pc

[sangita442]

I've always understood servers to be huge and separated from the computers that use it. How does it work setting up a server on a local machine? I know it can be done but I don't understand why or how it is done.

[Martin]

Well, servers sizes are not at all pre-defined. They can even be smaller than your local CPU. The server is usually placed in the datacenter however if you wish to access it from the local PC, you can use SSH/RDP connection to handle the server remotely.

[carl owen]

It shouldn't be said that it is not possible to setup a server on a local Machine. However, you should make sure that this is not an easy task as the facilities available in the Datacenter won't be available for the Local machine. Also, the Security, Reliability and Connection speed matters a lot. Hence, it is always a better option to lease a server from a web hosting provider.

Hope this helps..

[Sean]

What is Web Server?
A Server is an Application/software that constantly runs on a computer and it allows other computers to download data,documents or files from this computer. even this text that you're reading right is traveled over a network connection from bodhost's hosting web server to your browser. Servers are usually placed in data center(for more information on Data center visit this link: Data Center | Dedicated Hosting | Managed Dedicated Server Hosting | Cheap Linux / Windows Servers) however, it is possible to run applications constantly on your home PC.

For configuring your home PC as a web server you will need the following:-

a) You will need a good configuration computer with OS installed on it.
b) An always-on broadband (DSL or cable) internet connection

1) First of all you will need to Install Apache HTTP server on your PC

Before installing Apache on a computer you should disable and stop any other firewall or server software you may have running, including Windows Firewall, Skype, Trillian or any other instant messaging applications.

Now download Apache HTTP Server and start the installation wizard. Accept the license agreement and use the default location for the Apache files, in C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\. When you reach the screen prompting for server information, enter your own email address and homeip.net as the domain information, like so: apache-server-info.jpg

Complete the installation wizard using the "Typical installation" setting.

When the installation is completed, open your web browser and go to cPanel. If the page you see reads, "If you can see this, it means that the installation of the Apache web server software on this system was successful,"

2) To share documents from the right folder configure Apache.
When you have completed the configuration, save httpd.conf. Then, click on the Apache icon in your taskbar and choose "Restart and If Apache restarts successfully then this indicates that you edited your the file correctly. Visit cPanel in your web browser. This time you should see a listing of your files.

3) Now secure your web site documents.

4) Once the password is set you are ready to use your home PC as a web server

[MattBarthorp]

Nicely explained. Thats a very simple yet precise Step-by-Step procedure to convert a home PC into a server.

Thanks for the post

[sharron]

Sean for this helpful post

[Martin]

Hey Sean that is really a nice post. Well explained about how to configure home PC as a web server.

[carl owen]

Absolutely Excellent Sean

[tigress]

Originally Posted by Sean

What is Web Server?
A Server is an Application/software that constantly runs on a computer and it allows other computers to download data,documents or files from this computer. even this text that you're reading right is traveled over a network connection from bodhost's hosting web server to your browser. Servers are usually placed in data center(for more information on Data center visit this link: Data Center | Dedicated Hosting | Managed Dedicated Server Hosting | Cheap Linux / Windows Servers) however, it is possible to run applications constantly on your home PC.

Does this mean that if I am browsing the internet with Firefox, I am using the Firefox web server? Why would I need another server? How will I know when I need another server? Would a server be best if it is located near me or just the same if it is located in a data center?

[Windac]

Firefox is an internet browser because you browse the web with it. A server is where the information for a website it held. For example, if you want to make a website, you upload the pages to a server so it can be accessed globally or accessed by certain people.