Re: running my own web/ftp server?
- From: "Stuart Miller" <stuart_miller@xxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:48:53 GMT
"beowulf@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <r.oelerich@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:1185664232.514820.264310@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
How dependable is running a linux PC server out of one's home for web
documents, remote ftp, etc.? I am frustrated to say the least at my
current hosting company (lunarpages.com)-- it all has been great for
several years, but this year they farmed out their tech support to the
Pacific Rim (India, etc) and it is frustrating whether by phone or
email to try to get tech support; I would like to say the tech support
are idiots but I know it is more a language barrier issue. They never
seem to understand what I need done when I request addon domains,
redirects, subdomains, etc, which I sometimes need help on when their
control panel does not do the job.
Sigh. Well, I am contemplating setting up a spare PC linux static ip
server in my home, for serving up webpages and files, sftp (just for
me), ssh, etc. The primary use is for materials I use in teaching
college for students to access. Nothing commercial per se. So I am
wondering if I set that up, how automated would it run, how much
maintenance would I need to do, how frequent of backups. Since the
server PC would be in my home, part of my LAN, could I perhaps
configure some sort of mirroring program to automate the backup over
the network to my other PC? Any considerations regarding hardware--
e.g. I have heard somwhere to go with a slower older PC perhaps that
does not even need a fan on the CPU so such a fan could not stop
running and ruin the pc.
I have been running a web server here for about 3 years. I shut it down only for hardware or software upgrades. Only other re-boot is after power failures.
I have a 850 and a 1200 ghz machines here - they do the job just fine because there is no graphics, just data to move around. I had it running on a 400, but that got a bit slow sometimes.
128 meg of memory is enough, more is better.
Static IP is nice but not required, use a service like EasyDNS to forward the address for you. I can explain how that works.
My ISP allows up to 4 IP addresses, so I have the server outside the router/firewall. If you have only one IP address, that can be worked around. It is a serious security risk to have a web server part of your lan, so that must be done properly.
All domestic service providers have a terms of usage policy which prohibits running web servers or filesharing software. They will try to make you pay commercial rates. For me, the ISP's 'webcrawler' has visited me a few times, but the bandwidth I use is low and it is a hobby site ( nothing for sale) so they don't bother me.
Apache takes a while to learn (as does any good application) but once you get it going is maintenance free. I have left the server unattended for weeks at a time when I travel, just have someone log in to a private area to check status for me.
ftp is a security problem, but such discussions are for another forum
The power and flexibility is wonderful. I can test configuration on the machine 'inside' the lan, then implement them in a few minutes. New domains, new users, passwords, all just take a few minutes.
You can get all the technical support you need from the apache newsgroups.
I started using corel linux ( now xandros) but have been using mandriva versions lately
I encourage you to try it.
Stuart
.
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