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Thread ID: 83279 2007-09-26 07:00:00 web server andy (473) Press F1
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595174 2007-09-26 07:00:00 I have set up a linux based file server at home and want to be able to access it over the web, maybe even host my own site. I presume this means that I will need a fixed IP address. Is this possible through Xtra? (I know, nobody likes Xtra, but I've been with them for about a decade and I really don't want to change!). What problems are involved with having a fixed addy? I presume the standard firewall and virus/spam filters will be mandatory. I will gain access through a DSE wireless router with a firewall but is this sufficient? I really have no idea what I'm doing here but I would like to have a go. Any help and ideas would be appreciated.
Cheers
andy
andy (473)
595175 2007-09-26 07:09:00 A fixed IP address costs, but you don't actually need one just to serve stuff. Take a look at dyndns.com/ or http: - both of those solutions will do the job fine on a dynamic IP (i.e. they'll give you a constant name that doesn't change). If you want to point a real domain at it, just CNAME (PTR) all the records to yourhostname.dyndns.com - this means you can use snazzy features like virtual hosts etc without needing to point all of the domains at your IP. Erayd (23)
595176 2007-09-26 09:26:00 I presume the standard firewall and virus/spam filters will be mandatory. I will gain access through a DSE wireless router with a firewall but is this sufficient? I really have no idea what I'm doing here but I would like to have a go. Any help and ideas would be appreciated.Why do you need a spam filter unless you are planning to run your own mail server?

What Linux distro are you using? Make sure you have the latest security patches for it and apache etc and keep it updated as well.
Jen (38)
595177 2007-09-27 00:29:00 A fixed IP address costs

If you are with Telstra Cable it doesn't its FREE.
wainuitech (129)
595178 2007-09-27 01:40:00 I have set up a linux based file server at home and want to be able to access it over the web, maybe even host my own site. I presume this means that I will need a fixed IP address. Is this possible through Xtra? (I know, nobody likes Xtra, but I've been with them for about a decade and I really don't want to change!). What problems are involved with having a fixed addy? I presume the standard firewall and virus/spam filters will be mandatory. I will gain access through a DSE wireless router with a firewall but is this sufficient? I really have no idea what I'm doing here but I would like to have a go. Any help and ideas would be appreciated.
Cheers
andy

That sounds like me too, Andy. I'd love to give this sort of thing a go, and your thread has opened up possibilities. I have a linux file server also. I've been with xtra for 11 years now and am really reluctant to change. My biggest worry (apart from the learning curve) would be security, both from my end and the hoster.
jcr1 (893)
595179 2007-09-27 05:19:00 Thanks to you all. A lot to think about so here is some more data. I'm trying SME server 7.1, a linux server distro. It was recommended by a workmate who is running it and accessing his pc over the net, although he tells me that he has been hacked in the past, which I find somewhat worryiing.
I have set it up as just a file server for my home network, which has 4 desktop pcs (wired) and two notebooks (wireless) running through a DSE XH9950 router. The server also has two printers connected. All the desktops are running on XP (three on Home and one on Pro), one notebook is on XP home and the other on Vista Premium.
I have a domain at present being hosted by Digitalnetwork who I think are in Paraparaumu. This has a website (which I can't access on my Vista notebook cos windows won't let me load an activex control!!) and several family mail accounts. I was wondering if I could somehow use the SME server to host this myself as this would save me about $300 a year and make me independent. An alternative is too keep the current domain host and just redirect stuff. If this is the easiest way then I'm open to instruction.
I am definitely a Linux newby but want to learn, but I also want to keep my files and system safe.
andy (473)
595180 2007-09-27 06:14:00 I have set up a linux based file server at home and want to be able to access it over the web, maybe even host my own site. I presume this means that I will need a fixed IP address. Is this possible through Xtra? (I know, nobody likes Xtra, but I've been with them for about a decade and I really don't want to change!). What problems are involved with having a fixed addy? I presume the standard firewall and virus/spam filters will be mandatory. I will gain access through a DSE wireless router with a firewall but is this sufficient? I really have no idea what I'm doing here but I would like to have a go. Any help and ideas would be appreciated.
Cheers
andy

There is nothing wrong with Xtra, infact they provide very good customer service from my experience. eg. phone calls are answered quickly, and emails are replied to within the day from my experience. You hear a lot of complaints about them, because xtra have the most customers of any isp. I suspect their competitors help to fuel the compliants so they get more attention in the media. Xtra had the golarge problem but their refunded their customers for that, as did they with the bubble problem.
rogerp (6864)
595181 2007-09-27 06:21:00 Exactly right RogerP. I too have had a great run with them. always helpful on the helpline and no great problems with outages etc.
I have just found and printed off about half a ream of manuals for SME (stupidly, I hadn't looked on the net cos I'd been given the software on a disc!:blush: ) so I'm off to RTFM as is often instructed.
andy (473)
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