May 1998
Comparing UNIX vs Windows NT security features
UNIX vs NT: Which Is More Secure?
By Jay Heiser
With increased reports of break-ins, the ability for servers to resist
attacks is crucial. While software bugs and poor administration are part
of the problem, understanding your server's weaknesses is equally important.
Jay compares these two platforms and shows how you can plug the holes.
Load Balancing Your Web Site
By Ralf S. Engelschall
Generally, the quality of service your Web server provides depends
on network transfer and server response time. Ralf presents his methods
for distributing traffic onto a cluster of back-end Web servers and balancing
the load.
C O L U M N S :
Webmaster's Domain
Despite quasi-standards describing how robots should politely crawl
your site, reports of "rude" robots are on the rise. Studying
MIT's Genome Web site, Lincoln D. Stein looks at the effects of rude robots and
shows how you can identify them.
Visual Designer
ISO's recent adoption of QuickTime 3.0 as the file format of choice
for MPEG-4 means Web designers can support multiple cross-platform file
formats. Lynda Weinman examines QT3's features and some new tools on the market.
Doing Justice to the Web
As electronic commerce gains a foothold, merchants often outsource
tasks such as security features and fulfillment. Catherine Sansum Kirkman examines the
legal issues Web storefronts face when implementing sales transactions
over the Net.
Database Developer
There's been a flood of APIs, technologies, and products for marrying
databases and Web pages. Ken North looks at alternatives for accessing databases
from Web pages, and at the combination of stored procedures, Java, and
JDBC.
Programming with Perl
This month, Randal L. Schwartz presents a CGI script that tracks visitors' exits
from your site and the routes they choose.
Java Alley
Completely redesigned by Joshua Bloch at Sun, the new Java 1.2 collections
offer more complete functionality, and are more intuitive and easier to
use. Bruce Eckel gives you a tour.
D E P A R T M E N T S :
Script Junkie
While commerce-oriented Web servers include full-featured shopping
carts, these high-priced applications may not be available to everyone.
Reaz Hoque creates a simple shopping cart that your visitors can use to select
up to 1000 products and then check out.
Lab Note
Scriptlets allow you to reuse DHTML scripts by turning them into Web
objects. Rick Dobson walks you through the process of creating scriptlets, and
talks about the benefits and drawbacks of using them.
The Home Page
Editor-in-Chief, Michael Floyd talks about "Getting Schooled on E-Tax."
News & Notes
Faster, Easier Web-Application Development with VGI.
The Last Page
Michael Swaine. "Free Association."
