Home webserver

[BlackSmith]

hello, i wanna know how to use my laptop as a webserver, so then i dont have to pay 15 bucks a month to host it elsewhere.

But the thing is that, on a tutorial in w3schools.com they said that you can only have a home server if ur running under windows 98 or 2000. But im using windows xp, and im sure theres gonna be some way, or some softwares that allow u to make ur computer act as a webserver.
Also, i try downloading filezilla,but it seems that its just a software that allows u to host ur files to a hosting place, not to ur home computer.

So if anyone can tell me how to make step by step how to make my computer act as a webserver (or a hosting place) before i get my domain name, i will be very thankful

[codeexploiter]

Hi

First of all you need a Web Server. Windows XP supports Internet Information Server (IIS) in it.

After you install IIS in your machine you can check your IIS installation by typing http://localhost in your browser, if everything is ok then it will give you some IIS Docs.

You can administer the IIS by accessing Controlpanel -> Administrative Tools -> Internet Information Services or Computer Management item.

If you are aiming for a serious web hosting you should have lot of other necessary tools for protecting your site, information, etc.

If you go for a web hosting the party (If they are good :D) will provide the security.

Please let me know about your IIS installation.

Regards

Code Exploiter

[blm126]

Windows XP home edition does not support IIS which is fine. Since you are going to use Apache (http://www.apache.org),right.

Also even if you do set up a home web server you're computer will have to be running 24/7. I recommend just paying a hosting company the money.

Edit: I find it kind of odd that you are trying to avoid paying a hosting company, yet you are advertising one in your signature.

[mwinter]

Since you are going to use Apache (http://www.apache.org/),right.

It might have been more useful to link directly to the Apache Web Server (http://httpd.apache.org/) mini-site. :p

Before going further, the OP should consider the terms of service dictated by the Internet service provider. If the site did end up receiving heavy traffic, they might not appreciate the bandwidth usage. Moreover, they might prohibit running such services explicitly.

Mike

[Twey]

S/he should also consider whether or not s/he has a static IP address.
before i get my domain name

[blm126]

S/he should also consider whether or not s/he has a static IP address.
A static IP address is a luxury not a necessity

[chloedearest]

look into godaddy.com
they will give you hosting for $3.99/ mo OR LESS.

[Twey]

A static IP address is a luxury not a necessityNot if s/he wants to host a domain. Unless s/he's using something like DynDNS, of course, but then the site will be down between IP changes and domain updates.
I suggest avoiding GoDaddy. I've heard some rather nasty things about it from djr33 (or was it BLiZZaRD?). Internet Runner (http://www.internetrunner.com/hosting-packages.htm) do their "Extra"/"Unlimited" plan, with unlimited space and bandwidth and pretty much everything needed for a basic, decent website (PHP, MySQL, FTP, SSH, FrontPage, SSI...) for £39.99 (http://www.xe.com/ucc/) per year, although they also do Buy-It-Now deals on eBay where they sell it for £3.99 per year.

[coryholt]

look into godaddy.com
they will give you hosting for $3.99/ mo OR LESS.

godaddy sucks, there service is horrible. pay the extra money and host somewhere other than godaddy. imho

[tobnob]

not sure if i'm saying something stupid here but i have my site hosted on 1and1 (http://www.1and1.co.uk) and it's only £1.99 a month! and the customer service is great (well it's ok! :D)