getting started with a http web server

I've just installed WAMP (Windows Apache MySql PHP) package on my Windows XP Home edition System. I managed to run it with some pages on the http/www folder. My problem is:

When my WAMP is running, and i'm connected to the web (through dial-up unfortunately) i've tried giving my IP address to friends online so they can check if my server is working but seems to be with no luck! Is it because serving through dial up is just too slow, requests tend not to complete at all or should i be looking at some stuff about the Windows Configuration? by the way, i've got WinXP SP2.

thanking heaps for any advice or help

make sure that your computer has port 80 open to the public through either windows or whatever other firewall you use. Also, try it on another port just in case your ISP blocked it.

EDIT:
if you enter your own IP does it work? if you go to localhost does it work?

I'm 99% sure it's your isp blocking that port. who are you using for dial up?

I'm also 99% sure this is true for all dialup access. I haven't heard of anyone attempting to host over dialup because it is simply to slow.

darkermoon - i have tried running http://localhost/ and it worked fine, also tried using the IP address provided by my ISP!

SSH-Raj - my ISP is Paradise.net (NZ)

Would it be due to the slowness of my connection? Requests just takes too long ending up with my mates browsers just giving up on requests?

thanks guys

most likely your ISP blocking that port. Why not just get an acceptable free hosting account online?

darkermoon - how to i configure this port 80 of my window system? or how do i look up these port(s) status and stuff?

thanks

have you upgraded to SP2?

yes i have! sp2 firewall is currently activated

ok, go to control panel > windows firewall > exceptions > add port > name it whatever port = 80. that should do it.