How To Host A Web Server - 6 Crucial Elements You Need To Know (Part 1)

Everyone has the option of using shared hosting. Of course, it does have a few drawbacks. The biggest is that your website will be sharing server resources with hundreds of other sites rather than you having an individual server space. Everyone is allocated a certain amount of resources which puts restrictions on your usage.

If you want to avoid the nuances of shared web hosting, hosting your own web server is something that can be done. This is really good for the types of businesses or websites that demand a lot of server usage stemming from a lot of traffic.

Before you jump into creating a web host of your own, make sure you have a basic understanding of the essential elements. If not, your business or website can be doomed from the start.

These elements include:

* Expertise
* Connection
* Router
* Network
* Firewall
* Server Software/Hardware

In Part 1 of this series I'll cover the importance of having the expertise needed for running a server and introduce the various options you have for connecting a webserver.

Expertise

It's vital that you possess the necessary expertise in order to run your own server space. You will be responsible for making all necessary updates to the software and hardware that's needed.

This includes any security patches that need updating to protect the integrity of your data. You will be responsible for the troubleshoot process if the server encounters any problems.

If you lack the expertise or need help, it's highly recommended that you partner with someone who has the knowledge necessary for running a server. That way you can focus on your business and not have to deal with the technical aspects of it.

Connection

The best connection for hosting a server is via DSL or cable modem. Dialup is just too slow and will not cut it. There is a good chance of losing that connection when you are utilizing a 56k modem with dial-up. A High-speed connection is set up to be in the "always-on" mode.

This means you can count on having a more solid link to the internet with out dropping the connection. You can also use an ISDN connection, but most people tend to go with DSL since it's much cheaper and faster.

When hosting a web server on your computer, you want to be sure you don't violate any Terms of Service (TOS) with your ISP. Here's just a sample of reasons you can be shut down for violating the TOS:

Web servers consuming a lot of bandwidth - This can create an awful surfing experience for other users of the same ISP. Slows up the page load and download times dramatically thus creating very unhappy customers.

Inexperienced users of web servers - Users have the potential posing a potential security risk. This includes the possibility of accidentally allowing various worms or virus programs an opportunity to do damage to the network.

ISP service agreement conflicts - This can fall outside the scope of having a normal account for only surfing the internet. Using the ISP to host a server can lead to instability problems with their service. However, it's possible some can charge you more for a business class DSL or cable account.

Again, those were just a few of the reasons an ISP can shut you down for violation of TOS. When you decide to host a web server, be sure you read their FAQ's and TOS guidelines carefully. Ask any questions if you encounter some grey areas you don't quite understand just to be sure.

This concludes the first series. Part 2 of How To Host A Web Server will cover information pertaining to the router and network types. Stay tuned for more information.

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