Connecting to http server?

Question

Connecting to http server?

Hi, please forgive me if this question has been answered before or if it's extremely obvious...I tried to do a search but couldn't find much.
I have been using Macs my whole life, but I was recently trained-in on editing/updating a website using a PC. We connected to an http server (which holds all of the site's pics, docs, etc.) using the "add a network" option incorporated right into XP's finder/main interface or whatever you want to call it. I was just wondering if I can just as easily connect to this http server on a Mac. I tried using the Go->Connect to Server option but had no luck, I'm guessing this was because the Connect to Server uses AFP or FTP rather than http? Is it possible to access this server on my Mac? If so, how? That would be awesome if someone could help me out, I am a newbie to most of this stuff so some guidance would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Posted on May 14, 2006 6:30 PM

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Answer 1

Camelot

Level 9

58,599 points

May 14, 2006 11:51 PM in response to Adam Tollefson

There isn't enough information in your post to be able to answer your question.

HTTP servers don't normally present a file-based interface that let you edit files. It is possible to do if the server is running WebDAV and in that case you should be able to connect to it in the Finder (that's now .Mac's iDisk works)

You need to get more information on how the server is configured to know what protocol it's using to make the files available.

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Answer 2

billpenn

Level 1

36 points

May 14, 2006 11:59 PM in response to Camelot

If the server is a webDAV server which is like a remote disk that talks via http, the finder can and should be able to attach to it. You will need to make sure that the URL you enter with the Go->Connect to server command includes the http:// part. So to connect to remote.com. you need to enter

http://remote.com

Note: you can even use Go->Connect to attach a secure webDAV server starting the url with https://. The server needs to be set up to allow this.
--Bill

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Answer 3

May 15, 2006 12:46 AM in response to billpenn

Thanks for the help, but I have one more question:
Will my sharing/firewall settings affect whether I can connect to the server? And does it make any difference that the server is password-protected?

Thanks a ton for the help, it's very much appreciated.

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Answer 4

May 15, 2006 9:21 PM in response to Adam Tollefson

Can anyone help me out here? I can not connect to the server, I keep getting the message "You cannot connect to this server because it cannot be found on the network..." I have entered the http:// and everything.

I think the server is set up through my univeristy's info systems department, but I should be able to access it from my computer at home (250 miles away) because others have told me that they are able to connect when not on campus. But then again, they were all using PCs. Does this have anything to do with my security/sharing settings?

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Answer 5

Vipir

Level 3

745 points

May 16, 2006 5:26 AM in response to Adam Tollefson

Hi Adam,
"Will it make any difference if the server is password protected?"
It will if you need to log into this server. You should be able to at least knock on the server's door and get the username/password prompt.

Your firewall is to block other applications/users from getting to your machine, not you getting out.

Does this make sense?

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Answer 6

Vipir

Level 3

745 points

May 19, 2006 6:43 AM in response to Adam Tollefson

Adam,
No, it's not possible to be a PC-only network with what you're describing. The http: address is a website/page address on a server.
This is not the same as entering a server's IP address and getting a log-in prompt to the server.

Do you have your firewall settings to stealth mode turned on?

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Answer 7

May 29, 2006 12:02 PM in response to Vipir

Vipir,
I do not have Stealth mode turned on.

I am confused on what I should do, on a PC it was as simple as just using "Add a Network" and then typing in the http address, followed by a username/password prompt, which loaded the server on the desktop.

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Answer 8

May 16, 2006 2:44 PM in response to Vipir

This makes sense...but I still cannot figure out why I cannot log on to the server. Is it possible for it to be a PC-only network? I am clueless.

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