windows server 2003

[Fox 3]

Hi there. Wondering about this server program. I would like to set up and host my own webpage, and FTP site. As this is the second computer in my house i am going to use it, but because i have never run the system before (server 2003) i am not sure what to expect...can i still use it as my second computer just like windows xp and have my network going, or does it have to be a stand alone unit, meaning i cannot use it for day to day stuff (running programs like nero, outlook, etc.). Also wondering if you could recommend any module addons for MS server 2003 besides the ISA that i already have. Thanks for your help.

[Mac Medic]

You can host an FTP server and website on XP Pro using IIS and save the money over server 2k3. You'll only need the server version if you want to host more than one site using IIS and even then you could use Apache on XP Pro to host multiple sites. To answer you question though, yes, you can use it the same way you would use your XP machine. The only issue will be virus protection. The aren't any cheap or free antivirus programs for server 2k3 that I have ever come across. Norton requires you to use their enterprise product and AVG make you buy their server version that starts at $70 per year.

[Fox 3]

what is IIS?

[Mac Medic]

Internet Information Services, it's microsoft's web services software. It's installed by default on Windows Server OS's but it's an optional installation on XP Pro. You can add it in the Add/Remove programs applet of the control panel by choosing add windows components and choosing IIS. It'll allow you to configure the web server and FTP server on your XP box.

[glc]

Before you go setting up your own website and FTP server, you need to review your ISP's acceptable use policy. Most ISP's prohibit the use of public servers on residential accounts.

I always recommend the use of a commercial host for domains and servers - they are dirt cheap these days and they handle all the security, etc. If you are not running a business, I see no need to self-host unless it's just a macho thing - "because it's cool and I can" - or you are contemplating on hosting illegal things on your server (which will still get you in trouble if you are caught). Time and hardware are both money - and you will be spending both maintaining your own in-house server, it's cheaper to let the pros handle it till you have a commercial Internet connection and you are reselling services.

[mairving]

You might also note that XP has a 10 concurrent user limit which is not generally a good thing for a website. You won't need ISA as it is primarily a proxy server and quite bloated at that. If you do run IIs, make sure to use the IIs lockdown tool as well. W2K3 Server is quite expensive as well.

[Fox 3]

ok, i will look into the IIS, sounds like a good idea. The reason I am doing this is basically just for fun, nothing macho. I have an extra computer that i don't use and thought i would be interesting to see how it works. After some more research i see that it is way to expensive to run server 2003 on my machine, but i do already own windows XP Pro so that wil work good. I will check into the ISP policys, thank you for pointing that out, i probably never would have thought about it. As for the content of my website/FTP server my idea was to have an unlimited amount of space where i can have my website as well as a way to get pictures and files to my family who live on the other side of the country, nothing illegal by any means. Anyways thank you all for your quick response, it was very helpful.