Multiple web servers on one server

[friedrice]

Howdy all,

I would like to host 3 web sites on one server, with one IP. I've read sites that say you can do this by using some sort of virtual server or some sort like that, but I havn't actually found what O/S or software will do that?

The run down, I'm looking for something that isn't too complicated. The O/S i'm looking at running is Windows XP Pro, however Server 2003 Small business or regular version is also ok. Which O/S would work? If you know of a better one please post it.

In addition to the O/S, will any additional software be needed?

Price isn't too much of an issue, since i'm not paying for it But I want something that wouldn't require a great deal of learning and that functions well.

Thanks for the help

EDIT: I'm not really looking for a how to, but more of just a point in the right direction. Of course, if you happen to know any useful links that is always appericated

 

[Tazanator]

well apahe web server will do that and runs on linux / win 2K and even win XP

 

[imported_Kensai]

Don't use Windows XP Pro as a server. Go with 2K3. And Apache will server you well.

 

[friedrice]

Ah thanks. Although I was trying to stay away from open-source, but the only other option I know of is IIS and seems there is a good deal of security issues with that. I think server 2k3 is what i'll go with, especially since I might be running other services that involve using a database and a web based data back-up. Of course, the issue of bandwidth comes up, but I'm hoping a 512k upload will work.

 

[bersl2]

Originally posted by: friedrice
Although I was trying to stay away from open-source....

Yet I detect no reactionary zealotry eminating from your post. Interesting...

 

[skyking]

devside has nice tutorials for setting up apache, php, mysql, mod_perl on many operating systems. This is the real deal, what most commercial servers run worldwide.
http://www.devside.net/

 

[friedrice]

why would i have someone delete my post?

 

[skyking]

 

[wallsfd949]

Originally posted by: friedrice
Ah thanks. Although I was trying to stay away from open-source, but the only other option I know of is IIS and seems there is a good deal of security issues with that.

Why are you trying to stay away from open-source? I just hate that software that I don't have to pay for and can be made so much more secure than the Microbloat software you have to pay for. Those bastards that just give software away....

Check my sig.

[edit] Sarcasm aside, what you are talking about is "virtual hosting" and can be done with both IIS and Apache. I stopped using Microsoft IIS as a webserver about 2 years ago and only use Linux/Apache/MySQL or Postgresql for web servers and wouldn't go back to IIS for anything. The stability and security is 20x's better.

 

[brookz]

With IIS6 and Win2k3 server you can make many webservers run on one server with 'host headers' enabled.

 

[friedrice]

The down side to open source is that I simply have not dealt with Apache yet. Where as at school we have messed with IIS already. But isn't IIS free anyway?

 

[skyking]

If you want to learn something new and potentially very useful, take the time to learn about apache and all that other open source stuff. It could affect your employablility.
68% of sites surveyed are using that suite of software. Not using it can only limit your possibilities.
The learning curve is not that great and you can run everything on an xp machine, so you do not have to wade into the operating system part right now. That would be a huge step, learning all that AND unix also

 

[Pseudodominion]

I use 2k3 SBE and passed on IIS in favor of Apache. I have been using Apache for awhile now and Find it easy to use. Don't be afraid of it.

 

[brentman]

I run a bunch of sites on a win2k Server running IIS5. Like the above poster said, just use Host Headers. Make a separate website in IIS for each domain/sub-domain and have the host header read as the domain name. Not too complicated.

 

[spyordie007]

Server 2003 would be the way to go. If you're also looking to run active directory (and exchange) than SBE would be a good choice however if you're only looking to run IIS web edition would be less expensive (and easier to setup, SBE requires that you run active directory). Though it's possible to host the sites with XP I suggest staying away from it, reason being that it will only support 10 concurrently connected users so as your traffic grows visitors could get errors as the connections filled up.

The only additional software you would need would be if you wanted to run additional scripting languages (i.e. CFM, PHP or Perl; ASP and ASP.net are supported out of the box).

There are a lot of apache supporters here on AT (as I'm sure you've noticed by now). Apache is also a very good web serving software (and as was pointed out above even more common than Windows). I suggest you go with whatever makes most sense (based on features/capabilities, needs, and costs). For me that is typically (but not always) Windows servers.

And just thought I would point this out:

But isn't IIS free anyway?

Not exactly, it's licensed with the OS so if you've bought the OS than you've bought IIS.

 

[Nothinman]

But isn't IIS free anyway?

There are many levels of free.