Let shared internet users web browse without Apache

Nov 11, '05 06:41:00AM

Contributed by: eamonc

When enabling Internet Sharing in the Sharing preference pane, those using the built-in firewall are warned that computers sharing their internet connection will be unable to browse the web. The proposed solution is to enable the Personal Web Sharing service, which launches the Apache web server and opens the ports necessary for web traffic across the firewall.

Fortunately, it's easy to share an internet connection without running Apache. Under the Firewall tab, click the New button to add a firewall rule. Set the Port Name to Other, and enter the following list for both the TCP and UDP Port Numbers: 80, 443. In the Description field, enter Web Access for Internet Connection Sharing, and click OK to finish.

As long as the new entry is checked, computers sharing the internet connection with your Mac will be able to browse the web using http (port 80) and https (port 443).

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