I am about to launch my website, it is run on windows and apache and uses mysql and php. I have a computer that I can dedicate as a server. It has nothing on it, but it is pretty old and it has worked fine for me developing my website, but I think it is going to be too slow if the site gets decent traffic. My dad built the other computer that we have so he can put different parts in the computer and stuff, but he has never hosted his own website so he doesn't really know what we all need for the computer. He thinks that a new motherboard (please correct me if I am wrong I believe that is what he said) for the computer would work. So what all should I change about the computer? Would getting a new motherboard work? Is there something else I should do with it? Also what brands/sizes/versions (I know very little about computers) do you recommend. I am willing to spend my tax returns on the computer so pricing isn't a huge limitation (I can't go spending thousands on a new computer lol). So do you think it would work with these fixes? I would like to run it from home so that I can make sure all the updates are done and the things are backed up and I don't have to continously pay money monthy to a hosting site. Thanks
Odds are that running your server from your home, is not allowed by your ISP, since most do not allow this (they even block port 80). Even if your ISP does allow it, your upload speeds are not going to be anywhere near what you would need to run a website and keep your visitors happy with speedy page loads. If you still want to run this from your home, there are many other obstacles that you will face, including DNS services. Depending on the visitors your get/expect, would determine the hardware requirements that you need.
It will turn out much cheaper if you just buy shared hosting! With ~80$, you can get 2 years of hosting with a good shared hosting provider (with their discount offers for first 1-2 years). It would be best to spend your time developing the site rather than maintaining your own server. The latter might be an interesting experience, if you want to learn things. But IMO it would better to concentrate on developing the site and leave the task of managing servers, etc to the experts! Here's a list of shared hosting plans you can choose from: www.webhostlist.in/plans/paid and some offers in addition to the plans with discounted price on the previous URL: http://www.webhostlist.in/offers Go to search to filter the plans according to your needs. You can also compare plans from different hosts!
Ok, ill look into it but I would still like to know what you would recommend I get for my computer. Anyone? I know that there is always the option to host with someone but I want to learn more running my own server.
I would really recommend against self hosting. It's so much cheaper and better to place your site with a real host. They have staff onsite 24/7, monitor performance and do all according to best pratices. Don't go through with this. Save your money and get better service for a small amount each month.
self hosting is not feasible. can you make sure your computer running 24 hrs, 7 week a day and 365 days a year. You have Air conditioner that run whole year, you have backup power supply to make your computer and AC run in case of power cut. All above you want your computer and cooler to run whole in a closed home when you and family member out for vacation or shopping.
Let's say you are in a place which have this kind of internet package: 1Mbps Down / 512Kbps Up. It meant that your user will experience the speed worst than a dialup since your bandwidth will pretty much be 512Kbps..If you are really want to save some money, find a reliable free hosting or ask your dad to buy a plan which cost less than $2 per month.