Web Server Document Root Administration

The web server document root is the root directory of the web server running on your system. The documents under this root are accessible to any system connected to the web server (provided the user has permissions). If a file is not under this root directory, then it cannot be accessed through the web server. Netra j requires the document root information to set up the default applications for the client.

By default, Netra j sets up HotJava Views and HotJava Browser as main application options available through the Network Computer Application Management module. NCs can access these applications by either mounting to the respective application directory or by specifying a URL. Through document root, Netra j creates a link to HotJava Views or HotJava Browser. Netra j also sets up the dhcptab entries in document root so that the file names can be used in dhcptab.

Netra j does not allow you to add a new main application or an NC without setting up document root.

You need to know the document root of the default web server. If you did not have a default web server configured on port 80 before the Netra j installation, then the Netra j installation process installs the Sun WebServer and configures it as your default web server at port 80. The default document root for Sun WebServer on port 80 is /var/http/demo/public.

If you copy the file spec.html under the root directory, then any user can access this file using the URL http://hostname.domain/specs.html.

To Modify Web Server Document Root

1. From the Main Administration page, under "Network Computer Administration" click Network Computer Server.

   The Network Computer Configuration page is displayed.

2. Under "Global Network Computer Management," click Modify Web Server Documentation Root.

   The Modify Web Server Document Root page is displayed.

3. Complete the form using the information in the following table.

   Table 2-1 Web Server Parameters

   Parameter

   Description

   Full Path Name of the Document Root

   Enter the absolute path of the document root for the default web server. For example, if Sun WebServer is running on port 80, then refer to the file /etc/http/httpd.conf and find the keyword doc-root. The default document root for Sun WebServer is /var/http/demo/public. If Netscape web server is running on port 80, then refer to the file /usr/local/netscape/nse-home/https-ServerName/config/obj.conf and find the keyword document root.