How can I build my own web server, instead of using GoDaddy.com? and is it hard to do?

A friend of mine said that instead of being restricted by space from commercial web server providers, he was going to make his own. How do you do this and what is required?

Depending on what type of server you want to run: windows, or apache, depends on is you want to use php or asp, or similar there are all kids of free and commercial software that will setup a server on your home or office computer. You need at least a broadband connection for this, do a search for web servers and you'll find all kinds of options. IT not tough, it just take soem time to set up and make sure that its is secure

its very easy to make your computer a server here you can read about it

http://www.dslwebserver.com/

and here is a programs that installs, apache, php, mysql and other stuff in one click, more easy than download and configure all the software by your self.

http://www.reactorserver.com/

http://www.aprelium.com it is easy, secure, and the best to use don't listen to anyone else.

To build a server, you don't need much-- You can build one out of an old computer even. First off, though, you need a hard drive, server software, an OS, and an internet connection-- I am running my own server (Just at home at the moment, will be public when I move.) on an old AMD K-6 266 Mhz processor, with 256 megs of ram and a 15 gig hard drive. It really depends on what you are using the server for though, if it is just http then you dont need a very large hard drive. If you are planning on hosting a lot of large files, you are going to want a high-capacity drive to hold them all. Also, you should call your ISP and ask if you can have a "static IP address" so that you can register a domain name and set up DNS servers. A much easier way instead of purchasing your own domain name is to run it off of www.no-ip.com which will just mask your IP, but your site name will look like "http://karvec.zapto.org" <-- just an example. Email me if you have questions-- I can try and help you set it up. Good server software is Apache, and if you are going to run a forums or have it as a standalone server, you might as well download and install XAMPP which will install PHP and an FTP server for you as well. Good luck, and happy serving!

PS email or IM me at gregorian_soldier@yahoo.com...

No it isn't as long as you know the following:

1) Where will you host the server? - Home, Office, Colocated
2) What OS will you be running? - Windows 2003 Server, Linux, etc
3) What applications will you support? - PHP, ASP, .NET
4) How well do you know to harden or lockdown your server e.g. making it harder for unauthorized access?
5) Do you have the experience?

I'll be honest. If you don't know Windows or Linux server environments too well, I would suggest to either host it elsewhere as you are or to get a professional to help you set it up. Also security is essential. How well do you understand firewalls, intrusion detection systems, etc? I'm certain the last thing you want to find out is that someone has gained administrative control of your machine causing havoc and chaos not only to yourself but potentially others.

I would be happy to help you out since I look after numerous server environments but you need to tell me how much you know and what you need. Drop me a line by clicking on my profile if you want to discuss this further.