Hey Webmasters,

I'm new to everything web-development and have some questions that I can not find answers for. Here it goes:

Let's say I setup a computer to act as a server at home and want the rest of the net to be able to access the sites on it, is an ISP all I need? Do I need to inform my ISP that I'll be doing so? Or will I have to buy a dedicated server at a hosting company?

Thanks in advance for any help. I really appreciate it!

well there's alot of articles how to set up personal server online.. but i prefer applying for a hosting.. less hassle..

bogs is right actually. That was discussed here and over there for several times, but I would like to ask you a question: why do you need that?
te3sting things?

Yes, you should make sure that you ISP allows you to host sites, using their service. Many don't.

Second, chances are you don't really need a whole server for your site. The $5-10 you need to spend on shared hosting would likely be cheaper than running a server full time at home, not to mention safer and with a much less steep learning curve. Just make sure to find a reputable provider.

Do I need to inform my ISP that I'll be doing so?

I assume you must to do that. Moreover you ought to get permission to do that

Cheers

DSL is the better way to go for hosting a server. Get a static Ip address and a good upload speed. Remember up is down to the people accessing your server. Most ISP don’t really care if you run a server if they offer static Ip addresses. I have worked for some of the biggest ISP around and if you don’t use allot of bandwidth they could care less. Just don’t call them up expecting any help. The better way is to become a reseller or rent a server. Your customers won’t want to pay for space on a home server, not to mention the limitations. If you really want to host your own server the way to go is a T1 line. The price has come down and you will get bandwidth both ways. It’s not like being on fiber but is legitimate form of running a server. The biggest problem with a home server is sending mail. Most major email accounts won’t recognize your IP address as legit. I’m always looking to expand if you if you need to host I have space with full panel on fiber.

DSL is the better way to go for hosting a server. Get a static Ip address and a good upload speed.

You are right, but at the same time that is not what ISP can provide

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the answers.

To answer the questions of why I'd want to setup my own server is because I'd want it for testing and thought that it might be cheaper to host sites my self. But in the end, I'll probably end up signing up somewhere for shared hosting.

Does anyone have any experience with http://www.iweb.com?