Web site newbie

[TEEB]

I have just purchased a domain name and registered with a DNS. I want to set up a private e-mail server that should not include more than 50 of my friends. I would also like to use it as a ftp server.
My questions are:

1. Is this possible.
2. What would be some good free software to accomplish this?
3. I presently have a "under construction" type page on my site. I would like to put up a one page home page to start. I will use Front Page as my editor. The question is, How do I put up my "first" page. Can I just click on "publish" type in my site name and it will load? Preliminary tests have not been successful.

Thanx

[highrisemech]

If you name the page index.html
This will be the first page people see.

[TEEB]

Thanx Highrise, but, I'm just worried about getting something/anything up there. After I can see something I can work around it

[highrisemech]

Do you plan on hosting your own site or are you using a web host provider?

[TEEB]

I'm not sure I understand the terminology. Here's what I want to do. I want to use my spare computer (Asus P3BF, PIII 500Mhz) as a private mail server. Then maybe as an ftp server. I will get another IP address and use it for the server. So I guess that means I want to host my own?

[highrisemech]

Correct. Actually you should be able to add Front Page extension folders to your server to acomadate Front page uploads.
I use a provider for this service.

[TEEB]

Now we are getting somewhere!! Yes I do believe that I need to add the Front Page extensions to my server. But how do I do that? You say you use a "provider" can you be more specific? Thanx for taking the time to help...

[highrisemech]

One you regiter you are given an address you the have to have that address
hosted or host it yourself. I prefer to have it hosted I use WWW.addr.com
for this service.

[mairving]

Generally once you register your domain and move it over to a host, you will have some kind of control panel where you can generally turn on/off Frontpage extensions.

[TEEB]

even if I host it my self??

[highrisemech]

No if you host it yourself you need to configure your server
to act as the host. I think the point we are tring to get acroos here is that registering a domaian is only the first step. the second step is to take that regitered domain address and have it hosted. Now if you go with the provider above that I mentioned you will get Front Page extensions with your site plus email and a lot of other goodies. Or you can set up your own server but this computer will have to run 24/7 so people can get access, this computer must also be configured to act as a server.

[TEEB]

Okay. I follow you so far. I want to set up my own server. I have done much reading since my last message. Your link was a good starting point.
I now know that I will have to install an OS and an email server program. It's possible that the OS I use will have and FTP application as part of the OS. I"m pretty sure I can use my server for all three of my needs.

I still am not sure how to get Front Page extensions installed. If I use WIN XP PRO for the OS I can install them that way.
I was thinking of using WIN 98SE. I will go with XP if I have to. How do I get the front page extensions if I use Win 98SE?

What is the best OS for my needs?

I appreciate you taking time to answer these newbie questions.

[highrisemech]

Sorry i'm not familiar with setting up a server and the associated programs
Maybe one of the members experienced with this can jump in here and assist....
I'm intested myself.......

[mairving]

I really wouldn't recommend running you own web server. The main problems are security, setup and connection to the Internet. It is not extremely difficult to setup a server. Securing it is something that takes a lot of know how. Most of those things can be figured out but then you have to a solid connection. Most cable/ DSL ISP's will boot you if you a running a webserver.
Then you have to have a dedicated server. A host will cost you a few $ a month and well worth it.

[TEEB]

I think it's the terminology that's getting in the way here. What I want to do is is turn an older computer (PIII 500Mhz) into a server that will A. host my own private web page. B. I would like to run an email service to not more that 50 friends. C. Maybe have a place where I and friends can store some files.
Is that A web server? If not what is it? What is a dedicated server?

If I could sort out the correct terminology I might get on the right track.

Sorry to have to ask such dumb questions but I don't know what else to do...

[highrisemech]

I think your best bet is to go with a web host provider as I have described earlier in this thread. Using this provider you will be able accomplish the things you have described. This is by far the best and easiest solution.

[TEEB]

As the primary reason for doing this is see what I can learn, I think I will forge ahead. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I'm sure you are correct when you say it's the "best and easiest solution" Unforutnatley that's not what I need this time!!
Thanx again!!

[highrisemech]

I'm sorry I couln't be of more assistance maybe one of the other member can assist you with your problem.