Home server for file access

How do I set this up?

[david754]

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System: The following message was cut out of thread at: http://www.webmasterworld.com/apache/3317533.htm [webmasterworld.com] by jdmorgan - 1:52 pm on April 22, 2007 (CDT -5)

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Okay, I realise that some ppl hate noobs replying to random threads, but I am just trying anything right now, and you seemed to be talking about the right things.

I like accessing files from home @ work (music, text, other stuff). BUT, I can't use FTP, because the proxy server AT WORK won't allow it. I wanted to host my entire c: drive, however I want it to all be password protected. I have set up Apache 2.2 on my winXP computer at home, but don't have a clue what I am doing. I have got it working, and was able to change the root to c:/, but then realised that when I was trying to use .htaccess and .htpasswd, they weren't working unless the documentroot was set to htdocs or another folder....but then I would have to copy EVERYTHING to that folder. I realise that hosting my ENTIRE computer is kinda stupid, but I really want to do it. If you ahve any tips what to do/use, please help, or point me to the right forum.

Thanks.

I AM A COMPLETE NEWBIE.
I have never done hosting/publishing/anything html-ish.
I can learn quick and can adapt quickly.

[jdMorgan]

Instead of setting up a server -- a move that's quite likely going to end up with your computer getting thoroughly hacked unless you spend a lot of time learning how to secure it, have you considered an off-the-shelf solution such as the built-in Remote Desktop or the various "PC Anywhere"-type packages?

Jim

[david754]

Hey, thanks for the heads up.

The whole reaason that I wanted to set it up this way is so that I don't have to shell out any cash. The problem is that I am behind a Proxy Server at the client end that needs auth. and any program like Windows Terminal Services (Remot Dektop), VNC's of various types, and programs that need to be installed at the client end is that they don't recognize the proxy server, and can never get by it.

I am currently using logmein to gain access to the computer and it works like a charm since its completely web based, but the free version doesnt have a file transfer system. I can have syncd clipboards, but if the file is over a few megs, then I am out of luck.

I have searched, and the only way that I will be able to gain access to the files is by making my entire home drive accessible.

So really, now all I need to do is find out how to secure it. htpasswd and htaccess is not working when I am using the document root as my c:/. It works with any other folders that I am trying to make accessible. I don't know why this is.

Can anyone help me please try and figure out how to securely publish my c:/ drive.

Thanks

[jdMorgan]

Have you researched and experimented with Apache mod_alias?

Jim

[david754]

No, I haven't yet. But I absolutely will right now. Thanks very much Captain Morgan.

[david754]

Well, I researched it, but I think that I am way too new to html stuff, cuz it shows these lines of scripts that look really really simple, but I just don't know where to put them. I don't know whether I put the in the configuration file, or if I make them their own file in the c:/ directory or what.

I would still like to figure this out, but for the mean time I found a file transfer / sharing program called soonr. It's pure gui, so I can't really have it bare bones, but it works.

Thanks,

If anyone knows of a good beginners guide to apache, pls let me know.