How do I make a server?

With my old Windows ME computer in my garage I decided I'd make a server out of it and maybe do some web-hosting or host a CS server. How would I go about doing this? I tried some googling but couldn't find anything useful. I think I'll use Linux on it since I've always wanted to do that.

Any step-by-step guides on how to do the whole thing?
And can I run a server on a wireless network?

server on a wireless network? yes, but make sure it is secure, never used wirless this side and never will.

I found it better to have a router with ADSL modem built in, its only got four Ethernet ports on the back so I can only connect four computers and run four Servers if I wish all at the same time, all you do is go into your Routers set-up, and port forward the IP of the computer you want to host a game on and open the ports the game uses on this comp, do the same for the others or just let them run as they are, I can change from Nat to no-Nat but then I have to make sure I have good security as this would give all my comps a public IP address open to the www and you would soon be attacked, having it as Nat is more secure I can run Shields UP with Zone Alarm down and they can?t find any ports open, and the Router as a hardware firewall built in, they need a little setting up at first but if you have someone at hand that knows the router is easy, I did all my configuration myself and it took me a while to get full control of it, I had no help I just had to keep reading the manual.
I have had this Router for about two years now and the price as dropped through the floor, I can get the same now for half the price.

Netgear

Last edited by Glen on Sun Dec 04, 2005 11:51 am; edited 1 time in total

Hmm. If I get that can a laptop still connect wirelessly? If so I'll get that and run a long cord from the server in my room to the desktop.

I found a guide on how to set it all up software-wise so I'll be following that.

Edit: I just looked at my router thingy and I have 4 slots for ethernet cables so I don't need a new one. Thanks for the help. I can't wait to get my CS Server set up.

Glen, what happened to your Alienware?

Well after it broke I tried fixing it forever. Alienware had the most crappy service ever. My parents made me go with a company that we are used to and know are reliable. I think I may actually like this better with the 6800 Go in it.

Yea I did but they made us pay 10% so not too bad. Now I have to go through the long wait of not being able to play CS or WoW and I have to use this desktop with crappy gpu that looks like s**t. After using the beauty of a high end graphics card (I never had anything somewhat good) I don't know how to cope with integrated.

No it ships on the 12th.

Also if you want to do an HTTP server you would be good to go with Apache for linux or BIGApache for windows

Yea that's what I heard. I'll be working on the whole thing next weekend and see if I can get a cs server up.

Last edited by kahrn on Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

Running a server using Windows ME should be a crime.

Well, first you will need to change the OS (obviously), but don't expect to be running a CS server on a wireless network.. it's just not going to happen.

To run the HTTP server, you will need apache.. on Linux you could use XAMPP, and on windows WAMP is a good option. If you want to configure it all yourself, then just get apache.

If you have a dynamic IP, then you will need a service like no-ip, and if you want to provide hosting for other people then you will need a reliable, powerfull firewall (e.g. m0n0wall) and it's best if you do not use a wireless network.

I already stated I would be running Linux. Is it ok if there is a wireless network in my house but the server is hooked in directly with an ethernet cable?

Install Debian.