[mapserver-users] beginner getting started

[Andrew Hallam]

I run MapServer on Windows 2000 Server. In my opinion, there are two key 
issues that you need to consider when planning to use MapServer on Windows:

1. Unless you have Visual C++ and know how to compile, you will be reliant 
on downloading binary versions of MapServer. The binary versions may, or 
may not, have all the features you require compiled into them. e.g. You may 
be able to get binary versions that support FeatureX or FeatureY, but not 
FeatureX and FeatureY. I suggest you check you requirements against the 
available binaries.

2. If the web server will be on a network connected to the Internet you 
have to let IIS respond to HTTP requests that contain "exe" files. i.e. 
mapserv.exe. That means you cannot use URLScan to block all the automated 
crack attempts that your server will receive from Code Red style worms and 
malicious individuals. e.g. Request like "c/winnt/system32/cmd.exe", 
"/MSADC/root.exe" and "/scripts/root.exe" will not get blocked so you have 
to be extra careful with your security settings and patches.

When using Linux you obviously don't have to worry about Windows security 
issues like Code Red et al attempting to get in via IIS, but you still have 
to worry about security issues like the OpenSLL exploit.

My $0.02.

Regards
Andrew Hallam

Digital Earth Pty Ltd
http://www.digitalearth.com.au