Turning a computer to a web server

[z3r0aCc3Ss]

Just want to give a try to this. I have one spared computer. Intel Xeon processor, 8 gb ram, etc. Just want to make it a web server. Not for the real time purposes, but for testing.
Any guide to start with? I have no clue on it.
What are the possible challenges, and problems???

[ayu]

Well your first problem is what OS you want to use.
But since it's a server the choice should be Linux if you ask me (and any other sane person around), so the question is really which distro you should use.
Which should be Debian anyway

Start by downloading a Debian install image, burn it to a CD and install it on the server (you need to have the server connected to the net while installing)

Code: Select all

http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst

When you have done that, then we can start with the web server (it's very easy)

PS: During the installation you will get to choose whether you want a graphical user interface or not, and that's up to you of course, but if you have never used Linux before, then I suggest you start with a graphical environment / desktop manager (If you are unsure about the choices, then you can write back here when you get there, and I'll walk you through it). I'll be around the forum and IRC most of the day.

[z3r0aCc3Ss]

Thank you cats for immediate reply.
Ok. As you suggested, I will go for debian.
What should be network and bandwidth/port issues?

[ayu]

What should be network and bandwidth/port issues?

Well, none really.
The installer downloads everything from the net, so you will need to have an ok connection, and I hope you don't pay per MB ^^
Other then that there's not much else to mention when it comes to issue, at least not yet