Setting Up A Home Web Server

I was sick of using godaddy’s windows shared hosting platform for a $3.99 a month. though the advertising features are very attractive, it sucks when it comes to setting up your own database with asp.net. so I thought of testing my .net applications from home using my own web server.

Setting up a home web server is quite an easy task.

1. set a static ip address for your PC (do not use DHCP)
you can easily do this by going to tcp/ip configuration in ur network connections properties

2. get your IIS server up and running
you can install iis server from the windows control panel>add/remove programs>windows components

3. if ur using a home router setup port forwarding for the port you have configured in iis bindings and theip of your pc.

4. configure your firewall to allow traffic to that port both ways

5. go to whatismyip.com and get your global ip address.

6. type in http://[your global ip]:[your iis port] ex: http://202.156.63.31:8080
you should see the home page of your website (ex from default install: the iis homepage)

My global ip changes everytime i connect. so how can i run a web server?

well this issue is completely addressed by dyndns dynamic dns service.

go and sign up for a account with dyndns and you can use there free service to get a domain name and map it to your global ip address everytime you get online. if you have trouble finding the download linkfor dyndns updater service click here

i know this article is not very comprehensive. i jus wanted to line up how its done. if u need any further help feel free to post a comment. (no registration necessary) i will get back to you within a day