Installing and Configuring Homeserver
Contents
First Run Part 1: Language Selection
First Run Part 2: Internet
Connection Test
First Run Part 3: Homeserver Name
First Run Part 4: Administration
Account
First Run Part 6: Basic Set-up
First Run Part 7: Customisation
Installation Files
Homeserver consists of a single installer file iHomeserver.exe (Windows 2000 and XP) and iHomeserver95.exe (95, 98,ME, NT).
To begin the installation process, double-click on the iHomeserver.exe (or iHomeserver95) installation file. This may be located on the CD-ROM for Box versions of the software or have been downloaded from the Internet to your computer.
Installation Process
The installation process consist of two stages; the first step is called “set-up” and uses a regular software installer to copy the files need by Homeserver on to your computer, the second step is called “First Run” and this configures Homeserver to run on your computer.
“Set-up”
The Homeserver “set-up” process is identical to that of most software applications. You will be asked to review and accept the software license and to select a location to install the software. Once you have completed this step all the files required by Homeserver are copied on to your computer. When this step is complete the installation program will automatically start a program called first run and this will configure your Homeserver.
“First Run”
First Run Part 1: Language Selection
You will be presented with a list of all the languages supported in the current version of Homeserver. Select you language from the list and click the “Select” button to proceed with configuration.
First Run Part 2: Internet Connection Test
For your convenience First Run will check your computer’s Internet connection to ensure that it is able to support people connecting to your Homeserver from the Internet. This will ensure that once your computer is configured that friends and family from around the world will be able to access your system.
Types of Internet Connection that support Homeserver
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Connection Type |
Inward Internet Connection Supported |
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Dial up Modem |
Yes, this will almost certainly be visible from the Internet |
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ISDN |
Yes, as for dial-up modem. |
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DSL (ADSL Broadband or Cable) Modem |
Yes, if the computer you are installing Homeserver on is the computer that has the cable modem plugged into it then it is very likely that your server will be visible |
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DSL (ADSL Broadband or Cable) Router |
Maybe, your router may require to be configured to support NAT or if it has an inbuilt firewall this will need to be configured to allow HTTP and FTP connection to the Homeserver computer. Please refer to your DSL Router documentation. |
|
Lease line, Fixed Wire Internet |
As for DSL Router. |
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Other |
Please contact support@xavierrubens.co.uk for assistance with other connection types. |
Perform Test Results.
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The Connection Test Failed because it was not possible to start a web server on your computer. |
Before performing the Internet Connection test, First Run will attempt to start a web server on your computer. If this fails it is usually because a web server application is already running on your computer. If you currently use an existing web server application then you will need to stop it running or uninstall it before installing Homeserver. |
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The Connection Test Failed because it was not possible to connect to your computer from the Internet. |
You must be connected to the Internet in order to perform this test. If you are not able to connect you can skip the test at this point and you will be prompted by Homeserver at a later time to configure the connection type. |
|
The Internet test server did not respond. |
Please try the test. It may be that the network or configuration server was busy or unavailable. If this persists please contact support@xavierrubens.co.uk and skip the test. |
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The Connection Test was successful. |
You will be taken to the next part of configuration. |
First Run Part 3: Homeserver Name
Why choose a Homeserver Name?
The server name helps family and friends to find your Homeserver on the Internet and unique identify your website. For example if your pick the server name “TheSmithFamily” you can tell your family and friends to type http://www.xavierrubens.co.uk/TheSmithFamily into there web browser and they will automatically be connect to your Homeserver.
You must be connected to the Internet to complete this part of the configuration. If you are not connected to the Internet you can skip choosing a Server name at this point and do it later.
First Run Part 4: Administration Account
The next step of the process is to create the First User of the system. This user account is very important, as it will have the ability to create other user accounts and configure settings. In order to use the system you must remember the username and password that you enter here. When you have selected a suitable username and password click the “Create” button to move to the next part of the process.
First Run Part 5: Configure
All the information necessary to create a base configuration has been gathered. Click “Configure” to create the base set-up files and to start Homeserver. It will take a few moments (depending on the speed of your computer) to complete this process.
First Run Part 6: Basic Set-up
Following the configuration, the Homeserver application is started and web browser is opened at the First Run web page for your Homeserver. You can choose to perform one of two wizard assisted configuration processes. The Basic Set-up carries out a minimum number of steps to customise your Homeserver look and feel, while the Advanced Set-up completes all configuration tasks in one go. The configuration wizards are available at anytime to the Administration user.
First Run Part 7: Customisation
Entering three pieces of information can quickly customise your site. Firstly a Welcome Message to greet the world as they visit your Homeserver site, this will be displayed on the Public part of the Web Site. The Description allows you to enter more information and is displayed in a smaller text on the front page, you can include <HTML> in the description to add sparkle to your site. Finally you get to select one of the preset Site Styles. If you don’t find one that suites your taste then you can create your own or visit the gallery on the http://www.xavierrubens.co.uk web site and download one create by someone else.
Example of a Customised Site
The style selection, Welcome Message and Description are marked in red.
CONGRATULATIONS
You have completed the Installation of Homeserver. Enjoy
Sharing, Communicating and exploring the Internet with Family and Friends.
Quick Reference
ICONS
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This icon appears after an input box. By pointing the mouse at the symbol an explanation of the input box will be displayed. |
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This icon appears at the bottom of input screens and means OK ACCEPT
changes. |
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This icon appears at the bottom of input screens and item lists and means DO NOT ACCEPT changes. |
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This icon appears in item lists next to each item and means delete |
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This icon appears at the end of item lists and means add new item |
How to Publish a Folder
To publish the contents of a folder either as a Photo Album or Media Library locate the folder on the hard disk of the Homeserver Computer. Right Click on the folder you wish to publish, for example below the folder “photo” is being published. From the “right click” menu select either the “Publish Family Photos” option or “Publish Family Library”. This will create a new folder on Homeserver computer that can be seen only by “family users”. You can change the folder setting to allow friends or everyone to see the folder.
