Forum Moderators: phranque
I was wondering if anyone could give me a link or help me out on a place that tell me how to start running my website. Do you use Windows ISS? Do I still need to buy a domain? (no big deal, they're cheap) and most importantly, how do I make my pages accessable by other on the internet without fancy 100s of dollar programs, if it is possible.
Thanks!
The basic theory behind hosting your own site is that you need at least one static IP address (the ****.xxx.xxx.xxx numbers you see on the net). This needs to be static as otherwise other machines can't find you.
Normally, it's quite difficult to get a static IP as most ISPs use dynamic ones. Unless you can find an ISP that offers static IPs, probably the best solution is to go with something like Geocities or another free host.
If you really want your own domain, then you should be able to find hosting for as little as $2.50 a month - google it!
Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of the net :)
You might also want to start reading on the software and terminology. You will need to be familiar with control panel software such as Cpanel or Plesk.
Do not run the site from your own computer. Get a hosting account is mych better that way.
there are other reasons which have been touched upon ..
Well,
I have read through 20 pages of Using ISS securely etc, and gonig to do everything from making an administrator password 24 characters long etc, to what to open and close.
My webtemplate is fully php coded and has some flash.
I am gonig to use DirectNIC for a domain and set up a dns server. My ISP does allow static ip's and i have already set that computer to a static ip for the servers.
I just read up on that i have to direct my router's port 80 (HTTP) to the servers internal ip.
My main question i guess now is, how do i set up a DNS server. You guys seem to know ur stuff and willing to help, thanks.
Can you give me a link to some information or some help on using and setting up a dns server, like making the computers pages go to a url etc?
If you are on dynamic ip;
Register for a domain with those registrar that has DNS servers that can support dynamic updates, like enom or namecheap.
Download a dynamic updater. Dynsite is one but it is not free of charge. There are many around, just do a search.
The updater will update your IP address everytime it changes at your registrar's DNS server.
Patch up your XP fully, put your XP machine behind a router, the start your IIS on your XP Pro.
Enable NAT on your router, opening only port 80 and set a static private ip for your XP box and redirect all port 80 traffic to that static ip.
If you require mail as well, just open port 25 and setup mercury mail server on your XP.
If you're on static ip, it is even easier. No dynamic updater required. Just a router. In fact, you don't even need a router but then your machine will be completely open to attacks from the Internet end.
