Summary

Web servers are extremely important tools on many networks. They can be used as a means of both internal and external communication. Web servers have traditionally been used to deliver static information from the Web server to its clients , but forms and scripting are increasingly being used to enable two-way communication for online order entry, surveys, and so on. Web server features like SSL security and virtual domains make transferring data securely and running multiple sites on a single computer possible.

Although running the Web server proper is extremely important, two important tasks surround the Web server itself: creating content and interpreting its log files. Web pages can be extremely simple documents created with a text editor or very complex file collections built with the help of Web page design tools. On the other end of the Web server pipeline lie the log files that document its actions. You can use these files to track the popularity of your Web site, spot potential trouble in the form of traffic patterns that might tax your hardware or connections, and discover information on sites that might be linking to yours. Analyzing these log files can be useful in planning changes and upgrades to your site.