Why do I need a web host?

[arthur]

Can someone please explain to me why I need a Web host. I understand that in order to post a website on the Web I need a domain name. I need access to a DNS server (the software can be downloaded off of the Web for evaluation before one has to purchase it) so that links to my site and my domain name URL can be translated into my IP adress for other computers. I do not expect huge amounts of trafic. Can't I simply leave my computer on the net 24/7 and avoid having to pay a Web host money, having ads constantly pop up or loosing the copyright protection on my work to the Web host?

Can someone please explain to me what I'm overlooking. Why doesn't everyone host their own sites (I assume most people pay a flat fee for connecting to the Internet)?

[Epgs]

yeah you can but you loose a lot of speed.

[Gonzo]

Most people can't leave their computer on 24/7 and there ISPs don't let them have servers on there conection.

[Giancarlo]

Unless he gots DSL...

[arthur]

Thank you for your answer Epgs.

Can someone please tell me where I can find more information on exactly how to host my own Website using my own computer?

I have searched the search engines for information on how ISPs work and on how Web hosting works. I just end up with a lot of links to sites offering hosting services though. Understandibly none of them explain exactly how they provide their services.

From what I understand, ISPs offer a place for someone to store their Webpages. Using FTP, one uploads ones Webpage from ones own computer to theirs. They store it in a file on their harddrive. Their computer(s) are connected to the internet 24/7 using cables capable of transporting lots of information very quickly. (I think they use T3 (45Mbps)lines, but am not sure).
When a surfer clicks on a link to the site or types in its URL, the surfer's computer asks its ISP's DNS for the IP adress of the wanted site. If the surfer's ISP's DNS doesn't know the IP adress, the ISP's DNS asks the rout DNS for information on where to find the IP adress. The rout DNS sends it to the next lower level, the top level domain names, where another DNS is asked. Eventually the surfer's computer receives the IP adress of the wanted Website. The surfer's computer then contacts the host server, which is storing my Website. Using TCP/IP the Webpage is sent to the surfers computer.

Is this correct?

[Haze]

for dns i would use MyDomain.com and as a server i would use Apache.org

[Cagey]

If you are going to host your own site on your own computer -- make sure you are protected from hackers! Get a very good firewall.

[LeX]

http://www.selfhost.com <-- pretty nice site

[LeX]

Originally posted by arthur
From what I understand, ISPs offer a place for someone to store their Webpages.
If you're hosting your own site, then all the files are on your computer. If you're going to use the webspace your ISP provides you, then you don't have much control over you site, and your URL will most likely go like http://members.nameofhost.com/membername/


Using FTP, one uploads ones Webpage from ones own computer to theirs. They store it in a file on their harddrive. Their computer(s) are connected to the internet 24/7 using cables capable of transporting lots of information very quickly. (I think they use T3 (45Mbps)lines, but am not sure).
Who's this "their"?

[gyrbo]

You really are a newbie aren't you? How old are you, 8 years? If you don't know all that stuff, how are you going to make a website? Best thing is just to use http://www.homestead.com or http://www.geocities.com pagebuilder. It's the easiest way.

[Haze]

The main reasons not to host yourself on your home connection are:
1. Your connection may drop ( cable or normal phone modem )
2. Protecting yourself from hackers can be expensive and time consuming.
3. You would probably need to dedicate a computer to this task
4. You could have skiped all these by signing up for a free account elsewhere.

[Cayotic]

Hey Arthur,

We're gunna have to talk. I am also considering making my computer a server for my website, Cayotic.com. I'm tired of banners, I'm tired of signing up for countless servers that may or may not allow zip files, size limitations, or servers like NBCi that don't allow you do even activate your site. I already I have a hacker buddy that will help me with my firewall, and the conection isn't a problem. I'm getting DSL next week. If you can give any feedback on what you learn, I'm all ears.

Also does anyone know of sites that pay good for click throughs?

[angeth]

I, too have been considering setting up my own webserver. I'm curious about one thing-How difficult is Apache to set up? I'm fairly advanced with most things involving computers, though I've yet to venture into this specific area. Does it require linux(I have linux and win98se running on the computer I plan to use this on.)?

[gyrbo]

I HAD my own server up. Running apache, mySQL and a FTP server that wasn't configured well. Only prob was that my ISP doesn't allow you to have your own server. BTW that server was on a Win98SE comp. I'm also starting with suse linux, soon I'm going to see wath comes out of that.

[Gayowulf]

Originally posted by gyrbo
You really are a newbie aren't you? How old are you, 8 years? If you don't know all that stuff, how are you going to make a website? Best thing is just to use http://www.homestead.com or http://www.geocities.com pagebuilder. It's the easiest way.

Gyrbo- I dont think age has much to do with experience in this subject area.
People should be allowed to learn without being criticized. after all it was a logical question.

[gyrbo]

Originally posted by Gayowulf

Originally posted by gyrbo
You really are a newbie aren't you? How old are you, 8 years? If you don't know all that stuff, how are you going to make a website? Best thing is just to use http://www.homestead.com or http://www.geocities.com pagebuilder. It's the easiest way.

Gyrbo- I dont think age has much to do with experience in this subject area.
People should be allowed to learn without being criticized. after all it was a logical question.
Sorry, it was late when I posted this. Was half asleep, didn't read the whole post.


BTW anybody interested in creating a webserver with me? Can do all the configurating if someone gives me an internet connection.

[Super8]

http://www.ritlabs.com/tinyweb/
TinyWeb v1.0
Use a simple, free Web server
ZDNet Rating User Rating
Company: RIT Research Labs
Version: 1.0
Size: 58.53 KB
Downloads: 11,405
Download Now
Requirements: Windows 95
Purchase Information: Free

TinyWeb is a simple way to post HTML content. It's a very small server for use on Windows 95 or NT. Just make three directories, place the program in the bin directory, and create a shortcut as described in the short manual. As long as you have IP running and are attached to the Internet with a known IP address or are on a network (with IP), then you have an instant Web server. Any browser can view the site. TinyWeb even works with CGI, if you compile the code into an EXE or have Perl installed. Source code is included. Reviewed on Apr 13 1998.

...now the trick is to find an ISP that will allow you to run a server. I did see a more recent free local server advertised that supported PHP but I can't track it down.

[Victoria7]

Your best bet is still to get a FWP, or join and pay for no banner ads. Setting up your own server is long...and hard! Then you still have to pay for the domain name, correct? (I don't know much about the technicalities. :)

[gyrbo]

You can get a free .kg domain..
And you can just use a redirect service to the IP...

[Wallker]

Have tried it with selfhost.com and Microsoft "Personal Web Server". (Thanks for the tip) After some trouble with configuration it works o.K. The greatest problem is the
bandwidth. I have only ISDN. It works o.k. with 1 user
(speed was 4 to 5 kb/sec) When you have more users the D/L
Speed is to slow. I think with DSL or cable it will work
well.

[gyrbo]

Originally posted by Wallker
Have tried it with selfhost.com and Microsoft "Personal Web Server". (Thanks for the tip) After some trouble with configuration it works o.K. The greatest problem is the
bandwidth. I have only ISDN. It works o.k. with 1 user
(speed was 4 to 5 kb/sec) When you have more users the D/L
Speed is to slow. I think with DSL or cable it will work
well. µ
A webhost on ISDN? That must cost a fortune to keep that server up all day!