[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: [cobalt-developers] Mime Types for Flash4: installing help

Hi Blake,

There is a Knowledge base doc on this subject at:
http://www.cobalt.com/support/kb/search.php3?ques=apache&qid=611&language=1

I am unfamiliar with the neccessity for adding Mime types for Flash and other
Macromedia product produced content, but have certainly seen this emulated
often enough with other developing media throughout the years enough to at least 
give you a plan of action.

If there is already tech info documentation anywhere else at Cobalt on it,
then use those sources to make an accurate determination of what Mime type
entries need to be present for your content handling.
I would however suggest that you also go right to the source(s),
and do some accurate research at Macromedia, and at
http://www.apache.org/    as it is, in fact, the apache web server that you
are modifying. I cannot imagine that there are other issues with the Linux OS,
however, you might want to check that with Macromedia as well.
Regardless, your question was, essentially, about modifying the web server.

What even prompted me to reply was your approach to modification by
use of FTP. This will be understood in the explanation.

First and foremost:
You should be familiar with the use of the Linux text editors included in your OS, 
or any other you may have added.
If not, get help from someone whom is.
A minor syntax error, such as a return character produced in another environment, such as Ms-dos or other, has the ability to BREAK your webserver, especially if you 
are not experienced enough to diagnose the problem.

That said, I will assume the rest of this to be directed to you as adept:

Not knowing which Raq version you have, you will have to
first determine where the Apache server configuration files exist.
Generally, they are conveniently in the /etc/httpd/conf/ directory.

Next, telnet in with your access,
the SU to root.

SU  means you are "switching user" or as is commonly used,
"going to 'superuser.'' "
FYI, your root pasword is the same as your admin password.
( I hope I'm not offending by proffering the minutae - your query indicated some unfamiliarity) 

Once this is done,
cd to the conf files directory

example :    cd /etc/httpd/conf

once arrived, obtain a list of the files in the directory and their properties
by executing an " ls " directive.

example:  ls -al

you will need to see several files,
httpd.conf
srm.conf
access.conf
mime.types

and usually a ".master" version of each of the first three files.

The files with which you'll be concerned are
srm.conf
mime.types

Next, insure that no other user or service will be attempting
to perform any other update to the system and especially the webserver
at this time. I will leave it to you determine your policy for this.

Next, follow the golden rule of creating a safe, stable backup before
you touch these files.
My practice is to do an exact, properly attributed copy right where you are.
If things get "shaky," then you can restore the files with fast commands.
Generally my procedure here would be:

cp -p srm.conf srm.conf.bak
cp -p mime.types mime.types.bak


Cobalt indicates that across the board on the Raq's that the mime type service
is " referenced out" to the " mime.types" file.
To determine this, open the " srm.conf " file and see if the following line(s) are present: 

# TypesConfig describes where the mime.types file (or equivalent) is
# to be found.

TypesConfig /etc/httpd/conf/mime.types

If they are, especially the last WITHOUT a "#" comment leading,
close this file making NO modification.
otherwise, you will have the lines from the following instructions here.
I would suggest you NOT take this option UNLESS you are skilled.
Cobalt was clever to reference out to another file, in my opinion,
and I cannot predict the stability of your server otherwise with their customizations. 

Next, open the " mime.types" file.

I have seen "Director" files referenced, but not flash.
So, as per the above Cobalt document, their likely is none.
If you see no line referencing the .swf or .spl files,
then add the following line:

application/x-Flash             swf  spl

Save and close the file.

You will next need to stop and restart the webserver using the following
commands:

/etc/rc.d/init.d/httpd.init stop

/etc/rc.d/init.d/httpd.init start

Go ahead from here and test your files.
Note: if some error occurs with the above procedure,
simple go back and overwrite the " mime.types" file with the " mime.types.bak" file, 
restart the server again, and least you'll still be in business.
If something really wacko occurs in the execution,
contact Macromedia and determine the compatibility of Flash serving
from a Linux based system. Frankly, I would assume it's OK.

Good luck,
Jessica McDonald Ph.D.
Jmoira Online
http://www.jmoira.com

mailto:jmoira@xxxxxxxxxx?SUBJECT=helpwithmimetypes


At 01:18 PM 7/3/00 -0700, you wrote:

Hello:
I can't get my Flash 4 files to play using Netscape. IE5 plays without a
problem. I tried adding the mime type lines suggested at the Cobalt site,
but permission is denied using WsFTP95 and through Telnet.
How do I add a mime type?
Thank you.
Blake Webster
********************************************
Media Design & Hosting Services
Helping Businesses Create an Effective Web Presence
Phone: 707-575-1640
Fax:     707-578-3171
 www.mediadesign-mds.com

WebcamSearch.com
 www.webcamsearch.com

Northern California Tennis Connection
 www.norcaltennis.com
*********************************************


_______________________________________________
cobalt-developers mailing list
cobalt-developers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://list.cobalt.com/mailman/listinfo/cobalt-developers