Setting up a Linux web server

[rowan]

Hello folks,

I would like to turn my old Compaq into a Linux web server that will host sites that I design. I have the following set up at home:

1. AT&T broadband connection
2. Linksys router/hub
3. The old compaq is a 7 gig 433mhz AMD based beast currently running Win 98.

How feasible is this project? Is it expensive? I'm a gamer, so I don't want to loose very much bandwidth. Will my broadband connection be suitable? I'm not aiming for high traffic sites, just family related stuff. The server would need to be able to handle Flash.

I would appreciate any advice and links you folks could give me.

r.

[This message has been edited by rowan (edited 07-16-2001).]

[This message has been edited by rowan (edited 07-17-2001).]

[emcron]

This site has probably all the information you need.

www.dslwebserver.com (http://www.dslwebserver.com)

[Rhino302]

How can you have a 433 mhz Athlon?

[DVNT1]

Very feasible, not expensive, bandwith probably won't be an issue unless your content is really interesting to a large audience.

One additional item you may like is dynamic domain name server. This can give you a static host name for your potentially changing IP address.

A word of caution is to treat the Linux machine as those it can be compromised at any time. Do not use key passwords there nor any sensitive files. Of course the machine can be locked down relatively well when you get more familiar on what the exploits are for the services you are going to offer (like WWW). Someone can probably give you a good site to refer to in getting the Linux box locked down reasonable well.

[rowan]

Ack!

Not an Athlon....that was a typo!!! It is a K6, sorry!

I'll edit my post to reflect this.

r.

[rowan]

DVNT1,

I've found several sites that give basic tutorials on how to set this up, though they revolve around MS servers.

I'm a linux newbie, so I'm collecting sites that will bring me up to speed on linux/apache server operation and set up. Is there a specific version of linux that you recommend? If so, could you direct me to a tutorial on basic installation and setup of this version? I've also never installed an OS before. Can I just install it over Win98, or must I format the hd first?

I appreciate the response.

r.

[This message has been edited by rowan (edited 07-17-2001).]

[DVNT1]

For the dynamic IP issue I use http://www.dyndns.org because it is free and seems to work without any hassle.
I actually have my broadband router do the updates to http://www.dyndns.org for IP changes. This is normally only a feature in the more expensive broadband routers. Otherwise there are software clients that you can install to do the updates or even manual updates can be done.

I run my WWW and email server off a RoadRunner account with the DNS hosted by http://www.dyndns.org. My site is http://dvnt1.homeip.net but you can get other domain names. I think if you pay some $ then you can use your own registered host name.

Not that this is a sales pitch for http://www.dyndns.org because there are some other comparable services out there. This is just the only one I can relate to.

[Shadal]

Hey rowan,
I'm in the exact same boat as you.. got an old computer w/ Red Hat Linux 7 on it, and want to set it up as a webserver w/ a dynamic IP, using RoadRunner.. Never done this before. Stuck my NIC's in it the other day to see if i could at least get it on the net, no prob there, but then i'll have to figure out how to share that connection w/ 2 other networked computers.. *ugh*
I'm gonna look into that book you sudgested tomorrow at work (at borders). Let me know if you have any luck ( shadal@tampabay.rr.com (http://mailto:shadal@tampabay.rr.com) ) thanks!

Shadal

[DVNT1]

I'm very weak in Linux but I do like the Linux-Mandrake distribution compared to Red Hat's version.

Linux offers a method to dual boot but I'm not sure how that works either. In the Apps and OS forum you may get good responses on Linux questions.

As for Apache questions you may get good answers from other members here or within the Apps/OS forum too.

Other sites that may help too... http://www.apache.org http://www.redhat.com http://www.linux-mandrake.com

[rowan]

Thanks, as usual, DVNT1.

I just picked up a book at borders that looks good:

Linux Web Server Toolkit by Nicholas Wells.

I'll peruse it tonight and let you know what I find out. It seems to lean towards Apache, but at this point I don't know enough to comment on this bias.

The one thing I am concerned about is my dynamic IP situation. I've read that there are ways around it, but again, I'm not sure. I also hope RoadRunner allows you to run a server on their cables.

r.

[tarpat1]

You can use either Mandrake 8.0 or Red Hat 7.1 for this purpose. The installs are both very user friendly and simple to understand. You will however have to edit some files in Red Hat to enable the web server, I am not sure about Mandrake 8.0 tho'. I would use Mandrake if you want to set it up with as little fuss as possible.

[rowan]

Shadal,

Don't bother with the book. I looked it over last night and it has not been updated in several years. In fact, Win98 is not out yet according to this book. I'll be returning it today.

It does have some very basic info in it though. You should at least make the trip to Borders and thumb through it.

I'm heading back to Borders today to return it and see if I can pick up a more recent Linux webserver how-to.

r.

[rowan]

Well folks,

I just picked up a copy of MandrakeLinux 8.0 bundled with a ton of stuff including Apache per recommendation from some folks in the OS/Apps forum. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Thanks for the advice!

r.