Server Noob

[luke10]

Hi all, i am planning on hosting some websites on my old-ish desktop. But not sure of the changes i will need to make to it.

Some of the desktop specs are:
*Windows 7 ultimate 32-bit
*Intel pentimum D 3.40GHZ
*1.50 GB RAM
*Radeon x1300/x1550 series
*189GB Hard Drive

I plan to host around about 10 sites, so do these specs match the recommended requirements?

I obviously want it to be very quiet(if possible), fast speed websites, low wattage, cool temperature, enough capability to host 10 sites. Does my internet speed effect the sites i host? What fans are most quiet? The cost of electricity is a big factor for me. So, could any tell me the extra amount of money i will be paying to run the server 24/7 and what is the most cheapest method? Any recommended anti-virus software to protect my websites?

Sorry for so much questions, but i have not much understanding about servers. So, the more info you guys can give me would be highly appreciated!

Thanks,
Luke.

 

[Geoff]

Do you already have this computer, or are you looking to buy one? The Pentium D is a power hungry and hot processor, which will require a significant amount of cooling, which may be on the loud side. You can also easily go for integrated video to keep the noise and power down.

What types of sites are you hosting? Will there be much storage on each site? 10 sites on a 189GB hard drive won't last long if they want to host content on the sites.

 

[Kesava]

What types of sites are you hosting? Will there be much storage on each site? 10 sites on a 189GB hard drive won't last long if they want to host content on the sites.

True, but that would have to be a lot of content. I mean if you're hosting videos or HD pictures. But for general hosting purposes a Wordpress article website will use around 100mb and that will slowly go up but not that fast. I'm speaking from the point of view of having run a number of Wordpress and ecommerce websites.

Also OP needs to look at how cost effective this will be given that you can get professional web hosting from a few dollars a month.

 

[Geoff]

You also didn't mention how much traffic you expect to see on each site. What bandwidth do you have available, specifically upload speed?

 

[Vipernitrox]

How are you planning to manage this? Do you have any knowledge of setting up (web)servers? I do have the knowledge but i just don't want the hassle of setting up and maintaining a web server at home. Not to mention the power costs.

Setting up you're own server do to this kind of stuff usually isn't very effective. Like kesava mentioned you can host websites very cheaply these days.