[duckey]

I'm interested in starting my own server. From what I have heard it is not as simple as uploading a site to a freehost. But I (being a do it yourselfer) decided to host one. I was wondering if anyone could help me with this from begining to end. I know this is alot to ask from anyone. But this is one of the less active section of the forums. It could help it out a little. I've read the rules of this section unlike I do at any other forums. For those out there willing to help here are my computer specs.

Windows XP Home Edition
P4 2.4 Ghz
9200Radeon 128 MB
CD burner

My computer connects to the router. I think. I heard you needed to open a port to run Apache or something. Is this true? My parents are kinda skeptical on opening ports due to hackers.

[Blind_Arrow]

r u willing to keep ur system running 24/7?

and also, you cannot make server on Home edition, but you can install Apache web server, which is **** difficult to configure (and for a novice like u r, i will not recommend it)

Windows XP-PRO, 2000 (all) are coming with IIS (Internet Information Server) built in, its Microsoft based web server, and is quite easy to configure, as its GUI. rather than Apache as its all operated by DOS Prompt.

[Josh18657]

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/?U...lwebserver.htm

[duckey]

Thanks for the replies. I am willing to let my comp run 24/7. In fact it already does. Uptime of about a month. Come to think about it maybe I should restart just for grins. I really want a server. So I am dedicated enough to config it. Like you said I am a novice.

Right now I'm at school so I can't try that solution of downloading that file. I will try when I get home.

Another thing is with the Apache. Will I be able to run MySQL along with it?

[TheMajor]

Actually Apache is very easy to install. It only requires a few configurations. Adding MySQL is simple, too.

I would reccomend a package like eYe, wich includes MySQL and PHP. This way you don't have to screw around with a lot of settings. Download here: http://www.easysetups.com/

[duckey]

Thanks alot. One more thing before I start it up. Are there any ports I need to open before I run a server? I heard Port 80.

[TheMajor]

yes, port 80

first go to start/run
type: cmd

a window pops up

type: ipconfig /all

check your IP

go to you router settings/firewall port forwarding and enter port 80 and your IP.

[duckey]

How protected is port 80?

[kube]

If you have your server running on port 80 and keep upto date with apache and windows patches, then you should be ok. Only problem is, your users will be eating your bandwidth (Not alot of it), but if your downloading stuff at the same time, your site will run VERY slow. If this is the case, you'll have to go for a web hosting provider. But that doesn't give you the fun of doing it all yourself

Tell us how you get on

[duckey]

Okay. Will do when I get home. I still haven't downloaded yet becuase I had to get a site up fast for a guild.