What do i need to establish my own server? I want to host my own website.

[ShortDahRi]

I have no problem building a server (physically) but in terms of what i need to get the server running on the net, establishing my IP, which software to run, (etc.), i'm don't know much. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[BipolarBill]

Please don't double-post.

[ShortDahRi]

Sorry about that. I'm in the right forum for my question right? Thanks.

[BipolarBill]

Yes you are.

Your ISP can help with obtaining a fixed IP and domain name registration.

You will need a dependable OS like Linux, Win2000 or WinXP Pro. They all have HTTP and FTP services built-in. You can use WinXP Home or Win9x and install a 3rd-party HTTP/FTP server package too.

[ShortDahRi]

BiPolarBill,

I have WIN XP Pro. If I already acquired a domain name through (catalog.com/networksolutions) then i have to establish a permanent IP through my cable modem service provider right? and have the domain name service point to my permanent IP?

Is there any other software that i would need to safe guard or aid in running my server?

Thanks for the all the helpful info.

[BipolarBill]

I have WIN XP Pro. If I already acquired a domain name through (catalog.com/networksolutions) then i have to establish a permanent IP through my cable modem service provider right? and have the domain name service point to my permanent IP? Yes. Install IIS from Add/Remove Programs > Windows Components.Is there any other software that i would need to safe guard or aid in running my server? You will need a software firewall and then just exclude ports 21 and 80. Visit Windows Update and patch IIS! If you don't use a firewall, the rest of your system will be vulnerable.

[ShortDahRi]

Any suggestions for firewall software? Thanks for all the info.

[philb]

Try ZoneAlarm Pro from zonelabs.com (http://www.zonelabs.com). It is pretty secure and quite easy to use. You could use ICF that is built in to XP but I do not know anything about it as I don't use XP. However there is mention of it on ZDNET (http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0,14179,2810784,00.html) and what they say is not very comforting.
For more info on firewalls try looking at Gibson Reasearch Company (http://grc.com/su-firewalls.htm).
Hope this is of some use.
philb

[ShortDahRi]

I've added IIS to my Windows XP Pro and was wondering if there are any tech articles describing the process of settin up my computer as a server (to host my webpage). Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

[Midknyte]

WinXP pro has the same limitations as Win2K pro. You can only have 10 concurrent connections to your server at any one time. If you want to have more connections than that, you'll have to use Win2k Pro or Linux. :D

http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q314882&LN=EN-US&rnk=4&SD=tech&FR=0&qry=connection%20limit&src=DHCS_MSPSS_tech_SRCH&SPR=WINXP&

[ShortDahRi]

Hey MidKnyte,

Any links to info on exactly how to set up the website? Like info on setting up the IP adress, network security, etc.? I've been searching Help and the microsoft site and can't seem to find the basic steps to setting the site up. Thanks for all the info. You guys know your stuff!:D

[Midknyte]

The best place to start is windows help. I'm pretty sure it has a step by step guide on how to install IIS/PWS. It has ICS, NAT, and other set ups in there.

Here are a few good links for general win2k/xp info:

www.labmice.net
www.ntfaq.com

[BipolarBill]

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/serving/index.htm

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/serving/webhost/index.htm

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/serving/webhost/diyhost.htm