| Are you disgusted or disappointed with your | | | | your pockets can afford the latest technologies |
| current web host? Have you switched web | | | | then that is ideal, but keep in mind at this |
| hosting companies too many times? Have you | | | | particular time a 64-bit compatible processor is |
| thought of hosting your own website(s)? Do you | | | | not necessary, without having many applications |
| have the ambition to control and manage your | | | | that require or deliver on that platform. That is a |
| own web server?If you answered 'yes' to the | | | | lot of speed going no where fast. Also, remember |
| questions above, then you may be ready to host | | | | the power of the 64-bit platform and the greater |
| your own sites. This article will give you things to | | | | the processor speed the more heat it produces, |
| consider while making the switch.When being your | | | | therefore it must be cooled much more rapidly |
| own web host you should be technically inclined | | | | and efficiently. At this time a dual 32-bit, 2.8GHz - |
| and have basic knowledge of operating systems, | | | | 3.2GHz processor will suffice (even that is way |
| understand technical terms, understand how to | | | | more than enough). Though, if your pockets can |
| setup a server environment (such as: DNS, IIS, | | | | afford it then the latest and greatest would be |
| Apache, etc.) have basic knowledge of scripting | | | | fine, you will be well prepared. Otherwise, do like |
| languages and databases (PHP, Perl, MySQL, etc.), | | | | most people and upgrade when the time |
| be familiar with current technologies, and have a | | | | comes.Make sure you have a CD/RW drive. A |
| basic understanding of hardware and server | | | | floppy disk drive is not needed, but I do |
| components.You should realize the pros & cons. It | | | | recommend it for making system restore disk. |
| is one thing to say, you want to host your own | | | | The CD/RW drive is needed because you need |
| web server and it is another thing to actually do | | | | some type of removable storage device. You |
| it.Pros: Own sense of responsibility | | | | never know when you need to install a driver |
| Awareness level raised (you are at the frontline | | | | from a different location...like a ethernet driver. An |
| of all server happenings) | | | | external CD/RW drive is the best option, |
| No monthly hosting fees/accounts | | | | especially if you have multiple machines.Choose |
| Incompetence no longer exist | | | | your operating system carefully. Choose the |
| Non-shared environment (dedicated server) | | | | vendor which you are most comfortable with. Do |
| Unlimited websites, databases, content, storage, | | | | not choose a MAC if you never used a MAC |
| etc. | | | | before. Just because your friend suggests it and |
| More bandwidth | | | | says it is a piece of cake does not mean it will be |
| No more waiting on someone else time | | | | for you. You are trying to get a web server |
| Complete control Cons: Exhausting at times | | | | online not re-learn a whole new system. Stay |
| Faced with server/hardware problems | | | | focused and grounded. If you are comfortable |
| ISP business account (monthly business | | | | with Microsoft then go with Microsoft, regardless |
| broadband expense) | | | | if the IT person at your job says Microsoft |
| If server goes down then the website is offline | | | | products are unsecure, Linux or Unix is more |
| No technical support team | | | | secure and much better for a web server. If you |
| Software, hardware, and network expenses | | | | have never used Linux or (especially) Unix then |
| There could be many more pros & cons but I've | | | | you will be in for a ride of your life. Your web |
| pointed out some of the major ones. Managing a | | | | server experience will soon become a nightmare |
| web server starts as a full time job, you must | | | | and you will have wasted thousands of dollars on |
| constantly monitor its performance and security. | | | | equipment. Go with what you know, not what |
| This can sometimes be an exhausting task, | | | | you are told. Each platform has its pros and cons: |
| especially if you currently have other | | | | Microsoft is the user-friendly of them all; Mac is |
| responsibilities. Though, the control you will have | | | | the web/graphic developer of them all; Linux is |
| over your website and its performance is | | | | the open-source/developers paradise of them all; |
| rewarding enough. You no longer have to wait for | | | | Unix is the most secure of them all. Each of them |
| technical support or approval to install a script | | | | can be tweaked in ways to provide a solid, quality |
| onto the server. You can have as many websites | | | | platform, it is best to stick with what you already |
| and databases you want, as long as your | | | | know.You should install on your system all the |
| hardware can handle it. You no longer have to go | | | | web services (such as: Apache, IIS, etc.), |
| into the discussion forums and search for the | | | | applications (such as: backup device software, |
| best web host or rant about how much you hate | | | | RAID (Array) Manager), scripting languages (such |
| your current host. You can even begin hosting | | | | as: PHP, Perl, etc.), CGI, Database (such as: |
| family & friends personal websites.Ask yourself, | | | | MySQL, Microsoft SQL, etc.), and a web log |
| how technically advanced are you? Many times | | | | analyzer (such as: weblog expert, nihuo, etc.). It is |
| you do not have to be a tech guru or anything of | | | | also recommended to perform system updates, |
| the sort, but you must be very resourceful. You | | | | security patches, and firewall installs and |
| must know how to find resolutions and answers | | | | configurations. It is sometimes best to leave the |
| to problems, quickly and efficiently. This means | | | | security installs and configurations for after you |
| you must be internet savvy. Not just the | | | | have the system functioning properly to avoid |
| average surfer, who surfs aimlessly, but you | | | | any uncalculated problems. This way when you |
| must be the surfer who can always find what | | | | install the firewall and something stops working |
| they are looking for. This is key, because with | | | | properly like connecting to your website from |
| any server environment you are going to run into | | | | outside your network, you can troubleshoot |
| problems and finding the answers are most | | | | assuming that it is the firewall, therefore you |
| accomplished online, using multiple resources, | | | | would begin by opening port 80 on the firewall. |
| search techniques, and engines. Sure you can hire | | | | This method can save you a lot of hassle, but |
| someone to fix your problems, but as we should | | | | can sometimes be considered the unsecure |
| have learned from the "web hosting", having | | | | method, especially if you don't have a hardware |
| someone do it for you isn't always the best | | | | firewall already in place. |
| option. Here is a test to see if you are ready to | | | | |
| find solutions. I need a solution to a Microsoft | | | | Next, there are a few things to consider before |
| Windows 2003 Server Event Error - "Event ID: | | | | installing and configuring a server. Where to put it? |
| 1056" it's a DHCP Server Error. How would you | | | | A secluded, cool location is ideal, but if this cannot |
| search? Go ahead find the solution.Did you first go | | | | be accomplished then adjustments can be |
| to Google? If you did, that was a nice effort and | | | | made.Where to put it?Locate a location within |
| common for most, plus a good place to start, but | | | | your home that is static-free, we do not want to |
| usually it is best to start at the developers' | | | | put the server on the carpet, near curtains, or |
| website. In this case "microsoft.com" would have | | | | anything else that can produce a static reaction. |
| been the first option. Why? Google would more | | | | The reason for this is that you do not want the |
| than likely provide you with the answer from | | | | server internal components to receive a static |
| Microsoft and other sources, but you don't want | | | | charge and short circuit.The location should be a |
| to get inaccurate information from other sources. | | | | cool environment, preferably below room |
| It is common to get information from Microsoft | | | | temperature. The reason for a cool area is |
| that would not specifically resolve your problem, | | | | because servers (as well as desktop computers) |
| but the developer should always be your first | | | | produce large amounts of heat, the more heat it |
| place to search for the answers. Now search the | | | | produces the more it needs to cool off. If the |
| error again and go to the Microsoft site and find | | | | server is not kept cool, then this can lead to the |
| the solution.You should had found this link: (Event | | | | server hanging and then eventually crashing. It's |
| ID 1056 is Logged after installing DHCP)What | | | | the same result of when a car overheats, it stops |
| search phrase did you use? It should have been | | | | running. You can keep a server internal |
| Event ID: 1056, because the Event ID is the | | | | components cool by keeping the room cool, |
| exact error, it pinpoints your exact problem | | | | additionally you can add more fans to the server |
| without broadening your search. Sometimes the | | | | which cools the server internal components, you |
| error description is also appropriate to search, just | | | | can also position a standalone fan directly at the |
| the error description by itself or in combination | | | | server back panel and constantly have the fan |
| with the Event ID. It depends on your error, your | | | | cool the server internal components. Depending on |
| search feedback, your ability, and technique. For | | | | how cool your room is and how much heat your |
| this example I did not include the error | | | | server produces, getting more fans for your |
| description.Google or Yahoo! should have been | | | | server may be a must and not an option.It is |
| your second option (the two largest search | | | | suggested that the server is at a higher level |
| engines). Then search other smaller and niche | | | | within your house (mid-floor), because if it is in the |
| search engines. A good search site which makes | | | | basement and a flood occurs it could ruin it. If it is |
| use of Google's operator tags is Next you should | | | | in the attic and the sun beams on the attic for |
| search within forums and discussion groups. If you | | | | hours the server could overheat. Mid-floor level is |
| are pretty internet savvy and have a plentiful or | | | | usually the cooler place within the home, but |
| few forums and discussion groups which you | | | | these recommendations is optional and you should |
| frequent then you might actually visit those places | | | | put the server in the most comfortable and |
| before visiting Google or Yahoo!. You can even | | | | convenient space following the rest of the |
| visit those before visiting the developer site since | | | | guidelines.Be sure the area you choose is not |
| it is a trusted source, but I wouldn't recommend | | | | damp or wet (no leaks, moisture, near any liquids, |
| it, I still would go to the developers' site first. | | | | or near a window "especially open"). We all know |
| Okay, so now we have planted our feet and | | | | what can happen when electrical components get |
| have familiarized ourselves with being internet | | | | wet.The server should sit at least 4" inches from |
| (search) savvy. We are ready to purchase a | | | | the groundBe sure a working electrical outlet is |
| server!When making a server purchase you need | | | | near. It is an important to have a power supply, a |
| to consider a few things before doing so. What to | | | | good brand is APC. Having a power supply can |
| buy? A top of the line, quadruple processor, and | | | | save you from electrical outages, blackouts, and |
| super fast turbo server is always ideal, but many | | | | brownouts. Having a power supply helps the |
| times it is not logical or affordable. Therefore, you | | | | server keep its power, remain stable, and |
| need to weigh your options (sensibly).What to | | | | unaffected when there is an outage, as well it |
| buy?First determine your budget. Be realistic and | | | | protects your server against electrical shock. If |
| expect to spend at least $2,500 for a low-end | | | | your outage remains more than 5 minutes it is |
| server. For a low-end, quality server with other | | | | recommended to begin backing up anything |
| needed equipment and services I spent a little | | | | deemed important and shut the computer down |
| over $4,500 easily.Determine your ISP | | | | voluntarily as well as any other electrical attached |
| (broadband) provider. Research and speak with | | | | devices.Have a LAN line near and also a phone |
| several different vendors before deciding which | | | | jack (if you plan on using the server for any |
| broadband solution best suit your needs. Each | | | | dial-up services). It is not recommended to use |
| provider plan is different and has different | | | | your web service with a dial-up connection. A |
| benefits, determine the best one which fits your | | | | broadband connection or greater is recommend |
| needs. Bandwidth should be put into consideration | | | | for optimal performance. The LAN line should |
| when choosing your ISP.A backup device should | | | | never come from your wall and plug directly into |
| be purchased before implementing a server install. | | | | your server, it should plug into a hardware firewall |
| The backup device should be double the server | | | | (usually a router with a built-in firewall).Depending |
| storage space. This could be a standalone unit like | | | | on the size of the server and the internal |
| an external hard drive or network storage device | | | | components the server may be extremely noisy |
| or the backup device could be multiple devices | | | | and loud, especially with the fans going. It is |
| such as: backup tapes, disc, etc. The reason the | | | | suggested to have the server in a secluded |
| backup device should be larger is because you | | | | location which is not near any peaceful area of |
| want to be able to have months worth of | | | | the house, such as: bedroom. |
| backups and not just weekly or monthly backups. | | | | Those are all some basic things to consider |
| You should have at least 24 weeks of backups | | | | before hosting your own server. Hosting your |
| without the concern of storage space. The | | | | own server is not an easy task, but once you |
| backup device or safe deposits should also be | | | | have had some time and experience with it, it |
| external, removable, and portable. This is so the | | | | becomes a breeze. You will have a better web |
| backups can be stored in a remote location. | | | | hosting experience, you will be more in tune and |
| Usually for safe-keeping, in event of a theft or | | | | reliant to your customers, and you will gain |
| disaster.Determine your daily traffic goal (the daily | | | | greater technical aptitude. Hosting your own web |
| traffic which you hope to see within 1 year - be | | | | server is rewarding, useful, and gives you the |
| realistic), divide that number by the daily traffic | | | | opportunity to host unlimited websites, databases, |
| you currently receive, and then multiply that | | | | services, etc.If your web traffic becomes too |
| number by 5. That is the total number of GB | | | | great for your server then it is recommended to |
| space you need. | | | | choose an offsite web host. It is recommend to |
| Example:Daily Traffic Goal: 10,000 (Divided by) | | | | purchase a dedicated server with a quality web |
| Current Daily Traffic: 500 (Times X) 5 = 100GBIn | | | | host. If you choose a server with the above |
| the example you should purchase a 100GB Hard | | | | recommendations then your server traffic should |
| Drive, it is best to buy 2 or more drives oppose | | | | be fine for at least up to 25,000,000 page views |
| to 1. In this case, since 50GB drives do not exist | | | | per month. It could be greater or less depending |
| or harder to find, you would buy two 60GB | | | | on your operating system, your server |
| drives giving you a total of 120GB. 2 or more | | | | configuration, performance, applications, and |
| drives are usually needed in a server to configure | | | | services. The point is you should be well in a |
| the proper RAID option, in some cases 3 or more | | | | position to purchase dedicated server space by |
| are needed. Your backup storage space should be | | | | the time your traffic gets too high, because if |
| a minimum capacity of 200GB (or 240GB, | | | | you are getting anything close to 1,000,000 page |
| optional).Determine your memory. If your web | | | | views a month you should have some |
| server daily traffic goal is 500,000 then I would | | | | competitive advertising or ecommerce income. |
| recommend at least 2GB worth of memory. If it | | | | And plus, with the knowledge you will gain from |
| is a shared server, meaning it also has other | | | | the experience you will be able to support your |
| server services running on the machine, especially | | | | own server at a dedicated server (remote) |
| a mail server or database server (which is not | | | | location, thus cutting more overhead.The biggest |
| recommended) then your memory should at least | | | | disadvantage of hosting your own web server is |
| be 3GB or more. Otherwise you can think small | | | | the uptime reliability. If your web server powers |
| and upgrade as needed, a 1GB memory stick | | | | down for any reason then your website is offline. |
| should be fine for starters.Determine your | | | | Usually web hosting companies have methods and |
| network components, which NIC card best | | | | networks to prevent this failure from affecting |
| performs under high traffic levels and which | | | | your website. Usually if the system goes down |
| router best performs for your LAN / web server. | | | | they have a mirror location where your site is |
| It is best to get a router which has a built-in | | | | rejuvenated and doesn't experience much |
| firewall (commonly known as a "hardware | | | | downtime. Some web hosts do not practice this |
| firewall"). Your ISP may provide you with a router | | | | method or any other fault tolerance. Imagine if a |
| or hardware firewall, this is how they are able to | | | | blackout or power outage occurs, then your web |
| authorize your traffic on their network. Like a | | | | server could be down for hours or even days, |
| cable box does for cable television. The router | | | | this can affect your business greatly. There are |
| also shares your IP address with other clients on | | | | some hosting companies who provide mirror web |
| your network. This enables you to share your | | | | hosting for a small fee, I haven't found one that is |
| internet connection without having to get a | | | | reliable yet. Or you could cross your fingers and |
| different IP from your ISP. The hardware firewall | | | | hope for the best, until you are able to host your |
| is simply a router with a built-in firewall, which | | | | server outside your home on a larger |
| means it shares your IP address as well as | | | | network.Hosting your own server usually is not a |
| provides added protection to your network. It | | | | money-saving experience. It sometimes cost |
| blocks bad addresses and ports at the forefront, | | | | more to host your own server, when you total |
| before it can even make it to your computer. It | | | | the up keep and maintenance. The benefit of |
| is not recommended to rely only on a hardware | | | | hosting your own server is usually a better |
| firewall for security, this is just the first step. It is | | | | platform for your customers, because it is no |
| recommended to also include a software firewall | | | | longer a shared server and it gives you the ability |
| (firewall software which installs on your computer) | | | | to make global changes almost instantaneously. |
| and it is recommended to continue timely security | | | | When your customers request more |
| practices, such as updating and patching your | | | | performance or specific applications, then you will |
| system on a scheduled routine.Determine your | | | | be able to implement this immediately. Customers |
| processor speed and power. Regardless of the | | | | like to know that you are in control. If you tell |
| amount of traffic you are expecting I would | | | | your customers that the server will be down for |
| recommend a dual processor or greater. A dual | | | | maintenance from 6 a.m. - 7 a.m. then it would be |
| processor or greater is best because if your | | | | best if that is when your server is down, not |
| website unexpectedly take off then you will be | | | | from 5 a.m. - 10 a.m. You know how your web |
| well prepared and if you host other server | | | | host will tell you one thing and then you have to |
| options or websites on the same server then you | | | | try explaining it to your customer. In the end it will |
| will have better performance. At the time of this | | | | benefit you to host your own web server as a |
| writing the 64-bit platform is the processor | | | | web business, this helps you and your customers. |
| direction. 3.8GHz is the most available speed. If | | | | |