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How do I set up a password-protected private blog?

I'm interested in setting up an internal blog for my small business but am not sure how to limit access to just those on the inside. What is the best way to create a blog that can only be read and commented on by a select group of readers?


Dave's Answer:

There are a number of different ways to set up something like this, primarily revolving around how your specific Web server works with security, but let me highlight two possible solutions.

The first is if you're running the popular Apache Web server, in which case you can set up a password protected directory and install your new weblog (or have an admin install it) into that directory.

I have a couple of articles that will get you going in that case:

The other solution is dependent on what weblog software you're using. With the popular hosted weblog program TypePad, password protecting your weblog is just a simple click of an option checkbox:

To password protect your Typepad weblog, log in to Typepad then click on the Control Panel tab and choose Password protect a site frmo the list of shortcuts.

Now, you'll need to:

  1. Chose what you want to protect (in this case it'll be "entire site")
  2. Check the Protected? box
  3. Enter a user name and password (all visitors will use the same user name and password, so use a new password, not the one you use to administer your Typepad weblog!)
  4. Click on Save Changes.

That's all there is to it. Your weblog should now be saved.

If you're running a web server other than Apache or a weblog tool other than Typepad, consult with the administration team or developers: odds are good that there's another simple solution to your problem.


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Reader Comments To Date: 5

Anonymous said, on October 19, 2005 5:30 PM:

You could use the excellent yahoo 360, which allows having your blog available only to those yahoo users that you specify.

John Glasgow said, on February 23, 2008 5:15 PM:

I want to be able to send email with a letterhead graphic (jpeg or pdf). I have a Mac and I've put a graphic in my "signature" in Mac Mail. People with Macs receive my emails with letterhead just fine, but it shows up as an icon attachment for "PC people". What can I do. Thank you. jg

someone said, on July 28, 2008 4:39 AM:

nice one. thanks for the links (especially first one)

Larry Dunton said, on October 21, 2008 3:28 PM:

I would like to know how to set up a password for my wifi connections.

Peter said, on October 20, 2010 8:19 PM:

Forget about setting or doing all the heavy stuffs. I think the Cavetor.com site is perfect fit for you. You can post private contents by choosing who can view it and by each post. It is a private blog, but it is private.

Starbucks coffee cup I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!











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