Pyro, most of the time cable companies do not allow you to do this. Some block port 80 to make it harder to set up a connection. Others will kick you off of their network for doing so. I would find out first what their policy is regarding this.
Also, I would strongly advise against doing it. Again it is not an easy task to accomplish. If you use Linux/Unix, you would first have to become proficient using it. Then you would have to learn a lot about servers and security. A open Linux box connected to a cable connection is an invitation to disaster, since someone could take over your machine and use it for their needs. If you are serious about getting into this, here is what I would do first:
- Get an inexpensive computer. I use a P200 with 64M RAM. Set up Linux on it. Learn the commands. Learn how to do the networking. Learn how to set up a local webserver.
- Network your Linux server to another computer to use as a client. You can play around with Apache settings and test security, build scripts, setup virtual hosts, etc.
- Sign up with a host for your current web pages. Learn how they do things. Learn about FTP, telnet, SSH and web page management.
- After you have done all these things, then you should maybe consider setting up your own server.
Setting up a webserver or hosting company for a newbie is like trying to teach a newborn child how to drive. Take it slow and in steps first.