Creating a server

Just wondering how to create a server

[smartncool15]

Hi,
I have heard that it is possible to create a website, without having to buy a domain and just hosting it from a computer. I have 3 computers at this time and was wondering how I could turn one of them into a server for this purpose. I have a cable internet connection and will network them if what I described is possible. I would like a somewhat detailed explanation if at all possible.
I appreciate all helpful efforts,
smartncool15

[encyclo]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, smartncool15!

Firstly, you need to check your contract with your cable provider to see whether they permit you to run servers via their connection - if it's a residential service, it may well be against their terms of service to do so.

Once you've passed that stage, you have two options. The first would be to activate run the server under Windows, either by activating IIS (or PWS if you're using Windows 98), or by installing Apache for Windows. You need to ensure the machine is fully-patched and secure before going down this route. IIS and PWS can be found on the install CDs.

The second (and better) option, would be to use one of the machines and install Linux or FreeBSD with Apache. You can add scripting languages such as PHP, perl, etc. as well.

If you don't want a domain name, you can use a service such as dyndns.

[txbakers]

Cable is not the ideal medium for hosting websites.

It has very fast download speeds, but the upload speeds (needed to serve pages) is dismal.

You can use one of your PCs for hosting, but firewall is a must. And follow the instructions above.

[ksi01]

I have been trying to look into this and I have a question/reply along these lines. I know windows xp allows you host a site and you can have up to five simultaneous connections, 4 users and the host computer. But with residential cable service you have a dynamic IP address. Wouldn't you need to have business class service with a static IP address? Also, everyone I talk to and everything I have read points to using Linux and Webapache. But make sure you configure it correctly and securely.

[txbakers]

dynamic IPs can be used to host websites, but you need to use a service to always trace your IP. do a google search on dynamic IP.

As for Apache/Linux vs Windows that's a matter for argument.

Windows XP will never compete with Apache/Linux, because XP is a one-user client OS. You can host one website.

If you really want to host websites and learn all about web servers, then you'll need to get one of the Windows 2000 or 2003 servers OS.

And a Windows server will compete head to head with Apache/Linux without a problem.

[mack]

Hosting your own site comes down to a lot more than simply using a computer and a cable connection. You need to weigh up your options very carefully.

The first problem you will encounter is reliability. With home hosting if something goes wrong it's up to you to get it resolved. With a hosting copmpany there will generaly be a tech person at the hoast who will solve the problem for you and pretty quickly. In a lot of cases hosts have built in backups so when something fails another system will kick in.

Security will also be a big issue. Using your computer as a web server can pose some security concernes.

Another point is you are paying for a cable connection, with this you get pretty fast internet. Of you are using your computer to host you will be using some bandwidth so serve pages and if your site becomes popular you will find your own surfing experience will suffer due to less bandwidth being available.

I dont want to sound as if I am trying to put you off, far from it! but i just think you should give it a lot of though before you decide.

The cost of commercial hosting has dropped so much lately due to competition that in many cases it is more economical to simply use a web hosting company.

I woudl suggest you set up one of your computers as s server, perhaps even try running linux/Apache and learn from it. Then if you feel confident you might want to try hosting.

Hope this is of some help.

Mack.

[smartncool15]

Allright, thanks for the info. I understand all of your info so far; however, How would I then create a domain for my server, like to assign it as "www.smartncool5.com"?
Thanks again for all assistance provided,
smartncool15

[smartncool15]

Ok, I can change everything now, I have DSL, not cable, I don't know why I put that. I have found that through SBC, my DSL provider, I can purchase/register a domain for $25 a year and I can get 5 static IP addresses for an extra cost, which poses another question: Is it really worth it to have a static rather than dynamic IP? Next question: Would 384kbps upstream be really worth paying more for (rather than 128kbps)? Though I can already anticipate the answer, just wanting eduacated opinions.
Thanks so much,
Jon
BTW, I will probly go with Linux and Apache, assuming I do go forward with the server.

[Gorilla]

What speed you need depends entirely on how much data each of your webpages contain (images + text) and how many users visit at any one time. If your website is almost all text you can serve quite a high number of page views per day over an 128 kbps line.

A static IP address will probably be somewhat easier for you to set up compared to a dynamic address. You will anyway need to find someone to run a name server or two for you. Do a search on Google for "dns hosting" to find free and commercial providers.

You can get your site running with the DSL link you have, with or without static ip address.