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Dedicated Server


alzable

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I am wondering what requirements are needed to make my computer a dedicated server and what it means to do it. Will I still be able to use the computer? Does my computer have to be on all night to keep the site up on the web? And what other requirements are there?Thanks,alzable

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I am wondering what requirements are needed to make my computer a dedicated server and what it means to do it. Will I still be able to use the computer? Does my computer have to be on all night to keep the site up on the web? And what other requirements are there?Thanks,alzable

A couple of things to start out:
  • you'll need dedicated access to the internet
  • you'll a router (ideally)
  • you'll need web server software (plus any scripting server software - asp, php, cold fusion)
  • you'll need a static IP address (ideally)

First, I'll answer your questions, then explain the server setup.What it means to create a dedicated server (in the homemade sense of the scenario) is to set up a computer that is accessible to the outside world through whatever means is desired - mainly via http.You can use a computer that you may call your "dedicated" server just as you would use any other computer. But, the concept of being dedicated implies that its only purpose is to (say) server web pages. To "use" the "dedicated server" would commonly result in slower performace/speed. If you desktop is set up as a dedicated server and you decide to play Return to Castle Wolfenstein while expecting to serve web pages - your visitors will not have an enjoyable experience.You're computer will indeed have to be on all night in order to server web pages. If it is turned off, then there is no way for it to serve whatever it is dedicated to serve. And additionaly, it does have to maintain its internet connection for teh same reason.As for basic set, here is what I run at my house (don't laugh, this is scrictly a development box - not a test or production environment). Plus, I got the box free.

  • Windows 2000 Professional SP4
  • Cold Fusion MX Enterprise Server
  • 866mhz Intel Processor (slow but all I need)
  • 260MB of RAM
  • No monitor, No keyboard, No mouse, nothing else
  • Remote access through VNC
  • D-Link Router DI-604 (cable router/hub)

I've assigned my "server" a static IP (based on MAC address) and then have port 80 opened in my router to allow my global IP direct access to my "server" by its IP. This allows my to access my web server from the IP address that my ISP has provided. And that is it - in a nutshell. Of course, not mentioned in the requirements to do this is the knowledge to know how to do it.I would not recommend this set up for really anyone out there. I just know what I am doing in a limited respect and I am one of 5 people that might be accessing a page/application from my server at any given point. I DO NOT publish my ip address to anyone for any reason. And if you do decide to set up a server, (especially if you wish to publicize it) then you will need to make sure its a computer you can do without.Hope that starts it off ok - please ask any more questions - there is much more detail to discuss . . .

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Thanks alot for the info! Basicly I need to get another computer. The reason is I need Zend Optimizer installed on my server but for that I need root access which my host does not give of coarse. I need it to install an IPB forum. This would cost a good deal of money just to install a forum so it is either change hosts or just keep my old v1.3 IPB board.Do you know of any site that sells cheap board hosting for about $50 AUD a year? If you do know of one that has a simmilar price to that id really like to know :)thanks

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Thanks alot for the info! Basicly I need to get another computer. The reason is I need Zend Optimizer installed on my server but for that I need root access which my host does not give of coarse. I need it to install an IPB forum. This would cost a good deal of money just to install a forum so it is either change hosts or just keep my old v1.3 IPB board.Do you know of any site that sells cheap board hosting for about $50 AUD a year? If you do know of one that has a simmilar price to that id really like to know :)thanks

I HIGHLY recommend Crystal Tech. I have over 20 clients their - for $3/month, you can sign up for their Developer Plan - asp or php w/database (use iribbit.net as your referral).
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Wow Crystal Tech is by far the best host I've seen. Luckily for me I can host anything of mine at work for free. If only everyone had that opertunity...I remeber my days of ad infested free hosting because I couldn't afford hosting , although if I had known about cyrystal tech I would have gone there!

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Please keep in mind, those are developer packages that I linked to. They are the PERFECT place to put a site (i.e. yours) while its in development. I've only used a free hosting service once, and that lasted a month before I moved on to paid services. CrystalTech offers very good commercial rates as well. But for most people here, the Developer Packages are the best thing someone can afford to do. And if its not for development and you want your own personal site, then you can get their Personal/Business Plan for the same low rate.Now, your site is run by IP address unless you step up to the $8.95 a month plan where you can add a domain name.All in all, if you scrounge up $130, you can buy a domain name and launch your own personal site (i.e. iribbit.net) and not have to worry about money for over a year.:)Sorry for the digression - CT is just that good of a host.alzable if you have anymore questions about this the dedicated server setup, let me know. :)

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