Prepare your computer (server) for installation

Go to Windows Update (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) and install any security fixes. Security fixes are found in the Critical Updates section.

A server ideally should not be used to run any more applications outside of its main function. Ports likewise should be closed if they are not required for an application. If you are unsure whether your server is exposing more ports than it should, you can visit the Gibson Research Corp. website and access their ShieldsUP! port testing program. The Apache web server, as most web servers do, is accessed through port 80.

If none of this makes any sense to you, please seek further assistance with your setup from an experience systems administrator. It is absolutely essential that your system is updated and secure; unprotected systems can be compromised in as little as 20 minutes (as of early 2005).

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Step 2 - Downloading and Installing Apache

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