- Port-The simplest way to understand ports and how they relate to the Internet is to think of people meeting at a specific time and place to exchange information. In order for the user and the Web server to be able to exchange information (data), they must agree to meet at a specific place (a port). In terms of the Internet, information is transmitted to a commonly known port number (in the case of HTTP, this is port 80) that all browsers and servers know to go to for information.
- Apache-This is a very popular Web server program based on the Unix/Linux kernel. It is one of the oldest programs around to host Web sites on.
- IIS-Internet Information Server is Microsoft's version of a Web server that runs on Windows NT/2000. It has many features including virtual domains (see definition), ASP support, and other functions that make it very easy to administer and integrate with other Microsoft products.
- Domitw-Lotus Domino is a very popular Web integration platform that is primarily used by larger corporations and Web sites that rely on seamless database integration, messaging services, and transaction services.
- ColdFusion-A popular Web application platform from Allaire, ColdFusion relies on a number of proprietary technologies that allow for speedy database integration and other Web-based application services.
- Tl-Tl refers to a dedicated digital connection typically from a Web host to an ISP. It has a transfer rate of 1.544 Mb per second.
- T3-T3 is the equivalent of 28 Tl lines with a transfer rate of over 45 Mb per second.
- DSL-A DSL is a high-speed digital connection that can reach throughputs of 1MB per second or greater. DSL throughputs are limited by the distance of the user from the central office of the local phone company.
- Virtual Domains-A relatively recent technology that allows a Web server to host multiple Web sites on a single static IP address. Virtual domains were introduced in Microsoft IIS version 4.0.
Many of the books for Webmasters are valuable to both network administrators and Web developers alike. The titles listed below are a bit more focused for Webmasters.
Beginner Book Titles
Tauber, Daniel, and Brenda Kienan. Webmastering For Dummies. IDG Books Worldwide, 1997. ISBN 0764501712.
Intermediate Books
- Bowen, Richard, et al. Apache Server Unleashed. Sams, 2000. ISBN 0672318083.
- Arnold, Mark Allan, and Jeff Almeida, et al. Administering Apache. McGraw-Hill, 2000. ISBN 0072122919.
- IseiTiinger, David. IIS 4.0 Administrators Handbook. IDG Books Worldwide, 1999. ISBN 0764532758.
- Goncalves, Marcus. IIS 5.0 Black Book. The Coriolis Group, 2000. ISBN 1576106748.
Advanced Books
- Holden, Greg, and Nick Wells, Matthew Keller. Apache Server Commentary. The Coriolis Group, 1999. ISBN 1576104680.
- Wainwright, Peter. Professional Apache. Wrox Press, 1999. ISBN 1861003021.
- McCormackJoe. Webmasters Guru Pack. MnetWeb Services, 1999. ISBN 0967227313.
Reference Books
- Ford, Andrew, and Grantedi Estabrook. Apache: Pocket Reference. O'Reilly Press, 2000. ISBN 1565927060.
- Manhiem, Seth, et al. Microsoft Internet Information Server 4.0 Resource Kit. Microsoft Press, 1998. ISBN 1572316381.
- Spainhour, Stephen, and Robert Eckstien. Webmaster in a Nutshell. O'Reilly & Associates, 1999. ISBN 1565923251.
- Ditto, Christopher. Webmaster Answers! Certified Tech Support McGraw-Hill, 1998. ISBN 0078824591.
The number of newsgroups specifically targeted for Webmasters is quite limited. The entries listed below are focused on issues surrounding Webmasters. To supplement these, it is suggested that you look into the newsgroups listed earlier in this chapter and those listed in Chapter 5.
- alt.www. webmaster
- microsoft.public.inetserver.iis
The best magazines and journals for Webmasters are found on the Internet, although a few good ones are available in print. A few of the best titles are listed below.
- Apache Week (www.apacheweek.com)-Apache Week is an online magazine that is updated on a weekly basis. It contains articles ranging from upcoming releases of Apache to security alerts to Webmaster surveys.
- Windows 2000 Magazine (www.win2000mag.net/Channels/WebAdmin/)- Windows 2000 Magazine is a printed magazine issued on a monthly basis. However many of its articles are also posted online. One particular channel of interest for a Webmaster is the Web Administration channel, which focuses on issues concerning Microsoft IIS.
- IIS Administrator Newsletter (www.iisadministrator.com)-An online e-zine devoted to IIS administration. Issues are released on a monthly basis with about 30 percent of the featured articles available free of charge. Subscriptions to the entire e-zine cost $99 U.S. per year.
The Internet is a vast resource of free information for Webmasters to delve into. Many of the sites that you may find are uninformative at best. The sites listed below are some of the best in cyberspace.
- Webmaster Resources (www.webmasterresources.com)-This Web site is devoted to the true Webmaster with articles and tutorials on HTML authoring, Internet marketing, Web server administration, and security alerts.
- Apache Software Foundation (www.apache.org)-This online organization provides organizational, financial, and legal support for Apache open source software projects.
- Apache Today (www.apachetoday.com)-This free online resource is devoted to issues concentrating on Apache administration with a particular focus on Linux.
- Microsoft Windows Web Services (www.microsoft.com/technet/iis/default.asp)-Hosted by Microsoft, this Webmaster's resource is full of useful information on IIS administration. It also serves as a portal to other Web sites with information on IIS.
