Spare some constructive criticism for a newbie?

Hi there. I'm new to this board but have already found it to be very informative. If I may, I'd like to describe my current set-up, what I want to do and how I think I will do it. I'd appreciate any and all feedback that might give me a better feel for whether or not I'm getting in over my head.

I currently have an older Intel dual Pentium II server running WinXP Pro acting as my firewall, FTP server, and MP3 storage. Besides NAV, there are no other apps running on this machine. It is currently parked under the stairs to my basement and is rarely disturbed. I generally "administer" it via Remote Desktop from one of my other machines.

I currently have a cable modem from a smaller IP and love the service. Although my IP addressing is dynamic, it has not changed since I brought the server online almost 1-1/2 years ago. According to our TOS, I am not to host any server apps at all. However, I have had an open FTP port behind my cable modem for more than 2 years and have not had any indication that my IP knows or cares.

I'd like to host my own web site. Just a small one for my family and small business. I don't anticipate much traffic and I don't plan on letting friends or family use it for their own web hosting needs. Although the thought has crossed my mind. I know it will most likely involve more time and work to do it all myself but I relish the challenge. I've never had the opportunity to learn HTML and have always wanted to learn. In addition, I've really enjoyed doing the little bit of networking I've had the opportunity to get involved with.

I plan on registering a domain with Verisign and getting with ZoneEdit for the DNS action. I've installed IIS on the server and plan on using Coffee Cup for the HTML. I wasn't even planning on parking the domain. I figure once everything gets set up I'll just leave the HTTP service running with my default Under Construction page on the site. Then I can program, test, and screw things up at my leisure, taking the site up and down whenever I feel like it.

Am I mistaken? Is it really this simple? Should I risk getting spanked by my IP? Would this type of hosting really be a bigger pain than it's worth?

As a side issue, I wonder about security. An IT "specialist" who I was trying to sponge free advice from the other day told me that I will be running the risk of denial of service attacks and that registering a domain would prevent this. I can't see how it would. Regardless, would the setup I've described be a target for mischief? Does IIS have any built-in security?

Again, any and all feedback is appreciated.

Eric

 

 

 

 

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