setting up a server to download from

[KnottAnneEmo]

now i know this is a little off topic but i'm posting it cause i cant get an answer from anyone else anyways, so here goes:

I have a server and the top connection package from virgin media, i want to share files with my mates by them downloading them from my server via the internet, for this do i need webspace? and how would i go about setting it up

to admin: sorry if you think this is inappropriate, i just cant get a repsonse from other websites, i've helped out a few people on here and i'm hoping someone can help me, if you feel its nessisary then delete/move it, i'm getting a little irritated with my "help" from dell (i had no choice in server purchase)

[IvyBat]

I have three more or less helpful things to say in reply:
1) This is fine in the forum you posted, it's not that strict here
2) You definitely need to use webspace (edit: but it's a matter of whether you create it or buy it ;))
3) You'll be using some sort of FTP/other upload idea to put it on there, then your friends will have the IP (or domain name if you bought one) and can just access that directory, or whatever directories to which you give them access.

[XPTB]

I wouldn't think you need webspace, depending on what OS your running on that server.

If you run a windows web server, you can just use that through FTP if you like. Or you can set it up through HTTP (I think). I'm a little gray in this area as I have never done it, just heard folks that have.

I hope you have a nice upload rate so your buddies can snag things rather quickly. I was gonna do that with my NAS, but my upload rate is something like 40 kb/s.... ewww

[FunkZ]

I host my own domain on a server in my house. It is very easy to setup.

1) Register a domain. You don't really have to (you could give out your IP address instead) but it will be easier to find your site by name. And it's less than $10 a year.

2) Setup a web server. If you have 2000 Professional, XP Professional, or a flavor of Vista (basic and premium are limited) you can run IIS or Internet Information Services. It is not part of a default Windows install but can be added through Add/Remove Programs, Windows Components.

3) Identify your IP address. Just go to www.whatismyip.com if you don't know it.

4) Point your domain at your IP. Again, the domain is optional, but easier to remember and give out. You will do this through your registrar, the company you register the domain name through. I use GoDaddy.com

5) Create your IIS site. You can make a full blown web site where users can also download files via http, or you can setup just an FTP server and even allow users to upload stuff to your server if you want. It's pretty easy to figure out how to use IIS.

If you have a router you'll have to create a port forwarding rule to allow either port 80 (for http traffic) or port 21 (for ftp traffic) to come in to your server.

The bad part about hosting your own server at home? It might violate your ISP's user policy, but if your bandwidth usage is minimal chances are they'll never notice. Speaking of bandwidth, most home broadband connections are very limited on the upload speed, so users aren't going to be able to download as fast from you as you can from the internet. Also if your ISP dynamically assigns your IP there's a good chance it will change at some point. Then you'll need to update your domain name with the new address. Finally there is a security risk with having an always-on connection and opening a computer up to traffic from the Internet. Don't open up more ports than you have to and keep up to date on your OS patches.

[KnottAnneEmo]

thanks all, most of what i was looking to do is fairly small scale things, though the idea of possible slow downloads might hinder core purpose... need to find my windows CD lol, it might be slightly inassessible.... i use the same CD on a half a dozen PCs.....

[SHaCK]

I would setup an ftp server with Serv-U (http://www.serv-u.com/) and then use a DNS service like NO-IP (www.NO-IP.com) to make it more convenient.

Then all your friends need is an FTP client or even their browser to access your files.