. The owner of the website can now manage the website in their own way with XML. With Linux web hosting you can own all these benefits and mould them according to your needs.

Anand is a webmaster for Web Hosting India visit: hosting.b4uindia.com

Cheap dedicated hosting is provided by a number of web hosting companies throughout the US and Canada as well as Europe and Asia. It doesn’t matter where your hosting company is located from a technical point of view, other than that fact that you may want to deal in your own currency. So if you are in the US or Canada, it is easy to work seamlessly in the same language.

There are other issues, however that may dictate which web company you may want to use for dedicated hosting. Besides language and currency, other considerations should be support for your particular needs. Some companies offer far fewer options to get help when it’s needed. Choosing a competent but cheap dedicated hosting provider need not be complicated as long as you are comfortable with the operating system and the control panel.

International web host providers located outside of the US can provide an inexpensive alternative, but, and there is always a but, it may require far more effort on your part to get all the features you need for your site. In addition, the laws in each country vary and the effort and time needed to clarify any misunderstanding may not be worth the effort. The amount of time you spend may cost more than if you were using someone in your own country.

Cheap dedicated hosting then becomes a matter of bandwidth, support, reliability and cost. Finding the cheapest within your country’s jurisdiction becomes a matter of research. Using a package that allows for hardware replacement in a short time, or not concerned whether the servers are Linux or Windows can make the cost also come down.

The solution for your business, particularly if you require the website to be operating with 100% uptime, may be a dedicated hosting package that is not the absolute lowest cost. If you have to sacrifice service for a few dollars, then when all is said and done, it may not be the most prudent move to go with a lowest bid. Instead, you would be better off taking advantage of the promotional offers made by the web host provider.

Most providers offer a variety of managed hosting services, from Windows 2000 or even Windows 2003, and dedicated servers at a low enough cost, with good customer support to compete with any of the shared host providers. The value of a cheap dedicated hosting company is further enhanced when you take in the fact that there is generally no need to add costly upgrades, everything is within your control.

You can find all you need to know about dedicated hosting, VPS, managed hosting and email at the unbiased ratings and review site created for easy use by going to the website: http://www.cheapdedicatedhosting.ratingsbyusers.com

There are many web hosting companies available willing to host your website for various monthly fees. Most of these fees are based on bandwidth usage, storage usage and anything else they can think of to add on fees.

Each company offers similar packages which include add-ons like support for programming languages such as PHP, ASP, Perl, database support such as MySQL or even a shopping cart for those of you interested in selling items from your website. If you have a need there is probably a company able to meet it for you and if not you may have just found yourself a business opportunity.

Don’t want to to pay the fees? Then I have a possible solution for you and I say possible because it will take a little patience to set everything up but if you’re willing I’ll show you how to setup your own computer to host your webpage yourself for free. Well not actually free you will still have to pay for the electric and your time to set it up but pretty close to free.

In order for you computer to act as a server it needs to be setup like one. And this is How. Every computer running Windows probably has a built in server that just needs to be started but I prefer using Apache Web server. Don’t panic it is also free.

Many of you may have read or heard how difficult it is to setup Apache server on your computer and not to discount those unfortunate soles in any way but there is a much easier way to install Apache along with several other items that may come in handy as your knowledge increases. (MySql, PHP, phpMyAdmin, Filezilla FTP Server, and Mercury Mail Transport System). Now all of these additional programs are beyond the scope of this article but I wanted to at least mention them.

Sound scary? Take some deep breaths or maybe count to 10 because it’s really not that bad. Okay here we go!

Setting up the Apache Web Server On your computer!

Apache is an open source software that is free for everyone to use and the best place I’ve found for downloading the program is ApacheFriends.org.

Apache Friends have an installation package available for download that takes all the headaches out of the setup process and pretty much does it all for you. To get started click on the link below and download (based on your computer’s operating system) the right version of what is called ? XAMPP

They have a download for Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and Solaris. I downloaded and setup the installation package for windows so there might be some differences between my version and the one you will need however there is instructions available for each platform.

To get the ball rolling create a folder on your C drive called x or maybe xampp. x is shorter and to the point so I’ll use that. Now we need to double click the xampp installation package that we previously downloaded. The program start and ask you to select your language, once selected click next and then you’ll be prompted to enter in the path or location of the folder we previously setup.( “c:\x”) then click next. Here you will be prompted to create an icon on the desktop etc.

At the bottom of this screen the software will provide options for installation. You can install either or all of Apache, MySQL, and Fileszilla. I selected all of them and then clicked install but you begin with only setting up Apache if you like. At this point you will see the software begin to install and once it’s finished you will receive a message stating “Installation Complete” and a popup box asking if you would like to start the Xampp Control Panel now? Click yes.

Xampp Control Panel should now open and if we look at it we can see that Apache has the word “Running” beside it. MySQL and Fileszilla will to if you installed them as well. If the word “Running” is not there you can click on the button labeled start beside each one to get them running.

Once these are running you should be able to open your web browser and type http: //localhost/xampp/splash.php to see a page that was created through the installation process. Feel free to explore the different information that is available by selecting your language.

Now your all setup and rolling right? Okay maybe not yet.Where do we put the web pages we have created?

If you navigate to your C: drive and then locate and open the folder we called x you will see several folders along with a number of files. For now we are going to be interested in the folder called “htdocs” this is where you will keep the index.htm or start page. If an index file already exists then rename it for now and then open up notepad and type the following.

THIS ACTUALLY WORKED!

Then save it as index.htm or index.html file. Now let’s try out our new web server by opening up your web browser and typing in http: //localhost/index.htm, http: //localhost/index.html or just type in http: //127.0.0.1 which is sort of an alis for your computers home ip address. If the words above in bold displays then it’s working and your all set.

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