ip address query

[Amedee Van Gasse]

On Mon, October 31, 2011 15:30, Linux Tyro wrote:
> On Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 4:54 PM, Steve Flynn
> <anothermindbomb at gmail.com>wrote:
>
> Nope - you can run a web server on your local machine
>>
>
> Just as a matter of interest, have a query if to make the web server, we
> need some (or other) permission(s) from isp/anyone to say the world ("of
> networks") that this now a new web-server. Can just give me a hint or
> point it to some link for this info?

Some Internet Service Providers do not allow you to run "server-like"
services when you are just a residential customer. Most people ignore this
and run their server anyway, but if the ISP wants to play hard ball then
they can terminate your contract because of Acceptable Use Policy breach.

Ask your ISP for more information. I Am Not A Lawyer.


Now that we have the legal part out of the way, there is the technical part.
Your public IP address is for example 123.234.123.234. I can visit your
website by entering http://123.234.123.234/ in my browser. This works, but
it is not convenient.

This is where DNS comes in: Domain Name System. You need some service that
translates an easy to remember name like "thisismyawesomewebsite.com" to
"123.234.123.234". You could use a service like DynDNS, which I am not
going to explain.


If you REALLY want a website, check out a hosting company. They have cheap
bundles that include disk space, a domain name, most of the times a
database and support for web scripting languages like PHP. These peoples
are professionals. You don't have to worry about setting up your server,
they do this for you. All you have to do, is copy your files from your pc
to their server.
A hosting company is also better for the environment. If you run your own
webserver then your pc has to be turned on all the time. A hosting company
can combine multiple customers on one single machine. Their servers are
more energy efficient than yours.
And what do you do when the power fails? They have redundant backup power,
you would have to look for the fuse box.