Summary: You'll be in for an education if you want to host your own web site, but we'll walk through a couple of the basic things you'll need to get started.
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I have a Server type computer, I was wondering what you recommend I use as an OS and how to use it to host my own websites and/or use it as an FTP site. |
You've got a machine on the internet. Why not let people connect to a site you host on your own machine?
It's certainly possible. The question is - is it the right way to do it?
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I'm assuming you're setting up this server at home or at a small business that's connected to the internet by some kind of broadband (Cable or DSL) connection.
Actually, what OS you use is less important than how your connected to the internet. Some ISPs don't allow servers on the connections they provide. Others charge a bit more for the ability to do so. If you're using broadband (DSL or Cable), remember that while it might be fast enough for you, it's shared between you and everyone who might be connecting to your server. It can get clogged and slow very quickly.
Your machine will need to be on 24 hours a day, and you're most likely going to need a static IP address - dynamic (or changing) is the more common default. You'll also probably want to grab a domain name (like "example.com") so people can find you.
Once you've got the physical connection, I'd run Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 Server, both of which come with the software to host a web or ftp site: IIS (Internet Information Services). Another alternative would be a Linux distribution; most come with ftp software as well as the Apache web server.
I'll warn you that you're in for an education. Hosting a server is not a trivial task and not for the faint of heart. My recommendation for most folks is rather than hosting their own, spend a few dollars a month and go to a shared hosting company where you can get some space on a server that's maintained by someone else. In fact, your ISP probably already has some set aside for you.
Related:
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Ask Leo! - How Can I Find a Good Web Host?
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Ask Leo! - So just what is a "Server" anyway?
Article C2234 - November 28, 2004
hey man!,
Posted by: Ashee at August 7, 2008 11:00 PMi'VE jst published a webpage through windows publisher.
i have a free domain from co.cc
but how do i link my published document to my URL??
Try a cheap web host rather than doing this alone.
I'd recommend a Linux host, Windows tends to cost more, and Linux is more available, hence you can move your code between hosts better later if you use Linux.
I tried hosting a site myself once. It put up electric bills, increased hack attacks on my PC, and the site wasn't that fast for people accessing it anyway.
Just find any cheap web host, I've gone with beachyuk.com, but there are loads out there like them. I'm paying £10 a year (that's about $5) for a basic package. That's peanuts, and saves me the hassle of doing a DIY job on it, it's also a lot faster than when hosted down my domestic broadband line.
Posted by: Ian at August 10, 2008 5:13 AMFirst I would like to say if you going to host your server, I wouldnt go with any form of windows server, rather learn something new and go with a linux server,and learn some command line, if you really need to have a GUI to do everything then use something like Ubuntu Server. In my opinion Id rather pay a hosting service to host my websites than run my own server, I recommend hostmonster.com
Posted by: Alex at December 15, 2008 7:43 AMI wan to know that I have static ip .now i want to use my pc as a server then how can i do it.what to configure?
please let me know
Ketan Raval
Posted by: ketan at January 2, 2009 9:39 AMhttp://letsnurture.co.cc
We have a server in my compny which denied all the request to open the site Request denied by the server and shows this message in the bracket (WatchGuard HTTP proxy.
Reason: one or more categories denied helper='WebBlocker.1' details='News'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by: mohit at February 13, 2009 11:04 AMMethod: GET
Host: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Path: /)
.How can we browse the site without being identified by the server security.
What a way not to answer the question posed.
Instead of giving valid info for how to go about this, you state it is really hard to do and all the potential hardships. I hate this kind of thing ... I find it in a search engine and the very opposite of what you are looking for information about is given.
ultra lame.
You need a Domain Name. Buy one from a reputable company ... and as a precaution, make sure that company has a nameserver that can point to your ip address.
dyndns.com is a good option. do not buy from google, although reputable, in this one area it is a pain in the neck to get things transferred.
it is easier to use an all in one web hosting solution, but there are a ton of reasons that make hosting your own server worth while. THAT EDUCATION is one of those reasons.
Ubuntu makes a server and is free... linux is a good solid option in general, unless you are doing something with ASP... then you need to spend the cash on a Windows solution.
Posted by: Zakary at February 14, 2009 7:24 PMI static ip and I have tried to follow your instruction but still not able to configure it as a live server..
Have configured lan IP , configured router too...
Please help me to configure live server
[link removed]
Posted by: letsnurture at March 19, 2009 11:39 PMwell I think Il go with
Posted by: majora64 at July 25, 2009 10:44 AMhostmonster.com cause my windows cant Idenefy the
connectin when I make it static
I have domain registered and having good internet connection, with windows2003 server and wanted to host my domain. Can you tell me step by step procedure to host my own site?
Posted by: anil at August 21, 2009 12:18 AMPosted by: steve at July 10, 2008 8:46 AM
hey man!,
i'VE jst published a webpage through windows publisher.
i have a free domain from co.cc
but how do i link my published document to my URL??
wanted to ask you for that co.cc address need to tuch base with them.. thanks..
also will this go good with hosting from xampp?
Posted by: HtmlGifted at September 9, 2009 6:54 PM