Solved Apache web server help

[septprince]

I wanted to host a forum(for my school friends where my ex-classmates can talk chat )from my computer.
So I downloaded mybb and xampp(contains apache2.2, php5.3, etc) to do that.
I installed mybb without any problem.
I can also open the forum by typing "hhtp:/localhost/friendsbb".

Now my problem is that I dont know what to do next so that my friends can access the forum over internet...
I am trying to do this since morning but with no result...
Can anyone help me??

 

[z3r010]

OK, a few questions

1. How do you connect to the internet?
2. Do you have a router?
3. Do you use a 3rd party firewall?
4. Do you have an external static IP?

 

[Generator]

Replace 'localhost' in the address with your IP number to access your PC from outside. Most people who run servers locally tend to use free services like no-ip or dyndns to get around dynamic IP number changes, these services will also provide you with a more user-friendly web address rather than poeple trying to remember your IP.

Also check your firewalls are not blocking outgoing data for port 80, and if your using windows firewall make sure it's not blocking the actual Apache application.

There is a online 'Open Port Check Tool' provided by CanYouSeeMe.org which is very handy for checking whether the ports are accessible/open. It will also tell you the IP number you're currently using.

 

[septprince]

OK, a few questions

1. How do you connect to the internet?
2. Do you have a router?
3. Do you use a 3rd party firewall?
4. Do you have an external static IP?

I connect to internet through cable Internet service.
No I dont have a router.
8080 port is open.
And I have also disabled windows firewall. And Presently I not using any 3rd party security software.
And I dont have a static ip. So I registered To no-ip free service.

Replace 'localhost' in the address with your IP number to access your PC from outside. Most people who run servers locally tend to use free services like no-ip or dyndns to get around dynamic IP number changes, these services will also provide you with a more user-friendly web address rather than poeple trying to remember your IP.

Also check your firewalls are not blocking outgoing data for port 80, and if your using windows firewall make sure it's not blocking the actual Apache application.

There is a online 'Open Port Check Tool' provided by CanYouSeeMe.org which is very handy for checking whether the ports are accessible/open. It will also tell you the IP number you're currently using.

YA I tried to replace the localhost with my ip but did`nt work.
I have already subscribed with no-ip free service.
NOw What I do.

 

[z3r010]

Check port 80 is open - Open Port Check Tool

I'm an IIS user and know nothing about apache, you may need to set the IP up in one of the config files, but I'm sure somebody else will advise you on that.

 

[iseeuu]

I wanted to host a forum(for my school friends where my ex-classmates can talk chat )from my computer.
So I downloaded mybb and xampp(contains apache2.2, php5.3, etc) to do that.
I installed mybb without any problem.
I can also open the forum by typing "hhtp:/localhost/friendsbb".

Now my problem is that I dont know what to do next so that my friends can access the forum over internet...
I am trying to do this since morning but with no result...
Can anyone help me??

Basically, it sounds like you want to "Access my home network from the Internet", or remotely, only you want to give others access as well. You can get lots of tips and suggestions googling the quoted topic, or something similar.

You will need to use the IP address assigned to you by your Service Provider. I get a dynamic address, meaning when my SP upgrades/expands its servers, I get a new IP address. When that happens, all links are broken until everyone gets the new IP address. To prevent this you need a "static" IP address which you must pay for either from your SP or from one of the websites that provide this service.

Question: Does your contract with your SP allow for the increased traffic from operating a server in your home?

Next you will need to setup your router for "port forwarding" and configure your firewall to allow the external network access. There is a web site that can show how to configure port forwarding on almost every router ever made, amazing.

Exposing your home network and your personal computer to this kind of external access presents some dangers. To protect yourself, you will need to secure any access you allow to your friends. The simple home network with its lack of passwords and other secure sockets will no longer do.

There are some other possibilities you might consider. There are free websites, supported by advertising, designed for just what you and your friends would like to do. Also, I am aware of paid sites for as little as $5 USD monthly, without advertising, that support open source software and would allow you to manage a forum securely and not expose your personal computer or anger your Service Provider.

Google "Remote access to your home network" (or something similar) for details on how to set it up.

Robert

If I wasn't so slow, I wouldn't be so far behind

 

[septprince]

Check port 80 is open - Open Port Check Tool

I'm an IIS user and know nothing about apache, you may need to set the IP up in one of the config files, but I'm sure somebody else will advise you on that.

That site reports thats it is not open.


I tried to edit the configure the config files but didnt work.
Hey John do you think it would be better that I switch to IIS??

 

[z3r010]

Before you do anything you will need to find what is blocking port 80

 

[septprince]

Basically, it sounds like you want to "Access my home network from the Internet", or remotely, only you want to give others access as well. You can get lots of tips and suggestions googling the quoted topic, or something similar.

You will need to use the IP address assigned to you by your Service Provider. I get a dynamic address, meaning when my SP upgrades/expands its servers, I get a new IP address. When that happens, all links are broken until everyone gets the new IP address. To prevent this you need a "static" IP address which you must pay for either from your SP or from one of the websites that provide this service.

I dont have a static IP. I thought I can use No-ip services for that. Moreover its too costly for me to get a static-ip.

Question: Does your contract with your SP allow for the increased traffic from operating a server in your home?

Next you will need to setup your router for "port forwarding" and configure your firewall to allow the external network access. There is a web site that can show how to configure port forwarding on almost every router ever made, amazing.

Exposing your home network and your personal computer to this kind of external access presents some dangers. To protect yourself, you will need to secure any access you allow to your friends. The simple home network with its lack of passwords and other secure sockets will no longer do.

I dont have a router. I think 80 port has been blocked by my ISP.

There are some other possibilities you might consider. There are free websites, supported by advertising, designed for just what you and your friends would like to do. Also, I am aware of paid sites for as little as $5 USD monthly, without advertising, that support open source software and would allow you to manage a forum securely and not expose your personal computer or anger your Service Provider.

I know but I dont want to do that.

Google "Remote access to your home network" (or something similar) for details on how to set it up.

Robert

already tried every possible search but with no results.

If I wasn't so slow, I wouldn't be so far behind

Dont worry dude I am slower that everyone here.

 

[Generator]

You shouldn't need to set the IP address in Apache's config unless you have more than one network card. port 8080 isn't port 80, 8080 is normally used if you want a second web server on the same machine typically.

 

[septprince]

Before you do anything you will need to find what is blocking port 80

I think it is my ISP, who is blocking it because my connection is a home connection not server once.

Do you think No-ip could do the job??

And can I use any HTTP tunneling softwares for that?

 

[Generator]

If 80 is blocked then you can change the port Apache listens on by opening 'xampp\apache\conf\httpd.conf" in notepad. find the line that says "Listen 80" (without the speachmarks) and change it's value.

You will need to restart apache for the changes to kick in.

 

[septprince]

If 80 is blocked then you can change the port Apache listens on by opening 'xampp\apache\conf\httpd.conf" in notepad. find the line that says "Listen 80" (without the speachmarks) and change it's value.

You will need to restart apache for the changes to kick in.

I am a noob in this, I am doing this for the first time.
Which port should I use?

 

[Generator]

Why not use 8080 if that one is reported as open.

I just meant earlier that calling port 8080 wont get you port 80.

 

[Anthony]

If you don't want to pay for hosting why don't you try a free web-host?

Its a lot easier and safer, i have a link if you want to try it

 

[iseeuu]

I think 80 port has been blocked by my ISP.

You are doin' fine, covered everything I had thought of. I think Generator has your back on finding an open port for you to use.

Cheers!

 

[septprince]

Why not use 8080 if that one is reported as open.

I just meant earlier that calling port 8080 wont get you port 80.

I just checked again an it is not open.

If you don't want to pay for hosting why don't you try a free web-host?

Its a lot easier and safer, i have a link if you want to try it

no add , full control, and I get to control my own database etc etc....
Then yes..


But it would have been better if I could have set it up from my computer...

 

[iseeuu]

I just checked again an it is not open.

Shields UP at GRC.com will check all your ports for open or closed?

Robert

 

[pparks1]

Also remember, if you change the port that apache is listening on, the web browser will have to be addressed to go to that port.

For example: http://mywebsite.com:8080 or http://28.42.3.12:8080

 

[Anthony]

I just checked again an it is not open.



no add , full control, and I get to control my own database etc etc....
Then yes..


But it would have been better if I could have set it up from my computer...

No adds, you have full control and you get up to 50 mysql databases.


It also has a WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, phpBB, SMF (Simple Machines Forum), and a lot more installers, so you dont have to mess about uploading and intalling the software yourself.

However it does not have a myBB installer but you could upload it with ftp then install.

I will PM you the link with the info

P.S if you have a domain name you could also use that.

The link at the bottom of my sig is what i set up (my photoshop site)