Personal Server

[cbrams9]

Hi All,

If I set-up a personal server, is there anyway of making live on the internet, so i could share files etc?

Thanks

[alvo]

Connect it and it will be available at your IP address. If you don't have a static IP address you can work around it with a dymanic DNS service (Google dynamic dns). Now there are some things to check. First is whether your ISP allows you to run a server at all (check the Terms of Service). Then you need to check and see if the standard ports used are blocked, and if they are you'll need to use alternate ones and specify those when connecting. Lastly you need to make sure you've got proper security. You need to be running a firewall and have all the ports you aren't using turned off. You need make sure everything is updated and patched and you need to keep a constant watch on what your box is doing. Servers are targets for hackers and they constantly port scan looking for ones that aren't properly secured to crack and use for their own purposes (like sending spam email and hosting kiddie porn). It's important to keep these people out as you may be found responsible if your box is sending out illegal materials, even if you're not aware of it. Running a compromised server is on a different level than having an infected PC that is part of a bot net as it's set up to send stuff out and a regular PC isn't.