Starting your own Web Server?

webmonkey · #1 (**permalink**) 15-03-2006, 08:45 AM

I've been thinking about this a little bit and I was wondering how hard would it be to start your own web server? Is it even possible to do with a cable or dsl hookup at home?

TWD_Tony · #2 (**permalink**) 15-03-2006, 09:33 AM

Yes it is - all you need is apache running under windows to serve web pages... Infact there is something FREE called Xampp that is a one-click start / stop apache, php, SQL, FTP program ideal for serving pages (including dynamc php / SQL site's) in your home windows machine... You could even get a seperate machine and install Linux for a total "simulation".

The problem is that ISP's are not stupid - your DSL connection will probably have a poor contention ration (50:1?) that means that upload speed is a lot slower than your download speed... This means that for anything other than an experiment the connection will be useless... Also your ISP will probably disconnect you if they catch you

WebHost Admin · #3 (**permalink**) 15-03-2006, 10:51 AM

Hosting at home is definitely something for the pros - I've read of so many headaches, and it's simply easier to do it all via leasing or co-location.

webmonkey · #4 (**permalink**) 16-03-2006, 07:12 AM

Can you point me towards some good co-location or lease serving sites so that I can check? What would be some good prices?

I figured that home serving would have it's share of headaches considering that the connection itself is not meant for high levels of bandwidth. I think I get 128k upload and 1.5mb download so more of a 1:10 ratio.

TWD_Tony · #5 (**permalink**) 16-03-2006, 09:46 AM

That's not a bad ratio - you are on cable I take it? Normally ADSL is 50:1 for personal or 25:1 for business use...

I wouldn't reccomend that you co-lo unless you know what you are doing with a server - some things you just cannot do over the internet and it can cost a lot to rent "remote hands". (unless you live near a datacenter?)
With a dedicated server you get everything thrown in.

monaghan · #6 (**permalink**) 16-03-2006, 05:08 PM

The contention ratio quoted on ADSL is not the upload to download ratio, its' the number of connections per unit, for example if you had a 1Mb/s 50:1, then potentially the BT circuit serving your connection may be a 1Mb/s line with another 49 customers sharing it (generally the exchange line would be bigger)

The upload will generally be 256Kb/s for a standard ADSL whether at 20:1 or 50:1.

A dedicated server won't be any better than a co-lo if you don't know what you're doing either, generally if you mess up, then you'll have to pay the remote hands to fix it. Look for somewhere offering KVM/IP, then at least you can get remote access to the console, or alternatively when you co-lo, compile a serial console into your kernel and mount a terminal server. Some of the servers can also have an IP management card which you can use for server down situations, but these are not cheap, a KVM can often be installed on demand for nominal fee.

TWD_Tony · #7 (**permalink**) 16-03-2006, 05:47 PM

Quote:

A dedicated server won't be any better than a co-lo if you don't know what you're doing either, generally if you mess up, then you'll have to pay the remote hands to fix it.

If you have a dedicated server then you shouldn't be paying any extra's to fix anything... If the HD's borks or a memory module fries itself then it's upto the DC or your server supplier to fix, with colo you have to get yourself to the DC or hire the remote hands to fix things.

Okay - if YOU screw something up then you will probably have to pay for an OS reload (worse case scenario) or a tech to fix it if you have not got KVM and a clue how to fix it...

monaghan · #8 (**permalink**) 16-03-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWD_Tony

If you have a dedicated server then you shouldn't be paying any extra's to fix anything... If the HD's borks or a memory module fries itself then it's upto the DC or your server supplier to fix, with colo you have to get yourself to the DC or hire the remote hands to fix things.

This is just basic hardware warranty though, no different from buying a new box except the provider would make the service call rather than you. Of course if you built your own box, the you'd have to visit & repair.

Some providers will build their own boxes, so the tech may be able to swap the broken bits from the spares box.

Quote:

Okay - if YOU screw something up then you will probably have to pay for an OS reload (worse case scenario) or a tech to fix it if you have not got KVM and a clue how to fix it...

This is the real cost and would generally not be covered by any management agreement even if you had a fully managed server.

If you consider a managed server, check very carefully what the providers considers as managed, most will only offer security patches & monitoring, not what I would consider a full management service.

yellowcar · #9 (**permalink**) 17-03-2006, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webmonkey

Can you point me towards some good co-location or lease serving sites so that I can check? What would be some good prices?

http://www.49pence.com
http://www.poundhost.com/productlist.php?cat=4
http://www.real-hosts.co.uk

LiquidWebPatrick · #10 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 07:10 PM

definitely ISP dependent. The larger ISP may even suspend your account if they see too much traffic going in/out. I've had friends that have had their service suspended from trying to run their websites from home.

Shared/VPS accounts are really practical for most sites. It is probably worth the extra money to host with an ISP.