CWP using Apache in OS X?

[ErnieG]

I'm trying to sort out apparently conflicting references I've seen here in the forum. Right now I'm using CDML with all files and images in FM's Web folder, and I've read that an interactive database needs to stay in that folder. But I've also read that the pages (with images) would run much faster using my Mac G4's Apache web server. CAN I, in fact, move the database, the HTML pages and the images over to the Sites folder and open up Port 80 on my router? If so, will it indeed run faster?

One concern I have is that opening Port 80 will make my Mac more vulnerable to hacking. Any recommendations on the best firewall software, and have you found that to be safe enough?

Finally, this database will contain perhaps 4,000 images or more, called by URL references. Has anyone run into a practical limit on how many files can be contained in a single folder?

Thank you very much for sharing your experience.

Ernie

[Garry Claridge]

Only the Format files should be in the "Web" folder. Database files should not be there for security reasons.

Images can be also be in the "Web" folder. However, if they are many, and large, you may wish to consider serving them with something other than WebCompanion for the sake of efficency.

All the best.

Garry

[Anatoli]

On PC we have 2000 to 10000 pictures in folder...

[ErnieG]

Thank you, Anatoli and Garry.

But I'm confused by the idea of serving images with something other than Web Companion as though they're separate. What I hoped to learn was whether I can move the Format files and images over to the "web" folder FOR OS X--the Mac web folder under Library--and use its Apache to serve the whole database.

And also whether you have felt the need for firewall software with OS X. I've heard from some people (over-optimistic?) who feel I shouldn't worry about hacking on a Mac behind a router.

Thanks again.

Ernie

[Anatoli]

RE: use its Apache to serve the whole database.

Check Web Server Connector. Database will be served from WC to WSC in IIS or Apache.

[Garry Claridge]

Re: move the Format files and images over to the "web" folder FOR OS X--the Mac web folder under Library--and use its Apache to serve the whole database.

No you can't. You need the Format files to be in the Web folder of FM to be server by WebCompanion.

The database files should not be in the "Web" folder for security reasons.

My advice is to serve the images through WebCompanion; i.e. from the "Web" folder. If it becomes slow you should then consider moving the images to another server.

All the best.

Garry

[Anatoli]

I don't agree with serving images from WC. Very bad with only 2 concurrent users.

It is piece of cake to serve images from main web server with full URL...

[ErnieG]

OK, OK, maybe I'm finally getting it. When people get as advanced as you guys are, it's almost forgotten what it was like not to know even the basics. "Do you know where the on-switch is?"

Am I to understand that FileMaker has to be the host/server for web pages using CDML, which is why Garry says those pages have to be in FileMaker's web folder?

But that the IMAGES can be served through Apache? In other words, call a database field that contains a URL (which I've done) but use a URL that links to images stored in OS X's web folder to be served by Apache.

Is that the very basic division I've been missing? I must say that the images--only 8K up to maybe 100K--seem to be popping up fairly quickly out of WebCompanion, which supports Garry's position. But are you saying, Anatoli, that it will cause problems if two people happen to get on at the same time?

Sure appreciate the input, which I hope helps others besides me.

Ernie

[Garry Claridge]

Re: But that the IMAGES can be served through Apache? In other words, call a database field that contains a URL (which I've done) but use a URL that links to images stored in OS X's web folder to be served by Apache.

That is basically it.

The Format files can contain a line like this:

<img src="http://myapacheserver/images/[FMP-Field:imagename].jpg">

Yahoo, that's it

All the best.

Garry

[Anatoli]

Because the FM/WC combo is singlethreaded although WC is improving and it is partially multithreaded, visitor's requests are in que.

It there are more requests and bigger materials, people may be disappointed with the response times.