Setting up a Home Server

[Xtreme2damax]

I am looking to set up a home Linux server via a virtual machine. So far I am looking at either the x64 versions of Ubuntu or CentOS 5.xx for my server. I am wondering if anyone has any guides that pertain to setting up, configuring, securing and maintaining a home web server?

I have a domain name, but I am only provided one ip address by my ISP so I'm not sure how I would go about setting up name servers. I am somewhat familiar with Linux and the terminal, even had my own VPS for a month or two. I am just wondering what packages I need to install and how to configure and secure everything. I am aware it will be more difficult without Cpanel WHM but it's not like there isn't alternatives.

I am already aware that some ISP's prohibit running web servers, but the website I have is fairly low volume as far as traffic is concerned. Not to mention I download more per month than my website would eat up in web traffic. I have a 25 Mbps/25 Mbps Verizon Fios pipe so I have the connection to do it.

 

[Chipeater]

You might want to check out the Ubuntu Server Guide.

 

[Xtreme2damax]

Thanks, I searched via Google but didn't find anything pertaining to setting up and configuring a home web server. If the search results I am looking for aren't on the first few pages I don't bother with clicking through all the other pages of results since time is lacking for me.

 

[Xtreme2damax]

What is the best free control panel software by the way? I know Cpanel WHM makes configuring the server a breeze, most of the securing, hardening, PHP, Apache, MySQL installation and configuration can be done right from Cpanel WHM. Problem is it's way too expensive especially for a home setup meant for new side projects. I am not sure if there is a decent free alternative, Webmin is not a control panel software according to web hosts and is complicated so please don't suggest that.

 

[Indigo]

XAMPP/WAMMP is a great place to start. I use the Windows version of their bundle and I've always had great success with it, and it's very good at helping to harden the site(s) that i've set up.

 

[Xtreme2damax]

Yes, but what about securing and hardening? I've heard that using Wammp/Xampp is insecure, so I'd rather just install PHP/MySQL/Apache manually and then harden/secure the server. I was seeking a decent free alternative to Cpanel since it makes configuring the server easier than digging through all sorts of configuration files.

 

[Indigo]

Well, The _ampps are about as much as I've touched aside from installing and configuring the modules myself. I've never had a problem with security on them, I hadn't heard if they were insecure or not, and like I said, I've been using it on Windows, sooo...

 

[thatguywhy]

Thanks for all this great information, because i am thinking of doing this aswell!

 

[J03]

Webmin is OK, as far as GUI's go.

 

[krone6]

I can almost guarrantee you fios will not block anything!!! They use fiber, near infinite bandwidth on a single piece of glass, so if road runner won't block, fios probably won't either. What i would do in your case on a home server is take your domain hoster (such as godaddy for me) and forward it to your ip. Make sure you have a static. Now when people type that domain in, it goes to your ip, and thus to the default port of 80. Whatever runs port 80 as a webserver will receive those packets. It's very simple to do as long as your only aim is a website on port 80.

I just woke up so i may have mis-read your question. Tell me if this answered it or not.