Website idea
Domain name
DNS - Domain Name Services
Connection
Router
Network
Firewall
Server Hardware
Server Software
Tests/Tools
Troubleshooting

Website idea

What good is a webserver if you don't have anything to serve up? You can make a personal webpage with pictures and bio or you can have an online store selling Christmas cards! The point is that you need content or nobody is going to be interested. Be creative!

This is more of an optional item rather than a requirement. If you don't want a domain name, people can still access your webserver by typing in the IP number of your server into their web browser. But it's fairly difficult to remember 12 numbers (4 sets of 3 numbers). A domain name is nice and since you can register one for fairly cheap, it makes sense to pay for one. (Think of the money you're saving by not paying a web host)

This is only necessary if you have a domain name. DNS translates a domain name (www.dslwebserver.com) into an IP number (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) This step is what usually causes the most problems but we'll pull you through it!

Contrary to what some people say, it is not realistically possible to host a website on a modem. Imagine how slow it would be. What you need is a high-speed connection to the web, namely a DSL or cable modem connection. You also need a STATIC IP address. Static IP addresses never change while DYNAMIC IP addresses change every time your computer connects to the Internet.  But if you do have a dynamic IP address, we have solutions for you as well!

This piece of equipment enables you to share your Internet connection among many computers. If you have several computers, this will be necessary. Routers can be either a computer running the proper software or a dedicated piece of hardware. Most routers also offer a level of firewall protection from outside intruders.

This is how the in your computers in your Local Area Network (LAN) are able to communicate with each other, share data, and connect to the Internet.

This is a must! The Internet is full of people just waiting to hack into your computer so you must have the proper defenses in place.  Don't even think about running a webserver without the proper protection.

This computer will be running the webserver software that will host your website. This computer can be a dedicated computer or your own desktop. If you use your own desktop, you will need to leave that computer on continuously.  More important than speed and gizmos is reliability!  You need a super reliable machine to run your website on.

As I mentioned above, this software will run your website on your webserver.

Can't get things to work properly?  Don't worry, this step by step algorithm should help.