HTTPS connections are an easy and secure way to transfer data. Especially if the server can be contacted from the internet, a HTTPS connection should be used. Understandably such a connection should be tested before purchasing a certificate for a fixed hostname. By generating a test certificate, the HTTPS connection can be tested and preconfigured.
Please note: Browsers accept HTTPS connections without any notice only for certificates signed by public providers. Using a self signed HTTPS certificate, the browser will warn the user. Adding the certificate to the list of trusted certificates will prevent further warnings.
The following fields are to be filled in order to create the certificate:
A certificate will be signed for a fixed hostname. Fill in the name other computers will use to contact the server.
This optional information is used in the information of the creator and owner of the certificate. In most cases the company name is used.
The location is another optional field to customize the creator and owner of the certificate.
In addition to the location, the country code should be provided, the organisation is located at.
After the generation, the certificate and private key are stored in the specified folder. The filename is created from the information above and ends with ".crt" for certificates and ".key" for private keys.