Dedicated Server [INFO]

[JamesRouale]

Is there any way to turn a Windows based computer into a dedicated web-server?

A tutorial (if there is a way) would be appreciated.

Regards, James.

[Mr.OSH]

Yes you just install wamp or IIS a firewall and mail server and control panel etc get a good connection and preferably install Windows Server? :S I'm no expert at Windows based servers but I think you could do that, correct me if I'm wrong. Also I would recommend you install Linux instead as personally I think it is better for web servers (unless you plan to use it as a personal use PC too). I couldn't help allot as I only no Windows Server basics and no more as I'm a Linux server Technician. :P

[JamesRouale]

Thanks for that, anyone who has used a Windows platform for a dedicated server give me some specific software?

Many thanks, James.

[Tomm]

I run a windows dedicated server. Windows server comes with all the software you need as well. (By windows server I mean the operating system.. like Windows Server 2003 standard edition). You just install the stuff you want from add/remove components (e.g mail server, IIS, Windows media services).

[Recursion]

If you could, use Linux, its more stable, has better support, and a hell of alot of oppertunitys even for the crappyest computer. Linux would be for Apache (mostly used webserver). Windows Server/XP uses something called IIS (Internet Information Services) Which in my opinion is harder to use than Linux, as I always run into PHP and MySQL Setup problems with IIS lol.

But if you've never used Linux then there are many tutorials and forums (a good one would be http://www.linuxforums.org/forum)

What I would do:
1. Install Fedora Core 6/RedHat Enterprise (not free), CentOS, Ubuntu or Debian Linux
2. During install DO NOT INSTALL MySQL, Apache and PHP, it doesn't do it very nicely lol
3. Then Google LAMP on BlahBlah Linux and it will run you through the Webserver Install Process. Some even include how to setup mail.

BUT DO NOT SETUP A HOME DEDICATED SERVER TO SELL HOSTING OR TO RELY ON IT 24/7 FOR A WEBSITE!!


Yes you can use XP as a crap version of Windows Server 2003. But it won't work as well. Also try dual booting Linux with Windows and play around to see which you like the most :)

[Tomm]

I have used both linux and windows and I found windows easier to setup :s


If you could, use Linux, its more stable, has better support, and a hell of alot of oppertunitys even for the crappyest computer. Linux would be for Apache (mostly used webserver). Windows Server/XP uses something called IIS (Internet Information Services) Which in my opinion is harder to use than Linux, as I always run into PHP and MySQL Setup problems with IIS lol.

But if you've never used Linux then there are many tutorials and forums (a good one would be http://www.linuxforums.org/forum)

What I would do:
1. Install Fedora Core 6/RedHat Enterprise (not free), CentOS, Ubuntu or Debian Linux
2. During install DO NOT INSTALL MySQL, Apache and PHP, it doesn't do it very nicely lol
3. Then Google LAMP on BlahBlah Linux and it will run you through the Webserver Install Process. Some even include how to setup mail.

BUT DO NOT SETUP A HOME DEDICATED SERVER TO SELL HOSTING OR TO RELY ON IT 24/7 FOR A WEBSITE!!


Yes you can use XP as a crap version of Windows Server 2003. But it won't work as well. Also try dual booting Linux with Windows and play around to see which you like the most :)

[Recursion]

Meh lol xD Linux FTW!

[JamesRouale]

I'm going to take Tom's advice on this and go with Windows Server 2003 (Web Edition).

Many thanks everyone.

Regards,
James.

[Mr.OSH]

I'm going to take Tom's advice on this and go with Windows Server 2003 (Web Edition).

Many thanks everyone.

Regards,
James.

May I ask what do you plan to use the server for? :)

[Recursion]

May I ask what do you plan to use the server for? :)

Me too :)

Also I bet you, you'll be downloading that OS -.- whereas with Linux is almost always free

[Recursion]

All has gone quite ;)

+ Returned Green Rep ;)

[Agnostic Bear]

1. Format pc
2. Install windows xp
3. Install xampp
4. ????
5. Profit

[Luckyrare]

He wont be using it to host websites. It would be killer slow.

[Mr Macro]

Actually its not, i host a server in my office.I use it for my friends and fammilly to upload music, photos and ZIP's stuff like that.Its a Compaq Presario S4100UK and runs well.The software is, Apache, PHP, MySQL, MercuryMail, FileZilla, and ZoneAlarm, i have a SMTP secuirty box aswell.

[Flisker]

My dad has a Windows server in the frontroom just for basic websites he makes and yeah its fast etc. (sometimes... Linux is better tho)

[JamesRouale]

To answer and ask a few questions:

1a. No I will not be using the server for web-hosting servers, however on the other hand I will be using it as a file server.

1b. I have installed Apache however when I type in my IP it redirects to my router, how would I go about getting it on the net. I believe it's something to do with port forwarding?

If it is of any assistance, I'm on a Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO router.

Many thanks!

Regards, James.

[Mr.OSH]

Actually its not, i host a server in my office.I use it for my friends and fammilly to upload music, photos and ZIP's stuff like that.Its a Compaq Presario S4100UK and runs well.The software is, Apache, PHP, MySQL, MercuryMail, FileZilla, and ZoneAlarm, i have a SMTP secuirty box aswell.

Indeed, if it works fast you must have a premium level connection in your office providing good downstream etc. Most people hosting a file server or hosting server from home or office would normally tend to be quite slow.