[WEB4LIB] PC-based web server

[TMGB]

  Others may give you good reasons to go with a true server rather than
a PC but these are some suggestions for a PC.  A big consideration is
'how much traffic do you expect on your server?'.

  My Library WEB server is an Alpha 2100 but my backup server is a 75
mhz pentium which I implemented when I had to repartition the Alpha's
disks.  It appeared to hold up well with Netscape Enterprise Server
under normal use which included all of our workstations with a WEB
interface for the Library catalog and all database access.  I wouldn't
suggest using something as slow as a 75mhz pc for full-time work
though.  

  Being a University situation you can use Netscape FastTrack (for
win95) or Netscape Enterprise (for NT and other platforms) for free
through their Educational program.  Both FastTrack and Enterprise are
easy to set up and maintain.  The management web interface includes a
statistics report generator.

  Another alternative is Linux using Apachee, essentially OS and WEB
server are free but you would probably find it easier to use a
prepackaged setup from RedHat, Caldera, Slackware, Debian, or Suse.  You
can access most of these on the web at www.companyname.com replacing
companyname with the particular name of the company.  Right now at
EBay.com (the auction site) There is a new one I haven't heard of which
is the Mandrake release although it is RedHat, it has features from
others (see VMware below).  I think Apache comes on all of those disks
also.  Linux has a lot of peer support on the WEB and on lists.

  Your cost is a network connection, a PC and OS.  If you don't download
it and compile it yourself, Linux is available anywhere from about
$10.00 - $70.00.  If you use Netscape on a PC, dedicate that PC only to
WEB serving because Netscape will use all resources it can on an intel
machine.  If you use a PC get the fastest and most ram you can afford. 
More ram may be even more important than speed.

Thomas





VMware - (Mandrake on ebay ends 4/11 for $8.99 I have no investment or
profit associated with this listing)
Run a Virtual Computer inside of Linux: The first thing you probably
noticed is that we have Windows 98 running within Linux! This is thanks
to software called VMware. This technology allows you to run a virtual
computer within Linux. You can install almost any operating system on
this virtual machine, including MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows95/98,
Windows NT, Windows 2000, FreeBSD, Solaris, or even another Linux
distribution! You can have as many virtual machines as you want, and
each virtual machine is considered a stand alone machine complete with
networking capability. You can use each virtual machine just as you
would a regular computer. A virtual Windows 98 system has no problem
running applications like Office, PhotoShop, Netscape, 3D Studio, etc.
No more worries that Linux will make your Windows software useless!

"VanderHart, Robert" wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> Our library is looking into several options for future hosting of our
> website.  One thing we would like to consider is converting a regular
> desktop PC into a web server.  Has anyone done this, and if so, what all is
> involved?  Any cost estimates for undertaking a project like this?  Is this
> even a good idea to consider?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any replies.
> 
> Bob
> 
> Robert J. Vander Hart
> Reference Librarian/Government Documents Specialist
> The Lamar Soutter Library
> University of Massachusetts Medical School
> 55 Lake Ave North
> Worcester  MA  01655
> 
> (508) 856-3290
> Robert.VanderHart at umassmed.edu
> http://library.ummed.edu

-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas McMillan Grant Bennett           Appalachian State University
Computer Consultant II                  University Library
bennettt at am.appstate.edu               
http://www.library.appstate.edu/admin/
Voice:  828 262 6587			FAX:    828 262 3001

Windows 95 is a 32-bit extension to a 16-bit patch for an 8-bit
operating system that was originally coded for a 4-bit microprocessor.
 - Chris Dunphy     Boot Magazine