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Set Up a Web Server

Warning: For security reasons, it is highly recommended that your network be behind a router and firewall before you install any web server. Failure to do so could result in a security breach on your personal information. It is your responsibility to insure security on your network, and neither Roku nor Roksbox is responsible for any security breach that might occur as a result of this tutorial, or as the result of using the Roku DVP or Roksbox.

 

Windows

Mongoose Web Server

Mongoose is an easy to install web server that will do everything that is needed for Roksbox to operate. If you want a quick and easy web server installation, choose this option. Note, however, that there is a 4GB filesize limit with Mongoose (an average 2 hour video is approximately 2GB).

  1. Go to http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2841707/downloads/mongoose-2.8.install.exe. Select Run to download and start the install, or select Save to save the install file, then execute it to start the install. If you get a security alert from your firewall, select the option to unblock Mongoose. You can do a default installation by clicking on the Next buttons. If you get an error message during installation, you might need to log off, and log back on as administrator and restart the installation.
  2. By default, Mongoose uses your entire C: drive as a web server. This probably isn't a good idea, so let's change it to use a folder under the C: drive.
  3. Open windows explorer (My Computer, or Computer), and create a folder called www under the C: root.
  4. Go to Start menu -> All Programs -> Mongoose web server -> Edit config.
  5. This will open Notepad. Find the line that says root c:\, and change it to say root c:\www\.
  6. Click File -> Save, then File - > Exit.
  7. Reboot your computer and your web server should be ready.


Apache Web Server

Apache is a more advanced web server with more configuration options. It is a little more difficult to install than Mongoose, but advanced technical people prefer it for its advanced features.

Install Apache

 

Microsoft IIS 7 (Vista) or 7.5 (Windows 7) Web Server

IIS 7 is available on Vista Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate. IIS 7.5 is available on all editions of Windoes 7 (Home Starter, Home Basic, Home Professional, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate).

This guide also includes information on using Symbolic Links in Windows.

IIS Setup

Thanks to Roksbox user Trevor (Roku forum member rilex) for providing this setup guide.

 

Testing

You can test your web server by opening a web browser and entering http://localhost in the URL window. If everything is working, you will see a listing of your folders under your C:\www folder. Now find the ip address of your computer by opening a command window (start -> run -> cmd) and typing ipconfig. Your ip address will show up as IP Address, or IPv4 Address. It will look something like 192.168.1.100 (your numbers will probably be different). Also, check to see if it works by entering http://your_ip_address in a web browser as you did with localhost. It should also show the folders under your C:\www folder. Write down this address, because you will need it later. If you have another computer on your network, open a web browser on the other computer and type the ip address of your web server in the URL window. If your web server is correctly installed, you will see the same file directory in the web browser of the other computer. If you are running a local firewall on your web server machine, you might need to allow HTTP or open port 80 on the firewall. Check with your firewall provider, or search the internet to see how to do this.

 

Linux

Apache Web Server

Apache is normally the web server of choice for Linux. Here are download and install links for Linux Apache. You may also use the install method for your particular Linux distribution.

Download Apache

Install Apache

 

Mac OS X

Mac OS X has a built in Apache web server. All you have to do is execute the following steps to turn it on. You don't need to do the DynDNS part.

Turn on Personal Web Sharing

 

Western Digital My Book World NAS

Here are instructions on installing a web server on the Western Digital My Book World NAS. For other NAS devices, follow the manufacturers instructions, or search the web for more information.

WD My Book World NAS

 

Demo Image Stream Your Music 

    • Scrobble to Last.fm
    • Show photo slideshow while listening to music
    • Can use your existing directory structure to display your music collection, or you can use XML files to add detailed information
    • Stream from a web server, or from the USB port (on models equipped with a USB port)
    • Categorize by Artist/Album
    • Create and play Playlists
    • Shuffle Songs
    • Can use GUI software to organize your music and add detailed information
    • Software automatically populates MP3 ID3 tags and album art and creates XML file
    • Turn continuous play on or off
    • Displays the following information during playback:
      • Artist Name
      • Album Name
      • Song Title
      • Album Art
      • Length (Runtime)
      • Progress Indicator
      • Slideshow (optional)
    • Pause/Skip Forware/Skip Backward

Demo Image Create Photo Slideshows

  • Roksbox can use your existing directory structure to display your photo collection, or you can use XML files to specify your desired organization.
  • Stream from a web server, or from the USB port (on models equipped with a USB port)
  • Define your own categories and subcategories
  • Create your own slideshows
  • Can use GUI software to organize your photos
  • Shuffle photos
  • You decide the amount of time (seconds) to display each photo
  • Optionally display captions for each photo
  • Pause/Skip Forward/Skip Backward