How to Configure Virtual Host

A hosting server has enough resources for several websites.

Normally, a server (hosting computer) only has one Internet protocol (IP) address and when a visitor enters this IP address into his browser's address bar, he will be directed toward content that the administer had made available via the Internet. However most servers have enough space and bandwidth to operate several sites (domains). Virtual hosting allows multiple websites to run on the same computer. Server administrators can make money by selling more resources per machine and save money on physical space and hardware--a savings that can be passed down to the customer as well.

Instructions

Configuring Virtual Host

1. Log in to your Apache administrative account. Click "Environment," then "Virtual Hosts."

2. Select the virtual host whose settings you want to configure. Alternatively, create a new virtual host by clicking "New" and type in the desired host name. Click "OK" to confirm virtual host creation and select your new virtual host from the host list.

3. Locate "Additional Properties," select it and and "Host Aliases."

4. Create a new alias by clicking "New." Type your desired host name in the "Host Name" text field or type an asterisk (*) to allow any name to be specified. Select "OK" and "Save" confirm the new host alias.

5. Select an existing host to update its information. Change the value specified in the "Port:" text field to one of your server's HTTP ports. Confirm the changes by clicking "OK" and "Save."

6. Click "Servers" and "Web" servers to regenerate the web server plug-in configuration. Select the appropriate web server, click "Generate Plug-in" and click "Propagate Plug-in."

7. Restart the server to allow the changes to take effect.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to change Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) types after updating or creating a new host alias. To do so, click "New" on the MIME type collection page. Type in a MIME type and extension on the MIME settings page. Click "OK" and "Save" to confirm the changes.

References

• IBM: Configuring Virtual Hosts
• Apache: Apache Virtual Host Documentation
• Hunny Software: The MIME Information Page