How do I host my own website at home?

[alevin46]

Hello Friends........

Can anyone tell me how do I host my own website at home?

Thanks

[manolis]

Although it is not a good option (very risky and a bad idea for many reasons among security etc) you need a static ip or dyndns and also you must configure your router for port forwarding port 80.

[moov-it]

Although it is not a good option (very risky and a bad idea for many reasons among security etc) you need a static ip or dyndns and also you must configure your router for port forwarding port 80.

Rather than going through the trouble and keeping your computer on 24/7, go in for a free host, there are plenty!

[Nicolai]

Or we can host our websites here at EUKHOST.

I'm interested as well to setup my own servers at home, if possible. I'm curious on how to manage the hardware of servers. What kind of computer will I need if I will setup my own home server?

[compserv]

I'm interested as well to setup my own servers at home, if possible. I'm curious on how to manage the hardware of servers. What kind of computer will I need if I will setup my own home server?

Assuming you have a decent fast internet connection (and upload is more important than download, as you're serving pages, not downloading them), you then want a good firewall & router. Try Cisco or Firebrick. Then you need a proper server - something like an HP DL360 or equivalent Dell or IBM unit. A couple of fast Sata drives. The you need an OS. If you're happy with Linux, you can at least get that for free. If you want to provide Windows hosting, then you'll have to get Windows Web sever. Forgetting the software, you've probably just spent about £2.5k, and if anything fails, you're off line. eUKHost know all about the problems that causes

On the other hand, if you just want to learn how this all works, and you're happy to start with Linux, just look on eBay for some half decent hardware (look under the Networking section in Computers on eBay) and set up a home network. Should easily do it for under £500. But don't expect that to provide a reliable service on a pulic network.

If you really want to go into web hosting for clients, rent a server from a hosting provider. You'll have full control over it, be the sole user, but you're putting the responsibility of making sure the services (power, internet connection and hardware availability) are supported. If any piece of hardware fails, it's the responsibility of the host who rents it to you to make sure it's always available. But you have the responsibility to maintain the smooth operation of the software.

One last thought, if you do decide to get a second-hand server, I wouldn't get too uptight about buying old gear. I have 3 HP servers - a DL360, DL 380 and ML370 - running SBS2008, SQL Server 2008 and Windows 2008 web server. All are about 6 years old and the DL 360 has been running my SBS continuously for 18 months. Apart from when required by Windows updates, I've only had to re-start it 3 times.

[RadiantB]

Compserv,

Thank you for the very detailed configuration info. Do you mean that building own hosting at home is very difficult and costly?

I had owned such a thought before, BUT now I think I have to let it die

[compserv]

Thank you for the very detailed configuration info. Do you mean that building own hosting at home is very difficult and costly?

Absolutely. If you really want to run your own server for web hosting, at least consider renting one in a datacentre, but unless you're going to be hosting at least 100 sites it won't be anywhere near cost effective.

I had owned such a thought before, BUT now I think I have to let it die

Just go and sign up for web hosting with a supplier like eUKHost. You have a lot of control over what you do, and you can build your business and then move up your hosting requirements when the need arises.

Just think, at current prices you could rent web hosting for about 30 years before you get near to paying back your own hardware costs.

[sihost]

In the Uk the biggest thing to consider is upload speed.

You may be on superfast cable download connection, but anyone accessing your 'home' server would be using your upload (outgoing) speed to download from the server.

On many connections the upload speed is only around 0.4mb (unless you pay for expensive SDSL which costs more than a dedicated server at EUKHost!)

0.4mb....say you had even 5 or 6 people browsing your website... they'd get dial up speeds!!!

Servers at home are not the way to go when for such a small amount a month you can get reseller hosting at Eukhost and have them manage the server, security etc.

[Brian]

Dont forget the big electrical bills, software bills, actual server cost and cost of managing the server!

Its cheaper and much easier to pay the pennies eUK charges a day.

[sihost]

oh yes very true!!
electricity...ekk imagine a server on 24/7 with the prices they charge householders these days!

[expo09]

Unless you are hosting other websites as well, the cost and effort of hosting your own site at home is just not worth it.