Configuring a web server on 10.2

the DNS part has me stumped

[vmills]

I have a web server set up on OS 10.2.8 using a DSL connection with a Linksys router. I recently got a static IP and now want to configure things so that my server is accessible to the world at a particular domain name I own.

I've been searching all over for step-by-step tutorials and can't find any that cover the part about setting up the domain name behind a router. I'm not sure if all I need to do is set up port forwarding on the router, or if I'll need to learn more about DNS and BIND. I'd also like more info about security. Is Apple's security enough? the router's?

Can anybody give me any hints or point me in the right direction? Please sticky me if you know of any tutorials since I think forum rules prohibit posting URLs.

Thanks!

[utica]

I had a server set up on 10.2 for a while, but I didn't run it through a router. Why are you doing it that way?

DNS can be taken care of through your domain registrar, or a third party like zoneedit.

[vmills]

I have 3 networked computers sharing a DSL connection and am running the server on one of them, which is why I use a router. After much research, I figured out that I can set up the router with port forwarding for the server. After even more research, I found out my domain registrar could handle the DNS, which made me very happy cause I was not looking forward to the prospect of configuring BIND on my machine.

[jonknee]

Just remember that if the power goes out, or if you do any rewiring on the router, you may have to redo your port forwarding. I ran my own server this way for a few years. It's great fun as long as you don't get stuck with the DNS.

[vmills]

Thanks jonknee, I'll remember that tip about redoing the port forwarding. Everything seems to be working now, the registrar set up the DNS, and it's kind of cool to be able to mess around with my own server. I just hope between OS 10.2 and the router, the firewall protection is adequate.

[timster]

I think forum rules prohibit posting URLs

I hope I'm not speaking out, forum rules prohibit posting your own URL for site review or self-promotion, but allow URL's that answer a question brought up in discussion.

NAT with limited port mapping is pretty good basic security.

If that's a wireless router, remember to lock the "back door" into the network by requiring a strong password to join your wireless network, or, better yet, limit access to the network to only your computers. (Too many people worry only about attacks coming through the Internet.)

You can also turn on your OS X machines' firewalls and ensure any accounts with Admin access have non-trivial passwords.