Setting up a home server

[Luse]

I'd like to make some of the data on my desktop PC available to me from anywhere, so I am looking at setting up a small server at home to access from the internet. I want this to be separate from my desktop PC. This is my approach -

1. Buy a barebones PC system or build one
2. Install Apache.

What's the best way to do this? Is Apache on a small home PC with a big hard drive up to the task?

[vehelpfulguy]

Microsoft are currently working on a product that may do what you want, called Windows Home Server, more here (still in beta)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winf amily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx

I think to do what you want you must have FIXED IP address rather than a dynamic DHCP IP address.

Try searching the web for "Home server" or "home apache server" or "home web server".

I found this

http://lifehacker.com/software/feature/how-to- set-up-a-personal-home-web-server-124212.php

[Paulst30]

Was browsing myself last night for the same thing so here ya go, everything you'll ever need

www.dslwebserver.com

very god guides

[Luse]

vehelpfulguy, paulst30, thanks for the help - I'll take a look at those links and see what I can find out.

What a quick response!

[fo3nix]

Your original idea should be more than adequate, but perhaps you should just look into using SSH of some form, as opposed to Apache (if you'll have a laptop or be accessing it from a trusted computer you can install things on).

If so, check this tutorial here:
http://howto.diveintomark.org/remote-mac/

Basically you just need some VNC clients. The video there is about Apple products, but the items linked to should apply well, and the dyndns service is definitely something you want to look into.

[Luse]

That's great, I'll take a look. Thanks all. I've invested in a barebones sytem and a chunky HD, so I can put some of the hints into practice. As I am using a laptop to access it from, I'll definitely look into VNC. Cheers!

[OBonio]

As for vehelpfulguy's point about dynamic IP addresses, this is easily got around by using dyndns.

http://www.dyndns.com/services/dns/dyndns/

My old NetGear router supported this and updated the DNS record each time it got a new IP. But you can install software on the server which does the same thing too.

[abranei]

Great information but before you rush into this you need to understand how to secure your server by patching security holes etc every day/Week.

If you dont you run the risk of your server being attacked and damaged or used for other hacking purposes.

Running your own server is not something to be taken lightly especially if you have sensitive information.

[fo3nix]

The best bet woukd be to install freeBSD or Ubuntu on it, instead of Windows. You can still access files on it remotely.

Otherwise, if all you're wanting to do is access your files remotely, then consider forgetting about maintaining your own server and using something else that does the same job for you:

http://www.strongspace.com
http://www.jungledisk.com