How to host your own Website.

By Cloud Geek
in Essential Guides

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

Cloud Geek

Posted
Posted

If you are reading this tutorial it means that is working fine because this website is hosted on my computer at home and I have done exactly what is written on these pages.

I'll try to explain to you my personal experience in doing all the steps to host a website on your own PC at home, from registering your Domain name, configuring the dns server, the router and the web server.

If you're planning to have your own website, you've got different options for hosting it , depending on how big your web site will be and how many visitors is going to have. Obviously , for a professional web site with thousands of daily visitors it is recommendable to have the support of a dedicated server and professional hosting. But if you want to be on the net only for pleasure and with a small budget, you can try to host your website on your own at home.Oh yes,you could go on one of the free services that you can find on the net, but doing that you will have a lot of limitations .

The first would be the limit of space .

Instead hosting on your own you are really free,and you have the full control of your website.You can also host other websites and make money with that.

The first step to start with is ,assuming you have a website , having a look at what minimum hardware and software you need. Click here to check Requirements

The next step is to find a name for your website and then register that domain name.Here how to register in a step by step tutorial How to register your Domain name

When you have your domain name,to make it available on the Internet you need a DNS Server that will do all the job to serve your IP Address to the requests from the Net.Click here to learn How to configure a DNS Server

Now you have done all the external jobs it's time to start getting your computer ready to host a website.If you don't have it already , Install and configure IIS (Internet Information Services) the Web Server supplied by Microsoft.Here a step by step tutorial on How to Install and Configure IIS

At this stage we can configure the router and open the gate to the external world at the newly hosted website.Follow this tutorial Configuring Your Router

Finally you can check whether the ports on the router are actually opened. Click here Check computer port

Domain Registration

The first step to get your website online is to find the right name and to register it .There are lots of dedicated sites for that and you can have a look around and choose what you think is the best. Personally I registered my web site with www.domainmonger.com for just $13.00 for 1 year but now they raised the price up to 17.00 dollars. It doesn't really matter on which site you register your Domain name because , basically,you have to do the same . This is ,step by step ,what I have done:

Go to www.domainmonger.com You will be asked to register a new account first, but it's free and quick.After that ,on the page below you can check the availability of your domain name by typing it on the left under Find a domain Name and click Search.

Here you can select the name of you website and proceed with the checkout.

After the payment you will be redirected to the page below ,where you will have to type the primary and secondary DNS servers that you'll obtain from www.zoneedit.com where you'll have to register.But you'll learn about it in the next step.

Now just leave these fields as they are.

Make sure that Use Your Own Name Servers is checked

Go to the next step Find and configure your DNS Server

http://www.maniacomputer.com/webServer/WebServer.html

http://www.maniacomputer.com/webServer/IIS.html

http://www.iis.net/default.aspx?tabid=7

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/614723-how-to-host-your-own-website/
Share on other sites
Grand Master

MasterC

Posted
Posted
If you are reading this tutorial it means that is working fine because this website is hosted on my computer at home and I have done exactly what is written on these pages.

You host Neowin on your computer? :p And you can definitely tell the site you linked to is hosted on a home computer because it takes forever to load. Also, I don't think most ISP's let you run a webserver. I know mine doesn't.

Grand Master

markwolfe Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

Not all versions of XP or Vista have IIS. Apache is an option in those cases.

But, indeed, any home user setting up a server ought to check their ISP's Terms and Conditions to see if it is allowed. It usually isn't. Also, usually, if your server uses very little bandwidth, some ISPs may not care (you might get away with it for an unknown length of time).

You have been warned. ;)

Grand Master

GrimReeper

Posted
Posted

In Australia its pointless hosting from a home computer because we have ****ing usage limits/caps :angry: which means if we did have the best plan out of any consumer ISP and went against the T&C of our ISP and hosted we never have anywhere near enough bandwidth to host a decent site :'(

Damn government not understanding technology -_-'

Sorry for being a bit off topic but that was my rant for aussies :)

Grand Master

Glassed Silver

Posted
Posted
In Australia its pointless hosting from a home computer because we have ****ing usage limits/caps :angry: which means if we did have the best plan out of any consumer ISP and went against the T&C of our ISP and hosted we never have anywhere near enough bandwidth to host a decent site :'(

Damn government not understanding technology -_-'

Sorry for being a bit off topic but that was my rant for aussies :)

just a question: what does the gov have to do with those nasty ISPs?are they run by state? all of them?are there laws for it? (which would be like... strange as freak you now) does that state own and operate the cables and connection points?

Glassed Silver:mac

Grand Master

Colin-uk Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

I assume there are only 1 or 2 ISP's in australia, this means they can keep the limits and speeds low because there is no competition.

and the goverment doesnt care.

thats how i understand it anyway, but i could be wrong, im not australian :p

ontopic: not a bad guide, another good idea would be to download wamp or a similar package that contains apache/php/mysql.

the majority of people who host a website of thier computers wont have a very big upload speed and therefore have a very slow website, if you plan to make a popular website, i'd suggest getting some wwebsite hosring, but hosting from home is ok if you dont plan to have too many visitors.

Grand Master

GrimReeper

Posted
Posted
just a question: what does the gov have to do with those nasty ISPs?are they run by state? all of them?are there laws for it? (which would be like... strange as freak you now) does that state own and operate the cables and connection points?

Glassed Silver:mac

Colin-uk is exactly right except governments see speed but no limits/bandwidth as a issue.

Grand Master

Colin-uk Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

yay i was right :p

about wamp... does it come itegrated.. i mean as for settings of mysql and php....

you see... iam having trouble setting up a drupal CMS,....

yeah it comes together in one package, with a system tray app for starting/restarting all or specific services.

Grand Master

Wannes

Posted
Posted

Not intending to be a troll here but you can easily just buy some hosting for not even ? 5 / year:):)

Anyway, nice guide but it'd be cool to see some variety and structure in your guide such as underlined titles, bold attention points, ... . That's just a tip though.

Grand Master

Cloud Geek

Posted
  • Author
Posted
well... some people may not afford that, or find that money going into ppl who dont deserve it etc ..

well 5 a year is not much but some people may want to host more than 1 website to make money or maybe just learn how to host a website.....

or have controll over their site and content (webstores)

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Neowin's 2026 Desktop Thread

      By TCA · Posted

      Yes. Yes, I would.
    • Save 66% on a MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card for Apple or Android

      By News Staff · Posted

      Save 66% on a MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card for Apple or Android by Steven Parker Never Lose Anything Again with MagTag Today's highlighted deal comes via our Gear + Gadgets section of the Neowin Deals store where you can save 66% on this MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card - Works with Apple Find My App. Keep track of your world with MagTag, a sleek, ultra-slim, reliable tracker that’s built to help you safeguard your most important items. In the size of a credit card, just 1.5mm thick, you can slip MagTag easily into your wallet, backpack, passport pouch luggage…etc. Integrated seamlessly with Apple’s FindMy app, MagTag offers precise real-time global tracking, instant left-behind alerts, loud location beeping, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. Whether you’re heading to work, on vacation, or simply running errands, MagTag ensures you never lose what matters most. No item left behind Precision Global Tracking: Works seamlessly with the Apple FindMy app, providing real-time tracking anywhere in the world, powered by the vast Apple network. Ultra Slim Design: At just 1.5mm thick and the size of a credit card, MagTag slips easily into your wallet, passport pouch, backpack, or luggage. Instant Alerts: Receive notifications the moment you leave behind your valuables, and locate them easily with a loud beeping sound. Versatile Attachment Options: With a built-in keyring hole, attach MagTag to keys, ID lanyards, kids’ bags, or name tags for easy access and protection. Long Battery Life & Wireless Charging: Lasts up to 5 months on a single charge and can be easily recharged with any Qi wireless charger. Durable & Waterproof: IP68 waterproof and dustproof built to withstand your adventures, perfect for vacations and everyday use, no matter where life takes you. Specs Color: Black Materials: ABS Dimensions: 0.05" x 3.35" x 2.13" (1.5mm x 85mm x 54mm) Ultra-slim Apple FindMy App Built-in keyring hole Battery life: up to 5 months Charging: Qi wireless IP68 rating (waterproof, dustproof) Manufacturer's 90-day warranty Good to know Ships to US Expected Delivery: Expected Delivery: Jun 23 - Jul 2 All sales final. This item is excluded from coupons. Here's the deal: This MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card (for Apple or Android) normally costs $59.99, but you can pick it up for just $19.99 for a limited time - that represents a saving of $19. For a full description, specs, and shipping info, click the link below. MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card now just $19.99 (was $59.99) Get the two-pack and save 70% Ships only to Contiguous US Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • I never knew Windows had a "hidden" collection of tools

      By jordanspringer · Posted

      I cannot believe this is a news post from Neowin. This should be embarassing, coming from a "senior editor". Is it your first day using Windows?! Maybe it's time to find a new Windows news site.
    • Module Blocked - Is this Okay?

      By SuperDuckGuy · Posted

      It's from having Core Isolation enabled in Windows security settings, which is a good thing!  It's letting you know it's not loading the Bonjour module as it's not signed in a way it would prefer. Bonjour was most likely installed along with iTunes. Feel free to disable that message using the checkbox.
    • Rockstar confirms Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders begin next week, unveils cover art

      By TCA · Posted

      I'm looking forward to starting over online. I have no reason to keep all the money, cars, rank after 13 years. Now if I can just move my character itself and nothing else. I would be fine with that. But I doubt they would do a setup that way.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Huge Trailer earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      Classifyskilleducation earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      eurospharma62 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      With What earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      Harris Gilbert earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      589
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      169
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      74
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      66
    5. 5
      ATLien_0
      64
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!