Webpage Server

[Pyro]

Hello there! I would like to build myself a sever that I can keep my own password protected website on. Does anyone have any info that would be useful? Dont be afraid to reply with some basics! Im getting into this from the ground up. Thanks, PYRO

[DrZaius]

Hi Pyro,

First of all, do you mean that you want to make a server as in set it up, or actually build it (as in hardware)? And, what kind of connection are you planning to use (DSL, Cable, etc.)?

If you just need to know how to set up and install a server, then this guide very helpful. It describes step-by-step how to make a small web server on a DSL or Cable connection.

Also, here is another article on how to build a home server.

Hope that helps.

[mairving]

Well it is not too hard to do. You need to figure out a few things first like what OS you will be using, what kind of connection, how will you provide security. Most of the time after looking into all of this, most people will choose to simply let someone else host their site. The reason is that it is just simply economics. You have to get some kind of connection. Most of the time, a cable connection or a DSL connection can't be used because it violates their rules of use policy. You can get a business cable for about $90-100/mo and do it. You still have to set up security which takes some considerable skill. You also have to have a machine that is always on and can't be rebooted or your site is down. Then you have to run either a Unix/Linux based box running Apache or a Windows 2000 Server running IIs.

Most of the time unless you have very special needs it is well worth the $10 or so that a host would charge you to do this for you.

[Pyro]

Thanks for the replys, I want to build the server and host it. I would be using a cable connection if I end up hosting it myself. Thanks again, PYRO

[DrZaius]

Pyro,

Since you want to build it, here are my reccomendations for hardware:

- MSI, Epox, Soyo, or Iwill motherboard (something simple and stable, not for overclocking) ($90-110)
- Duron 750 Mhz ($40)
- 512Mb (2x256MB) Crucial PC133 RAM ($130)
- Maxtor or IBM 40+Gb ATA100 7200RPM harddrive (or look into SCSI and RAID) ($100-130)
- Good network card (Intel or 3Com) ($50-100)

Since it is a server, you just need a cheap video card and no sound. As for the operating system, I would go with Linux or FreeBSD since they are stable and a lot cheaper than Win2000/NT. Also, since it will be on a cable connection you will want to look into a router to share the connection and to provide a firewall. Hope that helps.

[mairving]

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.

[Pyro]

Thanks, I've been checking around at server host's and it sounds like a good idea! I just need to figure all the stuff out like accepting credit cards,etc... Thanks everyone, PYRO