3COM internet server

[Boneless]

I was considering hosting my own webpage on a DSL. Does this system look decent for mostly text and some simple images? Nothing fancy like sales, just information.

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=3C19504

[DrZaius]

Well, it's a Celeron 500MHz with (only!) 32MB RAM and a 10GB hard drive. For about $50 more you could put together a Duron 800MHz system with 256MB RAM, a 20GB hard drive and a case (not counting network cards and such). The 3Com isn't too bad and would be fine for web pages, but the RAM should definately be upgraded.

[Statica]

Those things are absolutely great, PROVIDED your needs are minimal. I havent seen those in a while now, so you might want to check up on the technical aspects; what version of Linux etc etc. They could be quite dated. Which would explain that price

[Boneless]

Ok, if I were to start from scratch beginning with DSL connection, what would I need? I would be using MS Frontpage 2000 and already have a Linksys 4port router w/ firewall.

I assume any basic desktop system with RAM and IDE drives, but what about virus software, better firewall, etc...? Would I set it up in a DMZ zone on the router? I can put systems together so I'm not too worried about that, just what I would need to host a website. I would be expecting maybe a few hits a week, so if it's relatively easy to setup and maintain, it will be my new project.

[wedor]

For $50 more??? I show the price on that to be $200, where are you getting the parts totally assembled for $250??? Or am I missing something here?

[DrZaius]

wedor:

Shuttle AK12A (KT133A) motherboard = $39 @ Outpost.com
AMD Duron 800MHz = $30 @ NewEgg
Crucial 256MB PC133 = $85 @ Crucial
Western Digital 20GB 7200RPM hdd = $65 @ NewEgg
ATI XPERT 98 video = $20 @ NewEgg
Generic ATX case w/PSU = $30 @ local shop

That comes out to $270 without tax and shipping. Even less if you buy the RAM locally and find a cheaper video card. At bit more than $50 difference but I was making a rough estimate. So for ~$300 probably you can have a much faster server.

[wedor]

The shipping would be over $20, you still wouldn't have the 2 NICs, you need a cooling fan, and using a cheapo case/PSU for a server?, the difference grows......
I just though you were oversimplifying things and diminshing the true difference in price and components. It may actually be better to build something else, then again with a little more RAM maybe that's a better system at that price. Better to have more information to make an educated decision.

[DrZaius]

Yeah, I oversimplified. Just wanted to show that the server is just like a normal system. The best option would be to use the 3Com server and upgrade the RAM.

[Orcmonkey]

well for a Really good guide check out www.dslwebserver.com

[Boneless]

If it takes a 500mhz celeron, what do you think the mobo could be upgraded too? I would think it should go past 500mhz. RAM is not a problem since it has pc100 and is very cheap, even for pc133.

[Boneless]

Sorry, meant upgrading the CPU, not mobo. And please provide information or recommendations on any specific software needed, such as a firewall or utilities beyond normal consumer level.