Creating a webserver on my pc?

[trueman]

I would like to create a simple webserver on my computer for testing websites and allowing clients to view their project whilst its being designed.

I was going to use IIS but then got told to try Foxserver instead with Apache, php and Mysql. I have installed it but am having trouble setting it up. Should I go back to IIS? Has anyone had experience with either of these? Yes my ISP does NOT block Port 80 and I am allowed to create a server with my connection.

[vass0922]

They suggested good software
I don't think you'll be sorry with PHP and MySQL with apache at all...

You didn't tell us what problems you're having?
Are you getting errors during install?
Are you just having problems connecting?

Can you get to the webserver default test page through the localhost?

[trueman]

I can get to the default page via http://localhost/ or http://127.0.0.1 . However I have no idea what to do from here.
I assumed that my IP address (Which is static via my ADSL connection) is all someone needed to type into their browser to access my webserver and any files I have in it. (Well at least until I get the DNS sorted out via a free dns provider called Zoneedit.com)

However when I type in my IP address I get a http 500 internal server error. Where do i go from here?

[trueman]

Just to add...I tried this

From the computer connected to the modem, try to connect to your server by typing in the IP address if your DSL/Cable connection. If this works, great, if not, then we have bigger problems.

If you cannot connect to the sever by the IP address, try to ping your DSL/Cable IP number from the computer still on the modem.

* If this works, that means your router is good, and the problems like with things downstream of the router such as the network or webserver.

I couldnt connect via my browser but was able to ping the IP address no worries.

[vass0922]

Do you connect your PC directly to the dsl modem or do you have a router?

I'd HIGHLY suggest having a router in the front vs having your PC out there for the world to attack and have fun with, especially a windows box.

If you DO have a router out front, make sure the necessary ports are forwarded from the router to the PC.

[trueman]

I have a Netcomm 1300B ADSL modem with intergrated router.

Is this considered good enough a router to be using? Failing that I have a simple LAN setup where the client computer uses ICS and doesn't connect to the modem directly.

Should I setup the webserver on the client computer instead so its protected via the home LAN as well?