Host my own or use external host?

[jotade11]

Hello all,
I am currently 'web mastering' several (4) small websites and I have been using HostExcellence to host all the content, but I had bought a Mac OS X Server Disc previously. I'm planning on purchasing a new 27" iMac that can be plugged into Ethernet 24/7. Two questions:

1.) Should I bother dual-booting OS X Server and OS X to host my own content and save $250 a year?

2.) If so, where can I find a guide to setting up my server, dual booting, and dealing with DNS and all that fun stuff to connect the domain with my server?

Thanks in advance!

-J.D.

 

[angelwatt]

The biggest issue with hosting on your own is that home ISP has horrible bandwidth limits, which will kill any web site you're hosting that has a lot of visits. Even with lower amounts of visitors page loads will likely be slow, especially if hosting much media files.

 

[Les Kern]

What angelwatt said.
DON'T do it. And the nice thing about offsite is set and forget. If the server is at your place, expect issues when you least want them.
But if leaning that way (I pray not), check with your ISP to see if they even ALLOW it.

 

[tunerX]

What angelwatt said.
DON'T do it. And the nice thing about offsite is set and forget. If the server is at your place, expect issues when you least want them.
But if leaning that way (I pray not), check with your ISP to see if they even ALLOW it.

If you plan on making money with your site then you need a business plan. You will get more upload speed but you will also get a hit in the pocket.

You should go with a hosting service. I would recommend getting a virtual server from a provider. Then you can watch your system stats and increase processor, memory, disk space, or bandwidth to match demand.

 

[jotade11]

Ok thanks everyone! Based on your responses, I'm going to keep the Host Excellence account. Could I use the software as a dual boot on my iMac to help sync all my Macs?

Thanks for the help!

 

[talmy]

There are ways to help syncing, and it is a server, however configuration is an involved process and you would really want a dedicated server and not something that dual boots (if you can even dual boot SLS, I don't know).

In my case it has centralized our media files, syncs calendar and address book across Macs and iThings, centralized TimeMachine backups, and provided VPN services for remotely accessing the network. It also hosts the home folder for the "entertainment center" account. I don't use it to centralize mail, host other home folders, or run a website or wiki.

Note also that it took me considerable reading and several weeks of spare time to get everything up and running correctly. It's not something you can approach casually and expect it to work.