.. _geoserver.install.gs_run:

Running GeoServer
-----------------

This section covers how to start and run a GeoServer instance.

#. From the :guilabel:`Start Menu` navigate to :menuselection:`Programs --> GeoServer 1.7.6` and select :guilabel:`Start GeoServer`.

   .. figure:: gs_run1.jpg

      Starting GeoServer

   .. figure:: gs_run2.jpg
      :width: 650

      Running the GeoServer console

   .. warning:: Do NOT close the command prompt that is opened when GeoServer starts. Doing so will shut down the server.

   .. note::  The command prompt is useful for monitoring GeoServer behavior and capturing error logs for bug reports.

#. In the web browser and navigate to the GeoServer :guilabel:`Welcome Page` at http://localhost:8080/geoserver/.

   .. figure:: gs_run3.jpg
      :width: 650

      Viewing the welcome page of the GeoServer web administration interface

   .. note::  The GeoServer web administration interface is used to control all aspects of GeoServer. From this interface a user can add new data, set styling information, and more.

At this point a fully functional GeoServer installation should be up and running. In the :mod:`next <geoserver.basics>` module the basics of how to configure and publish data with GeoServer will be covered.
