I'm interested in hosting my website myself and I wanted to ask what kind of server do I need for this? Is there anything "special" i should be looking for or could I build one myself?
I live in Australia, and server-related sites & information is appreciated

Hi,

When you say buying a server...do you mean buying a server outright and colocating it...or renting a server from a provider?

Im guessing he wants to physically buy a server and install it inhouse.

As NYNOC said, we need some more information to know exactly what you're hoping to do. But as far as an actual server that hosts a website, a server is inherently a computer, and most likely you could build one that would fit your needs. That said, all computers do have their limitations. The specifics needs of your server would depending upon the applications you intend to run, and your estimated traffic volumes.

As far as hosting it, colocating your server would probably be the most efficient course of action. Your ability to host it in house depends primarily on your connection, and your knowledge of everything involved. It's possible to host a small traffic server, possibly for gaming, small static websites, voip (TeamSpeak, etc), or spidering from a residential connection.

Beyond minor uses, however, you soon run into bottlenecks and interruptions.

Hope this helps!

Chad

I am also interested in buying a server. I would like to operate it in my house and install it myself. I think thats what Elite meant. Ive heard that you can also rent them from providers. How much are they to buy and own and how much to just rent? Also what about the applications and software i would need to run on it?

Originally posted by: classeium.com
I am also interested in buying a server. I would like to operate it in my house and install it myself. I think thats what Elite meant.

That's exactly what I meant!
For a start i'll either buy or build my server and on it i will host my home business website as well as a few forums alongside it.

Edit:
If I were to run a home server, what type of internet connections would be a bare-minimum to have?
Also, Is it any different than building a computer?

Any advice?

Okay.. the specifications depend on howmuch traffic you are expecting. For a small server with reasonable traffic, a normal P4 with 1 GB ram or so might work. Actually, you can take a look at the offers from hosting providers to get an idea. Checkout buuild your own server from godaddy.

Bandwidth, again depends on the number of users you expect to be online at a time, especially at peak time. I would recommend a 10 mb / sec connection atleast. Probably a 4-5 mbps might be enough, I am not sure. For my normal servers I go for 25 mbps or so, and high performing servers(say forums with 500-1000 users online) I might prefer 100 mbps.

You may also install some software/hardware firewall and should be good in both networking/hardware as well as server management.

Considering all the headaches involved, a rented server would be easier, unless you get fast/reliable net connection cheaply.