Setting up IIS7 on Windows using DynDNS and GoDaddy
If you like flexibility of use and better security for your data, consider hosting your own web server. This tutorial will go over how to do so using:
I used this tutorial to install IIS. My OS is Windows 7 Ultimate, but that tutorial will work for Windows Vista/7.
When you launch IIS, you'll be presented with a somewhat intimidating dashboard, but most of the features aren't used for basic website hosting:
Under the Connections section on the left, right-click Sites and select 'Add Website'.
Pretty much the only fields you'll be concerned with at this time are 'Site Name' and 'Physical Path'.
Site Name: whatever you want to name your site (i.e. - fantomphreak)
Physical Path: directory where your website files are located. (default = C:\inetput\wwwroot)
Note: although you'll be tempted to do so, don't set your Host Name (Binding) just yet. Leave it blank.
Setting your Default Document in IIS
Double click Default Document under the IIS subsection of the IIS Dashboard.
Right-click list items & reorder them to your preference.
Virtual Directories
Click 'View Virtual Directories' under the Actions>Edit Site preference in the right pane of the IIS Dashboard.
Click 'Add Virtual Directory' in the Actions preference in the right pane.
The Alias will be the name that appears in the URL after your site name (i.e. - a Virtual Directory named 'Documents' would be available at www.yoursite.com/Documents.)
Directory Browsing
IMPORTANT NOTE: You have to enable and configure Directory Browsing for each directory individually.
Click your Virtual Directory under the Connections pane of the IIS Dashboard.
Double click Directory Browsing under the IIS subsection of the IIS Dashboard.
Click Enable in the Actions pane on the right.
Authentication
IMPORTANT NOTE: You have to enable and configure Authentication for each directory individually.
Click your directory or Virtual Directory under the Connections pane of the IIS Dashboard.
Double click Authentication under the IIS subsection of the IIS Dashboard.
Choose your Authentication method. (Advice: Authentication for your Default Document files, which is usually the only directory you see besides your Virtual Directories, should be set to Anonymous Authentication - Enabled. Set your Virtual Directories to Basic Authentication - Enabled).
*Note: In order to have Basic Authentication available as an Authentication protocol, you have to first enable it. This is done via Control Panel > Programs & Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off > IIS > World Wide Web Services > Security > Basic Authentication)
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DynDNS - Which services to get, and why
After you sign up for a Dynamic DNS Free account, you'll need to do some minor setup. Inside your Hostname settings, make sure the Service Type is set to 'Host with IP address'. Set your IP address (there is a link below the box that shows your current IP address). (pic)
***Click 'Save Changes' at the bottom of the page.***
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GoDaddy - The best $12/year you'll ever spend
Purchase a domain through GoDaddy.
Forwarding your domain
In your domain Dashboard, click the 'Forwarding' button. (pic)
In the forwarding options screen, manually enter the domain name you set up in DynDNS. (pic)
There are a variety of options for forwarding, if you want to learn more, click the 'Learn More' button at the bottom right of the Forwarding page. (pic)
Modifying your CNAME www record to point to your domain
Modify your CNAME www record to point to the domain you set up in DyDNS. (pic)
