Discussion
Hi all. Apologies for numpty question (IT not my thing) .. what does it take to run a server from home (or office in my case) .. can I use an old PC networked and using my exisiting braodband connectionnor do I need something super high speed .. just wanting somewhere to hold some pics and info as a reference for customers to go to ..
not trying to transfer video or anything so is it possible and whats the easiest way of going about it? many thans in advance for any help
joo
not trying to transfer video or anything so is it possible and whats the easiest way of going about it? many thans in advance for any help
joo
You can use your existing broadband - its perfectly good enough, I expect.
How to host a web server at home:
You will require a "fixed" or "static" IP address. You may already have this or you may need to purchase the option from your ISP. If you don't have it the upgrade typically costs £5 to £10 per month.
You will need to purchase a "domain" - e.g. "www.joospeed.co.uk" and have it pointed at your fixed IP address. Typically one domain is included free with your fixed IP address option.
You will need an ADSL router that supports port-forwarding.
You will also need a PC dedicated to the job, running web-server software. XP Professional is a good enough choice and easy to use.
Install the ADSL router and get broadband working on an "out" only mode on all your PCs.
Take your dedicated PC and give it a fixed internal IP address: Usually like 192.168.1.2 (your router will normally reserve 192.168.1.1). Remember this internal address is only used in your home - your ADSL router will have two ip addresses - one internal and one external which you will have bought from your ISP.
Log on to your router's admin panel and go to the Port Forwarding section. Port forward Port 80 from to the fixed IP address of your dedicated PC.
Set up the web-content you want on the dedicated PC.
Bingo.
This sounds really complicated but is a ten-minute job for someone who knows what they're doing, thereafter you can maintain it yourself..
NB: Some routers are crap and fail to "port-forward" effectively. This is essential and so you must buy one that works. I use a Linksys box - but had to upgrade the firmware TWICE to get it to do the job.
How to host a web server at home:
You will require a "fixed" or "static" IP address. You may already have this or you may need to purchase the option from your ISP. If you don't have it the upgrade typically costs £5 to £10 per month.
You will need to purchase a "domain" - e.g. "www.joospeed.co.uk" and have it pointed at your fixed IP address. Typically one domain is included free with your fixed IP address option.
You will need an ADSL router that supports port-forwarding.
You will also need a PC dedicated to the job, running web-server software. XP Professional is a good enough choice and easy to use.
Install the ADSL router and get broadband working on an "out" only mode on all your PCs.
Take your dedicated PC and give it a fixed internal IP address: Usually like 192.168.1.2 (your router will normally reserve 192.168.1.1). Remember this internal address is only used in your home - your ADSL router will have two ip addresses - one internal and one external which you will have bought from your ISP.
Log on to your router's admin panel and go to the Port Forwarding section. Port forward Port 80 from to the fixed IP address of your dedicated PC.
Set up the web-content you want on the dedicated PC.
Bingo.
This sounds really complicated but is a ten-minute job for someone who knows what they're doing, thereafter you can maintain it yourself..
NB: Some routers are crap and fail to "port-forward" effectively. This is essential and so you must buy one that works. I use a Linksys box - but had to upgrade the firmware TWICE to get it to do the job.
Remember if you are opening your server on port 80, you are effectively exposing it to the outside world so make sure you have the latest patches and fixes installed (AutoUpdate), up to date antivirus software and a regular backup policy in place.
And it may be worth isolating the server from the rest of your network if you have more than one machine (DMZ).
And it may be worth isolating the server from the rest of your network if you have more than one machine (DMZ).
KormaChameleon said:
Remember if you are opening your server on port 80, you are effectively exposing it to the outside world so make sure you have the latest patches and fixes installed (AutoUpdate), up to date antivirus software and a regular backup policy in place.
And it may be worth isolating the server from the rest of your network if you have more than one machine (DMZ).
Personally I wouldn't consider running it as a DMZ server. I know this makes stuff work but if you only open up port 80 then it immediately cuts down the number of potential attacks to ones based on IIS overflows - and you can patch against those quite effectively now.
Don said:
You will require a "fixed" or "static" IP address. You may already have this or you may need to purchase the option from your ISP. If you don't have it the upgrade typically costs £5 to £10 per month.
Or, use something like www.noip.com
Works well for me.
Joo - I can quite easily give you a hand with this. I run a webserver on the end of my broadband line. As long as you're not expecting 1000's of people to be accessing huge scanned photos, the performance should be fine.
Keeping it well firewalled and keeping the patching up-to-date, is the main thing.
Keeping it well firewalled and keeping the patching up-to-date, is the main thing.
With cheap webhosting so.. cheap. nowadays, why go thru the hassle of sticking it on your DSL.
I used to run a few servers on my Easynet 2mbit, and even on that it would get caned.. would serioulsy affect browseing performance due to all the spammy Code Red / Nimbda / MailServer attacks that would take place 24/7.
For less than the price of a Curry and a Few pints you could have your own Webspace and Domain.
I used to run a few servers on my Easynet 2mbit, and even on that it would get caned.. would serioulsy affect browseing performance due to all the spammy Code Red / Nimbda / MailServer attacks that would take place 24/7.
For less than the price of a Curry and a Few pints you could have your own Webspace and Domain.
thanks for all the info here .. some of it went over my head and some of it seems conflicting to my tiny brain!! lol .. wil take squirrelz up on his offer of advice and see what i need to do to get it up and running. many thanks for all the replies to this, much appreciated one and all
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