Going "Wireless": Downloading files from a networked Win2k PC

OK, I have been looking into downloading Newton packages to my Messagepad using a wirelessly connected web browser.

Here is an overview of the steps involved:

1. Set up the PC so that it can securely publish material to the web by creating a new web server.


2. Make the directory full of Newton pkgs available through the new web server.


3. Surf to the web server by way of the Newton


4. Access the website and test a download.

In detail:

1. Set up the PC so that it can securely publish material to the web.
   
   I have a Windows 2000 professional machine so it comes with Internet Information Services already built in but it isn't by default installed.
   
   Insert your Windows 2000 professional disc in your CD-drive or DVD-drive
   Click Start
   Click Control Panel
   Click Add/Remove Programs
   Click Add/remove Windows Components
   Check the Internet Information Services box
   Click next and follow the wizard
   


2. Make the directory full of Newton pkgs available through the new web server.
   
   Creating a virtual directory
   Click Control Panel
   Click Administrative Tools
   Click Personal Web Manager
   Right-Click Home in the tree
   Check allow directory browsing
   Click Add virtual directory
   In the Directory box add the path name to the Directory you want to share.
   In the Alias name give it a user friendly name (I used "Newton")
   For security reasons, I only have the "Read" box checked
   Application permissions: hit the "None" radio button
   Click OK
   
   Security
   Right click the new virtual directory
   Click properties
   Click Directory Security tab
   Click the Edit button in the Anonymous access and authentication control area
   Set the access levels you require.
   
   Recognising file types
   Now we want the server to know what a .pkg file is:
   
   Click Control Panel
   Click Administrative Tools
   Click Computer Management
   Expand Services and Applications in the tree by clicking the "+" next to it
   Click Internet Information Services
   Right-click Default Web Site in the list window
   Click Properties
   Click the HTTP header tab
   Click File Types in the MIME map area
   Click the New Type button
   Type .pkg into the "Associated Extension" text box
   Type "application/x-newton-compatible-pkg"
   Click OK
   Click OK
   Click Apply
   Click OK
   DONE
   
   
3. Surf to the web server by way of the Newton
   
   Double tap on Newtscape
   Enter the URL of your webserver: http://[ip address of your desktop]/newton, say
   Tap the Newt
   Wait a few seconds and voila your newton web page appears.
   You're done.
   

I've been downloading files through both Newtscape and Courier. The elation of watching a 1Mb Newton Book download in a minute or two compared with the hours it might take across a serial connection is indescribable. Even, better with no chance of damaging that fragile serial port either.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to back up wirelessly...