| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Etymon
Advanced Member
United States
2385 Posts |
 Posted - 09 July 2009 : 01:52:33
|
LOL! This topic is not about hosting as a business. These questions are about getting a server for my private use, for learning, and for planning.
I want to get a server to host my own sites, but I don't know anything about servers. What is the best way to go about dabbling into it to figure out whether or not it is something I want to get further into without breaking the bank just to experiment?
|
|
|
Doug G
Support Moderator
USA
6493 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 02:14:48
|
I have a few Dell servers that I'm quite happy with. Right now you can pick up a low-end Dell with no OS for about $300.00 US. I do my web hosting and experimentation with linux, so there is no OS cost.
If you have any computers of sufficient horsepower you can usually put a server OS on and voila, instant "server". What makes a server is software, when you buy a "server" usually that implies more rugged hardware, maybe raid disks, and no multimedia stuff, otherwise a server is pretty much another pc.
|
======
Doug G
======
Computer history and help at www.dougscode.com |
 |
|
|
Etymon
Advanced Member
United States
2385 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 06:06:12
|
Thanks Doug. 
So, like if I wanted to do the Snitz route, I guess I'd have to go with the Microsoft stuff. Is that going to be a big headache? |
|
|
|
Podge
Support Moderator
Ireland
3775 Posts |
|
|
JJenson
Advanced Member
USA
2121 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 12:50:09
|
| Personally we got a server like doug was saying and just put Vista Home Premium and works perfect. I even had a client do it after hearing I was for 1 of their small sites. IIS 7 is pretty easy to learn I love it. |
|
|
|
Etymon
Advanced Member
United States
2385 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 14:03:08
|
Thanks a lot guys!
So, what kind of prices and I am looking at for all of this? |
|
|
|
JJenson
Advanced Member
USA
2121 Posts |
|
|
Etymon
Advanced Member
United States
2385 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 17:39:30
|
Kewl! ... Thanks Jeff!
Ah, ok, next question involves security.
I have a long-time friend, who is a linux proponent. He vehemently abhors Microsoft products. He has told me that Microsoft boxes are much easier to hack than linux boxes, and it happens all of the time.
What is up with this? |
|
|
|
JJenson
Advanced Member
USA
2121 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 17:57:46
|
You have heard of propaganda right? I have seen linux boxes hacked just as well as windows boxes. The rule of thumb is only allow the ports you need open. Close the rest of them off.
Next time he says that ask him the circumstances of windows boxes that always get hacked? Also ask him how those linux boxes are so much superior in security?
I would bet he cannot give you solid answers on those. |
|
|
|
cripto9t
Average Member
USA
881 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 18:46:13
|
First off, I know very little about this subject, so take what I say with a grain of salt. this is a newbe talking ;).
For the last 5 months I've been using my laptop with xp pro with iis 5 to host a small (23 members) private nfl forum for me and my cyber buddies.
xp pro is limited to 10 connections and all the members know this. I asked them to say something when they can't connect. So far I've only had one report.
I knew when I started hosting it, that when football season started 10 connections would not be enough. I watched ebay and was able to score a used copy of microsoft server 2003 with 5 CALs (I think thats the number of web sites allowed) for $34. I haven't installed it yet but the discs are ready to go.
Just thought I'd let you know what this newbe is doing  . |
_-/Cripto9t\-_ |
|
|
|
Doug G
Support Moderator
USA
6493 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 19:30:38
|
linux is inherently more difficult to hack because of the underlying design of the OS, but it's not impossible and if you do get hacked it can be much more difficult to clean up. But remember also that unix/linux has had maybe 20 years more practice at securing systems than windows has. Unix was being hacked before windows was invented. All those years of experience also help unix/linux be secure.
Windows has ten times the attack vectors that linux does, put together with it's popularity makes windows more vulnerable. Windows is getting better but it's still riskier, particularly if not administered by an experienced security admin.
|
======
Doug G
======
Computer history and help at www.dougscode.com |
|
|
|
Etymon
Advanced Member
United States
2385 Posts |
Posted - 09 July 2009 : 19:35:51
|
| Well, what do I do then? I am experienced with MS SQL Server Management Studio 2005 and Snitz. That's what I want to host. Is this possible on a Linux/Unix server? |
|
|
|
Podge
Support Moderator
Ireland
3775 Posts |
|
|
Doug G
Support Moderator
USA
6493 Posts |
Posted - 10 July 2009 : 14:58:29
|
Yep, you'll need windows for what you want. And don't read me wrong, properly administered windows servers are fine security-wise.
For just yourself, you might look in to evaluation/academic/not-for-resale versions of the MS software to keep your costs reasonable.
|
======
Doug G
======
Computer history and help at www.dougscode.com |
|
|
|
Etymon
Advanced Member
United States
2385 Posts |
Posted - 10 July 2009 : 16:37:57
|
Ah! Thanks again guys!
Well, what do I do about location of my server? I have heard about just putting it on your connection at home, but then there's a bottleneck effect if there is too much traffic. I live out of town with an extended DSL where my connection is this:
DSL Connect Rate (Down/Up) 608 Kbits/sec by 320 Kbits/sec |
|
|
|
AnonJr
Moderator
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 10 July 2009 : 17:46:24
|
For learning/planning/testing/etc. a home connection is fine.
For production/live/public-facing/etc. a home connection will work for small traffic levels (but may or may not violate your TOS), but you will really want to look at some sort of professional hosting or at least the "business class" offerings from your ISP. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Server costs?
