Until recently, server operation was the domain of UNIX wizards. Certainly industrial strength servers for institutions and business will continue to depend on UNIX, and increasingly on Windows NT. However, it is now possible for any knowledgeable end-user of MS Windows or the Mac platform to operate a server and accomplish useful work. The operator of a Web server can now concentrate on the information content of documents rather than on the technology of server operation. Serving documents on the Web is now just another end-user computing tool to be used by professionals in many fields.
Transfer of messages on the World Wide Web is based on the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). A server that serves hypertext documents is referred to as an HTTP server or daemon. Server software frequently has the designation HTTPD somewhere in its name.
Installation of HTTP server software is straightforward. The program and support files are copied to an appropriate directory (Windows) or folder (Mac) hierarchy on the hard disk. A few text entries may have to be made in an initialization file to customize defaults. Fortunately for those with little patience and a strong need for instant gratification, servers for both Windows and the Mac are supplied with sample hypertext documents that can be used for initial testing. Ultimately, of course, custom hypertext documents will be created for distribution to anyone accessing the server. Once these documents are created, the Webmaster can advertise the availability of the server to its intended audience. With an Internet connection the potential audience is the entire world.
Documents available to the HTTP server are stored in hierarchical subdirectories or in nested folders within a default directory or folder. When the server is accessed by a browser, the server can serve either a default document or a document that is specifically requested. Other files can be delivered depending on the hypertext links in the first file served. For the beginning Webmaster, the most difficult task may be assigning suitable directory or folder names that will facilitate future expansion of the file hierarchy.