hosting a webserver/ftpserver

[The Slayer]

wondering how i do this? Any good guides anyone knows with not to much complicated words in it? Like How to host webserver for dummies?

 

[Ice hearted killer]

depends what you want to do with it really.

but you will need apache, its pretty much standard webserver software.

 

[extremelyhotsauce]

Filezilla is a free FTP open source client.
http://filezilla-project.org/

 

[Ric]

Apache is not the only web server software out.
There's also Lighttpd, Tornado, nginx, and a lot more.

It all depends on what you want to do.
Tell us what you want to do, and we'll give you software most suitable for your work.

Most likely, if you wish to gain anything out of this with no knowledge, you'll end up having to pay a measly 10 bucks a month to host it on a dedicated site like GoDaddy, Fatcow, iPage, etc.

But, you can run your own FTP service with little or no knowledge needed.

 

[The Slayer]

basicly, a webserver i think, filesharing like filezilla. something like that. Mostly filesharing

 

[Ric]

So you want filesharing with limited webbing?

Well, you can buy a FTP service for certain amounts a month OR you can host your own.

The reason why I suggest is that if you plan to host multiple files with 40+ users simultaneously, most modern personal connections wouldn't be able to keep up with that. But if you plan to host something small, maybe like, 10 users a day average, you'll also be able to do it on your PC.

If you want to host a small website, you should be able to do it on your PC until it builds to the point your connection can't handle it. Keep in mind though, if you have a website running, the PC that's running it must be on as well, in most cases.

For this, I'd go with the above suggestion and use Apache. There's tutorials that are included with it on their website.

The downsides to hosting your own webserver/ftp is that you'll have to allow programs, open ports, get specific updates you normally wouldn't, install various programs, learn how webservers/ftps work, etc.

 

[Mikkel]

What operating system are you planning to use?
What is the purpose of the website/FTP-server?
Do you have a machine to run it 24/7 or do you want to run it whenever your computer is on?

Help us, help you!

 

[Mr.Game]

Another thing to keep in mind, there are ISP's out there that condone hosting from your own computer.
There are also "caps" involved that you could reach by hosting files.

Check your ToS (Terms of Service) before you try hosting on your own.


Most web hosts out there provide a panel with options to build a website from the provided templates.
Hosting only costs $5 to $20 a month depending on the provider you choose.
NOTE: Most providers require you to have a homepage even if you're only hosting files.

 

[extremelyhotsauce]

Hostgator.com has a good service from my experience. Just a 15 dollar register fee for the domain. If thats what your looking for.

 

[CrossCheck]

also if you were to host your own webserver. you would need to make sure that you ip provided by your ISP is a static ip and would never change. as far as i know it is impossible to link a domain name to a dns with a dynamic ip address.

you best bet is to go with a webhost like hostgator or 1and1 (i use them and have had no problems with them)

1and1 is offering free for 6 months on their home, business or premier hosting plans with a 1 year contract.
http://order.1and1.com/xml/order/Hosting;jsessionid=E916335FD57BAA8A83DA12C93AF2A810.TCpfix140a?__frame=_top&__lf=Static&linkOrigin=Home&linkId=hd.nav.domains

 

[Mr.Game]

also if you were to host your own webserver. you would need to make sure that you ip provided by your ISP is a static ip and would never change. as far as i know it is impossible to link a domain name to a dns with a dynamic ip address.

you best bet is to go with a webhost like hostgator or 1and1 (i use them and have had no problems with them)

1and1 is offering free for 6 months on their home, business or premier hosting plans with a 1 year contract.
http://order.1and1.com/xml/order/Hosting;jsessionid=E916335FD57BAA8A83DA12C93AF2A810.TCpfix140a?__frame=_top&__lf=Static&linkOrigin=Home&linkId=hd.nav.domains

There are a few DNS providers (such as Open DNS) that allow a static hostname to your dynamic IP via software they provide.

 

[Citan]

A few pieces of advice:

1) It's best to register your domain using a different service from your web host. For example, my domain is registered with GoDaddy, and my web host is Surpass Hosting. The reason for doing this is so that, if you want to move to a different web host, your current web host won't be able to make it difficult to point your domain at the new web host. I've heard some stories of web hosts essentially holding a person's domain hostage while they're trying to move to a different service.

2) When registering your domain, keep in mind that the information you register with becomes public information. This includes your name, address, and phone number. You can take any domain, do a WHOIS search, and see who owns it. Most domain registrars offer a privacy service for a small additional fee that will replace that information with the contact info of the privacy service. The only downside is that doing that makes it look like the privacy service owns the domain instead of you.

3) Expanding upon point number 2, it also isn't a good idea to use fake information when registering a domain. If the account gets stolen, there will be little hope of getting that domain back.

 

[The Slayer]

So you want filesharing with limited webbing?

Well, you can buy a FTP service for certain amounts a month OR you can host your own.

The reason why I suggest is that if you plan to host multiple files with 40+ users simultaneously, most modern personal connections wouldn't be able to keep up with that. But if you plan to host something small, maybe like, 10 users a day average, you'll also be able to do it on your PC.

If you want to host a small website, you should be able to do it on your PC until it builds to the point your connection can't handle it. Keep in mind though, if you have a website running, the PC that's running it must be on as well, in most cases.

For this, I'd go with the above suggestion and use Apache. There's tutorials that are included with it on their website.

The downsides to hosting your own webserver/ftp is that you'll have to allow programs, open ports, get specific updates you normally wouldn't, install various programs, learn how webservers/ftps work, etc.

Alright i'd try that. The purpose of this webserver/ftp is that i can just store my data online. Like, when i go to school, i don't have to cary my flashdrive everyday, etc etc... . That's the main purpose.

What operating system are you planning to use?
What is the purpose of the website/FTP-server?
Do you have a machine to run it 24/7 or do you want to run it whenever your computer is on?

Help us, help you!

I should have a machine that can run 24/7. Does sleep mode count? Also, i'd plan on using windows 7. If nessesary, i can use a linux version u guys advise or windows XP.

Thanks for the help all