host website with my pc

[killercow]

How do I use my computer to host my website? This question ventured here from the testing forum. I think this would be the right place for the question.
Thanks

[mjc]

First question...

Why?

Second,

Does your ISP allow it?

Often, even with broadmand, ISPs do not allow the running of servers, of any kind.

Basically, you would need some sort of server software and you will need to secure it. Running the MS Personal Web server is an almost like sending out a gold plated invitation saying HACK ME (the same can be said for the default install of IIS...Apache is a little better but in default it is still hazardous). You will need a static IP (or run use a service that will redirect you page to your current IP whenever it changes). You will need an always on connection...24/7/365. Finally, (not really but it is in this list of things to think about...;) ), do you really want to tie up a portion of your bandwidth and machines resources to the task.

[killercow]

Why?
So I don't have to pay $20/month/year to have it hosted.
Does your ISP allow it?
No Idea.
Basically, you would need some sort of server software and you will need to secure it.
Got that.
Running the MS Personal Web server is an almost like sending out a gold plated invitation saying HACK ME (the same can be said for the default install of IIS...Apache is a little better but in default it is still hazardous).
How's that I've tried... or one of my friends;) tried a couple years ago for a learning expierience to hack it and he couldn't do it.:rolleyes:
And my computer is almost always on so is my parents ... on more than mine. And my family is so computer illeterate they were installing math blaster and came to the question "Are you running Windows or Mac?" They had to call me at my friends house to ask me which they were runnung. If I used their computer to host it is there a program that is clearly running in say a window (they won't notice a systray icon).

[Budfred]

I think what mjc is trying to tell you (as gently as possible) is that it is just not a good idea. It will almost certainly cost you more, it will put your system at great risk and it will not really do what I suspect you want to do.

You might want to check with your ISP to make sure they don't already provide a certain amount of space for you own webpage. My ISP gives me something like 5megs for a webpage and I can buy more for a couple of bucks a month. I pay only $10/month for my ISP and that includes email accounts, webpage and internet access....

[mjc]

My ISP gives me 25MB of space for a site...granted that is not very much, but it is included in my monthly ISP charges. And for $5 more/month a full 250MB and 10GB bandwidth...so check, they may have a hosting pacakge cheaper than cheaper than you think...

[killercow]

Well another reason i was trying to do this was for better site enhancements and for people to search it on a search engine. From what you're saying I'll decide against it and stick with yahoo geocities unless there is another free web hosting site that I can build a GREAT looking site on and have it www.MYWEBPAGENAMEHERE.com. O well Thanks anyway.

[killercow]

IF my isp does not allow me to be a server for my webpage would this apply to online games. I've tried to get mine up for counter-strike but my ip comes up as a local ip only.

[Paul Komski]

Free ISP webspace is generally a bit limited in what it can provide on the server side, if you wish to use anything other than static pages.

There are loads n loads of free webhosts out there. www.netfirms.com for example provide a good free service at the expense of a banner ad (50 or 60 bucks a year to remove it) but it gives you the chance to see if you like them as webhosts first.

Getting a nice name is less up to the webhost as up to you registering a domain name of your own to use.

By Search, do you mean Search your own Website or get your site listed in the Search Engines?

[mjc]

If you can't get a game server up and running, then the likelyhood of getting a webserver is slim to none, and yes quite likely the ISP has it set so that you can't...cable by any chance?

[killercow]

DSL