DIYWebServer

WANT TO RUN YOUR OWN WEBSERVER?

With the proliferation of high speed always-on Broadband Internet connections in the home and office, the day is not far off when most web publishers, professionals and hobbyists will be running their own web servers.

This site takes a close look at issues surrounding running a web server from an always-on broadband connection such as DSL, Cable, or even Fiber (FTTN or FTTH).

We have tested and compiled a list of software, hardware and strategies for setting up and running your own cost effective web server. In most cases, the software you need to run an Internet server is free!

Check your ISPs Terms Of Service. Some ISPs have strict rules against running servers.

BENEFITS OF RUNNING A WEBSERVER

• Never pay another hosting fee for your website. Some ISPs / Web Hosts charge between $10 to $85 per month for this service.

• Enjoy an unlimited amount of web space. No more restrictions on server space. Now you can host your own sites with room to post your own streaming video, music or etc.

• Host an unlimited amount of domain names / websites. Create extra revenue by hosting web sites for other businesses, organizations and individuals.

• Gain free access to an unlimited email accounts. Give your friends an email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Host your own game server and portal.

• Run server side software of your choice such as: PERL, ASP, JAVA, PHP, PYTHON, MySQL and more

PEOPLE WHO RUN THEIR OWN SERVER

Web Designers: Keep all of your business in house. No more outsourcing to ISPs / webhosts for hosting. This is an excellent resource for monthly income. Or use your server as a test bed for design, prototypes and emerging technology (development).

Teachers: Give your students the opportunity to publish there work to the Internet for free.

Home Office: Ideal for consolidating technology and creating additional revenue streams.

Artists and Self Publishers: Enjoy the versatility and unrestricted space to publish your own work, portfolio, videos and literature. The possibilities are limitless.

Students: Publish your own work, thesis or portfolio and resume for the world to see.

The Hobbyist / Do-It-Your-Self: For those of you who just simply have to get your hands on technology.

POPULAR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT RUNNING A SERVER

1) The software required to run a web server is too expensive.

False, The most popular web server, Apache, which hosts 56% of all of the sites on the Internet is FREE. Statistics provided by: NetCraft.com

2) The computer required to run web server software needs to be super fast and is really expensive.

False, A little on the extreme side for today's standards but you may be surprised what that old 500 MHz clunker can serve up, most aging office / home computers make excellent web servers.

3) The broadband connection required to run a server is way too expensive.

False, The typical residential DSL or Cable Internet connection is more than sufficient to host a full Internet hosting provider and costs as little as $29.95 per month. See a list of other DSL Web Servers.

4) Residential DSL lines are too slow to host a web server.

False, Residential DSL & Cable Internet connections are capable of hosting web sites that receive 15,000-30,000 hits per month.

5) Setting up a server is complicated and requires a computer engineer to manage and maintain it.

False, A web server can be set up by someone with very little computer & networking experience in less than 5 hours.

6) Running a server requires me to have an extra computer and not use the server for anything other than running the server software.

False, Most web / Internet server applications are very small programs that run in the background of your system allowing you to use your computer just like you would normally.

7) A self run web server is unreliable.

False, Most people who run their own websites find that it is actually more reliable than services provided by an ISP / web host.