Now that your machine is ready to go, let’s get some services up and running. Most of your server configurations will be made through the Server Admin application.

Launch the Server Admin from the dock, double click on your server listed on the left hand column under “Computers & Services”, and log in with the admin account you created during setup.

Domain Names, IPs, and ISPs

The first thing we’re going to set up is the DNS service so that you can use domain names for easy access to the server as well as other computers on the network.

You’re probably familiar with what DNS (Domain Name System) is. DNS takes IP addresses assigned to machines and translates it into human readable names. Resolving names with their intended IP numbers will result in a successful connection, thus making everyone happy. Unless you accidentally typed “hotjugs.com” instead of “hotmugs.com” in front of people who wouldn’t appreciate such things.

You may choose not to enable DNS service on your server if there is one already in use, or you can set it up to supplement your other DNS servers. Most likely you’ll be setting up your OS X server as the primary DNS server , which is what we’ll be covering.

I have your basic setup you’ll find in many homes, like broadband internet service, a Linksys wireless router and a bunch of computers. The good thing about my ISP is that they give you a static IP without any additional charges.

If your ISP supplies an IP to your router via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for your internet access, your IP will likely change over time, which is a problem if you want to host your own site.

It would be like trying to call someone on the phone but their number was changed. And just as you get their new number, it changes again making you look like a dork.

If that’s that’s the case, you’ll need to look into a an intermediary service that will map your domain name with your changing IP that your ISP assigns you automatically. There are many services available online although most will charge fees depending on the level of service.

You may want to look into DynDNS.com for more information. They provide free basic service and an update client software to continually map your hostname to your IP.

Before we move on, make sure you have a registered domain name through a registrar. If you don’t, go get one now!

Previous | Next

Trackback URI | Comments RSS