Web Serving Made Easy

Introduction

Welcome to the world of easy web serving. Here I will explain how you can run your very own webserver, from your own computer, to host your very own websites. Contrary to popular belief you do not have to be a computer guru, or have the bank balance of Bill Gates to run a webserver. You don't have to fill your garage, or spare bedroom with rack systems that look the pictures, or spend thousands of dollars, and have an OC3 backbone. You don't even have to know what a rack system, or OC3 backbone is.

Thanks to the proliferation of broadband internet access, any Tom, Dick, or Mary can now run their own server. Whether your a small business person wanting a "homepage", a grandmother showing off the "ankle biters", or just a hobbyist with too much time on your hands, you can now have control of your web presence

One thing you will definately need is a high speed internet connection. Although it is possible to host from dial up, the speed and reliability preclude all but the most desperate of souls from attempting this. Either cable, or DSL will work fine(I prefer DSL). A static IP address is very helpful, but not entirely nessecary.

We will begin with a discussion of the myths commonly floating around regarding web servers, and look into why someone might want to run their own. We will look at various groups that might benefit from running a server, and why. I will cover some basic concepts, give you a quick overview of domain names, and DNS. Finally I will give a set of step by step instructions for installing Apache webserver on a windows machine.

While this is for extreme beginners, I assume that you have a computer, are familiar with it's basic use, are running and basicly familiar with Microsoft Windows 98, or better, and have at least visited a web site before. However, this is about web servers, so i am not going to explain how to make a web page, or web site. There are plenty of resources available for that.

If you are an advanced user, very familiar with web design, have made web sites before, or use an advanced OS like Linux, BeOS, or some flavor of Unix then I suggest you look at www.DIYwebserver.com where you can get help, and guidance more appropriate to your knowledge, experience, and system.

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Table of contents:

Common Myths About Web Servers
Why Run Your own Server
Who runs their own Web Server, and why?
Webserver Basics
Webserver How To

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Common Myths About Webservers

They are Expensive: A server is just a computer running special webserver software. The fact is that the majority of servers in use today are on computers with p2 or older processors, and about 500 mhz. Most old home or office computers make excellent servers. If you have something like this, or better, then it should be fine. If you don't already have one, you can pick one up cheap from an add in your local newspaper, at a computer show, on E-Bay, or at a local computer store. Avoid the big chains as they will only have new computers, and your definately looking for used, or custom built here. Also, check with your friends and family for old computers they may be getting rid of. The software which hosts 65% of all sites on the web is free. Back Home
They are technically Complex: From the description above, you can see easily that they are not. An old computer, and some software is all you need. If you can install your favourite game, you can set up a server. If you have trouble I will point you to detailed instructions which can get you through it, assuming you can read. Back Home
They require huge data pipes: For some reason people often think this is true. In 1997 the standard large corporate connection was a T1 at 1.5 mbps. This was used for all company computing purposes(employee internet access, web hosting, data transfer, etc.). Only a fraction of the T1 was used for web hosting. In 2003 DSL, and cable connections can provide this speed, but for a small business or personal site 128-384 mbps is more than sufficient for up to 30,000 hits per month, and as many as 10-20 simultaneous users. I host about 8-10 domains at a time, 1-3 message boards/forums(including one for my programming class), an FTP server, and an E mail Server with a web interface on a 1.5 down/384 up ADSL connection with no problem. One of my favorite sites, DIYwebserver, runs on a 128 up ADSL connection, has over 200 users on it's forum, and hundreds to thousands of hits per day. Back Top Home

Why Run Your Own Webserver

Freedom: Most commercial web hosts have terms of service, and that means restrictions. When you run your own server you can do whatever you want within the bounds of the law. You can escape from monthly charges, file type restrictions, size restrictions, and software/scripting restrictions. You never have to hear "you can't do that on our servers", or "we don't support that" again. Back Home
Cost: Commercial hosts may base their fees on all of the available features they have. When you run your own you can add those things you need, and skip the ones you don't. You don't have to pay for more space, and you can use your full available bandwidth without extra costs. With the availablity of free software, and scripts you don't have to pay extra for anything. Your entire fiscal outlay is the computer, and highspeed access, and come on, if you don't already have those your looking for an excuse to get them. Back Home
Control: The server is sitting in your living room! If it goes down, or breaks, or the software develops an "undocumented feature" then you are right there to fix it. You control every aspect of your server including what software to run, what server side scripts are available, what content is hosted, and who has access. You can even become a commercial host for others. Back Home
Experience: It looks great on your resume. If your in IT, running a server as a hobby will impress anyone looking to hire an administrator, technician, or web designer/administrator. After all you do this stuff for fun. If your not in IT, there is still a big "wow factor" when you mention it at an interview, meeting, or office party. And heck, it's a great way to pick up chicks, and make friends because everyone wants a web site these days. Back Home
The Future: With the proliferation of broadband, and the doubling of speed every 6 months to 1 year, many foresee a day when the majority of proffessionals will host their own websites. Large hosting companies will not have control over anything anymore, as everyone does it themselves. You can be in the forefront of this grassroots revolution. Back Top Home

Who Runs their own Web Server

Web Designers: Keep your business in house, and avoid hosting fees for yourself, and your clients. Place the software, and services you need on your server without worrying about restrictions, or extra fees. Back Home
Teachers: Give your students th ability to publish their work on the web without the cost of commercial hosting, or the restrictions of free hosts. Back Home
Small Business/Home Office/Non Profit Organizations: Consolidate technology, keep your web site in house, avoid hosting, and design fees, and use the software and sevices you need while minimizing overhead. Generate extra revenue streams by selling hosting, and design. Back Home
Artists: Enjoy unlimited space, and no restrictions in publishing your work, portfolio, or sites devoted to your particular art or interest. Back Home
Writers: Publish your own works to the world without the difficulties of finding a publisher, or the cost of self publishing. Back Home
Students: Publish your thesis, portfolio, or resume. Run a message board, forum, or E-Mail list for your class, or major. Back Home
Hobbyists