WebStar, Lasso and SSL

[Krishan]

Hi.

I'm currently using FMPro 5 Unlimited and Web Companion. But I want to serve SSL secure web pages. Is it possible to do this by using Lasso and WebStar?

Also, if I'm using Lasso then do I have to have Web Companion activated? Do they communicate with each other?

I'm going to use an iMac as my server. Can you recommend any firewalls (software/hardware)?

Thanks for all your ideas and help!

[scratchmalogicalwax]

Settting up SSL on WebSTAR is very easy. It comes with a key generator and when you get your certificate it is pretty much just a case of telling WebSTAR where the Cert. and Private Key is on your computer (you also have encryption options.

Your Lasso actions serve through port 443 (SSL) automatically (when you use https://)

As far as web companion goes.........I use it and have no problems after all the manual instructs you to use it.

Firewalls.......i don't use one as such..........the webserver is not connected to my LAN........all i have done is close all unused ports on my router.

I wouldn't personally use an iMac as they have no internal cooling system and integral screen if you want the machine on 24 -7 without sleeping. It shouldn't cause too many problems but it would be a concern for me. I would recommend using a G4 (this will also allow you to use WebSTAR with Velocity Engine support)

The manuals that come with Lasso and WebSTAR are the best i have ever seen for any software (a grand statement i know) but the webSTAR and Lasso manuals explain each feature very well.

[ August 01, 2001: Message edited by: scratchmalogicalwax ]

[Arin]

scratchmalogicalwax is right on, however if you really want to use the iMac all you have to do is go to the "Energy Saver" control panel and set the "system sleep" to Never, click "Separate timing for display sleep" and set it for 5 or 10 mins... then unplug the keyboard once it's up & running, and your machine will always be awake and ready to serve, and the monitor won't be on unnecessarily (for heat/energy purposes)

** Although I've often wondered if the Newer iMacs don't actually stay cooler (at the processor which is on the underside of the machine) with the monitor on, as heat rises, and the additional heat _should_ cause the air flow speed to increase thereby providing MORE cooling at the bottom of the machine where the cool outside air enters the enclosure.

*** I haven't actually tested this, but if you are going to use it as a server it might be worth getting a processor temp gauage (such as Thermograph) from www.versiontracker.com and testing it.

**** note the iMac I use as part of my server solution is a 333Mhz so it has a fan, and I leave the monitor off.

[ August 01, 2001: Message edited by: Arin ]

[Krishan]

Hi guys.

Thanks a lot Scratchmalogicalwax and Arin! Your thoughts and opinions really do help!

I'm going to do a trial run when my server is ready (hopefully I'll start in a couple of weeks). I'll use a G3 400Mhz to do my trial..... I thought of using a normal, table fan (facing the iMac) to cool it and I'll also just put the display to sleep. I guess I'll see how it goes. I'm going to use an ADSL 1MB download and 256K upload from http://www.mistral.co.uk

I want to move away from CDML and learn LDML. I hope converting all my code isn't going to be difficult! It's just a case of swapping words, right?

Are pages only secure because they go through the "SSL" port (which happens to be 443) and we "direct" them to this port by using https:// ? Could I call up a web page which is usually secure by using http:// instead of https:// ?

I've used WebStar for HTTP file uploading but I've got a lot to learn about it's other features including SSL and security. So, if I want all my pages to be accessed securely then do I just open port 443 (and close all other ports including 80)? I'll only be using HTTP file upload too.

I think http://www.Belkin.co.uk do UPS.

Thanks. You'll probably get a lot of questions from me over the next couple of weeks (... months and possibly years!!) lol....

Cheers, Krishan.

[scratchmalogicalwax]

I wouldn't close port 80 if i was you........just have all links into your site https://.............you can use frames and have the frameset http: and main frame in the frameser https://................im not sure belkin do UPS that will nicely close down your mac for you if the blackout exceeds your backup time.........nearly all UPS will work on a Mac (as in give power when mains supply lowers or ceases) but I think only the MGE (new model) will allow software control and safe system shutdown........if anyone knows of any others i'll be happy to hear about it..........

good luck!

[Arin]

I've got a Belkin with a USB connector that came with Mac software for scheduled shutdowns, it works great! (*actually I think I may have had to D/L the Mac software from Belkin, but either way they provided it, and it works )

[John May - Point In Space]

I think APS makes some Mac-compatible UPSs with software control.

- John

[Krishan]

Thanks for all the info and advice guys! I should start work on Lasso this Saturday. Look out for my future, crazy questions! Thanks.

[scratchmalogicalwax]

cool.............it's nice to see a little activity in the Lasso forum lol

[John May - Point In Space]

You will soon learn that Lasso is none-other-than "da' bomb".

- John

[Arin]

John & Scratch you guys are pretty much sold out on lasso huh?

I've been considering making the jump for quite some time... The biggest drawback is that I'm running mod_ssl on Apache (OS X Server v1.2) and I really like it, the stability is UNBEATABLE!

Are you both running Web Star? If so what version, and OS?

Any words of advice on the lasso front?

[John May - Point In Space]

WebStar 4.4, OS 9.1, Lasso 3.6.6.2 here. Lasso doesn't yet run on OS X (v5 will).

- John

[scratchmalogicalwax]

G4 OS 9 Server WebSTAR 4.3 and Lasso 3.6.6.5 on the "live server"

G4 OS 9.1 WebSTAR 4.4 and Lasso 3.6.6.5 on the development server

and

G3 OS 9 WebSTAR 4.2 and Lasso 3.6.6.5 on the demo computer a G3 laptop (+ lots of memory) would you believe.......impresses clients when you give live web demos with no internet connection!

all run equally well and are easy to set up! (when you've done it a couple of times )

PS we're sold on Lasso cos it's like the difference between running web server on Apple Share IP 6.3 and WebSTAR......both do the same thing but WebSTAR does it much better!

[ August 03, 2001: Message edited by: scratchmalogicalwax ]

[John May - Point In Space]

Actually 3.6.6.2 is the newest version of the Lasso WDE.

- John