[SATLUG] Home-based Website

[Don Wright]

On Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:38:38 +0000, Kase Saylor <h_oudini at hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>OK, say I want to run a website from the server at my house (I probably
>wouldn't because I used DSL and the "upstream" rate isn't good and I
>don't have a static IP, but for the sake of argument, we'll assume that
>I want to), what do I need to do?

Here's the broad outline:

1. Understand Apache security (or that of your chosen HTTP server) and configure a
machine for that purpose. It's easier to lock down a dedicated server than a workstation
you're using for everything else.

2. Install a basic set of pages in a directory and tell Apache where they are. For only
one site you don't need to set up named domains here. You can test your website using
the IP address or an entry in /etc/hosts at this point.

3. Tell your domain registrar for reallyslowwebsite.com where the nameserver(s) can be
found. Since you're on a dynamic IP connection, your nameservers will probably be a
service like DynDNS or ZoneEdit. These also work great for a static IP, but you have
additional options. Some ISPs include forward and reverse DNS in the price of the static
IP, or you may decide to host your own nameserver.

4. Tell the nameserver(s) where www.reallyslowwebsite.com can be found. Making it work
without the "www" can come later.

5. Keep DNS updated on your nameservers when your IP changes. Keep security updated on
your server(s). Check the logs frequently for both intrusion attempts and usage
statistics. (This means learning enough scripting to get an automatic package working.)

6. Keep your Web pages updated so people have a reason to go there. HTTP is pretty
efficient, so even the slow uplink of DSL or cable will do when only a few people are
connected at a time. Serving large files (movies, music, etc.) are the real bandwidth
hogs and often bring the attention of lawyers and other undesirables.

7. Get bored and recycle the machine, letting the domain registration expire. How soon
you get to step 7 varies with your motivation for starting step 1.

Regards,  --Don

-- 
Be well - or at least have interesting symptoms!