Web Server Setup

[shreeram44]

Hi,<br>
<br>
I am very much interested in hosting my personal website. And I don't want to host it from some others server. I would like to set up my own server. For this purpose what all things I need to do like registering IP Address, web address etc and who is the final authority to register these with? Is there any thing else I should need to register. <br>
<br>
Can I use normal telephone lines for this purpose? Any additional special hardware is required for setting the server?<br>
<br>
Can some one please provide some details regarding this or web sites where I can get these details.<br>
<br>
Thanks,<br>
<br>
Sreeram

 

[jsauce]

The first thing you need to do is get a web server. Getting a webserver is all dependant upon your operating system. In Windows 9.x Microsoft has a Personal Web Server that comes on the CD or for download that will work just fine for a small website. O-Reilly makes a very good web server but it will cost you money. Omni-HTTPd is another web server that is good and it is free. You must decide what to use. If your using Windows NT Workstation, Peer Web Services can be installed from the network setup. This will include a transaction server, ftp server and web server. But for the best option, if you have Windows NT Server go with IIS(Internet Information Server) 4.0. This will include a complete suite of web tools, including web server, ftp server, exchange, proxy, etc. You have to pay for most of the components, but its well worth it if running a real site. <br>
<br>
Next select a domain name and register it with the InterNIC, at

http://www.networksolutions.com.

You need to have at least 2 DNS servers to setup your DOMAIN. I recommend checking out

http://www.dyndns.com

for more information about that, they can provide you with a tool that will make this whole thing easier. <br>
<br>
Now regarding telephone lines. You can, and some people do, use regular crappy telephone lines, but I don't recommend it if your serious about hosting your own site. These lines are limited to a 33.6 upload/download, which means take the bandwidth per page, (add up all the graphics and html) = lets say 115k then divide that by the 33.6, it will take about 34 seconds to load. Thats per one person. Now if you have 2 people, you must multiply that number by 2, so now it takes twice as long, or 1 minute 8 seconds to load. You must add on even more time if more people are connected and downloading. Now for speed I recommend 3 things. T1, CABLE, DSL. There are faster things but you cannot afford them unless you are very rich. There is also ISDN, but it is impracticle because of its minute charges.<br>
<br>
T1 = 1.5 megabits per second. Very fast, about $2000 a month.<br>
<br>
CABLE = 1.5 megabit and faster. about $49.95 a month.<br>
<br>
DSL = 115k to 1.5 megabit and faster. price range depending on how fast you want it. can be $40 a month to $180 a month or more.<br>
<br>
If you have the option I recommend a DSL line. Cable can begin to slow down and more users logon to the network. And T1 lines are basically very expensive for no other reason than they are owned by the phone company...<br>
<br>

 

[codehead]

A caveat:<br>
<br>
If the cable company notices a big bandwith draw on your account, they can put a governor on it and knock it down to a LOT slower speed.<br>
<br>
Bob

 

[shreeram44]

How about Linux?

 

[jsauce]

Linux is also another choice for an internet server. Redhat and FreeBSD come with a host of programs for internet use. I don't consider myself an expert on linux so I am not going to try and give you information on it, but there is a forum where you can post your questions on linux. Maybe if you ask your question in there someone can help you more.

 

[jfk]

Linux is a valid operating system choice for a webserver. You can utilize Apache which free and well-supported as server software. The caveat here is: Do you know UNIX? It is always easier to operate in a familiar environment... I love the UNIX environment... but I am biased.<br>
<br>
jfk

 

[shreeram44]

Yes I know Unix, Sun Solaris. And I am Oracle DBA. SO I am thinking of Linux and Oracle combination. Any idias about pros and cons of this combination?<br>
<br>
Thanks,<br>
<br>
Sreeram.

 

[jfk]

Not that I can think of. I've setup several apache servers without a hitch. If your not familiar with Linux, there are a lot resources on the Internet available to familiarize yourself. The Linux Installation & Getting Started Guide is an excellent reference:<br>

http://metalab.unc.edu/mdw/LDP/gs/gs.html<br>

<br>
Hope that helps,<br>
jfk