How To: Enable the web server for your Mac Mini server

How to Use Your Mac as a Server:

Turn your Mac Mini into a server! Yes, that's right, with a little know-how and a little spunk, you can turn an inexpensive Mac Mini computer into a server to provide services over you network. You won't even need the Mac OS X Server, just the Mac OS X Client, so there is no extra software to buy, just the Mac Mini and it's operating system.

This video tutorial from FreeMacBlog and MacMiniColo will show you how to setup and enable the web server for your Mac server. If you haven't adjusted your computer yet, make sure you perform the initial setup of your Mac Mini server.

You'll see how to turn on personal web sharing so you can host a website from your machine. Also, you'll see the steps to have that website seen on the world wide web.

In this video, there are a few URL's that may be of interest to you:

Macminicolo.net- The most popular and easiest way to host your Mac. Macminicolo.net offer very inexpensive colocation of your Mac. The service provides a very fast connection, a static ip address, and great customer service.

Apache Server Info - Apple includes an install of Apache Web Server on all Mac OS X clients. This link will teach you more about the power that is Apache.

DynDNS.com - Helping those with a Dynamic (changing) IP address still be seen from the web, this service will give you a free hostname to use instead of your ip.

DynDNS Updater Client - Helps you keep your most recent ip address on DynDNS.com

PortForward.com- The best way to host a website is with a machine that is hooked directly to the internet. But, if you are using a router on your local network there is still a way. You will need to use "port forwarding". This site explains clearly how to do it with all kinds of routers. You'll just want to forward port 80 to your machine.

WebMon an inexpensive but VERY powerful application to really get your Web Server working well. While the process in the video is free, this application