I have some simple questions about Apache. This is open to everyone in this forum. 1)Can I host my own registered domain name using appache? 2)Has anyone in this forum created an internet (not intranet) domain hosting service using apache?(hosting your own) 3)How do i configure both Linux and Apache to work as a domain hosting service? 4)Can anyone help me? I ask these questions because it looks like no one in this forum is doing this. I see alot of internal server questions and solutions but what about external www. Isn't that one of the functions of Apache Web Server, to host? Aren't some of these hosting companies out there using Apache to charge us $24-$50 to host our domain names? Why pay them to do it when we could do it ourselves. If I'm wrong about the uses of apache please someone let me know so that I can stop wasting my time play with it. Thanks WM

Apache is just a web server. If you don't have a domain name, you can always just point a browser at your IP address and watch Apache work (even over the Internet if you have a direct connection). What you really should research is DNS. There are places out there that will host your domain name for free (different from hosting your web site). Also, some companies include DNS when you register a domain name through them. It should be noted that no matter what, you will have to pay to register your domain name (about $10-20/year).

On the $50, only $5 is for the hosting itself... The $45 is for: - daily backups - UPS/Generator - firewalling and physical security - server updates - technical support - ... Then is you found free or under $5/mo hosting you will know what is missing!! 70% of websites are powered by Apache.. then yes it may be used (i recommend) for your webhosting. But Hosting a website is not anough. You also have to host the DNS zone and map your domain to a valid public IP address. Then, in clear, you need a routed network (puclic IP range) and dedicated internet link. To become a webhosting sevices, you need to have at least 2 links to 2 differents upstream providers and running BGP. I currently host my own websites, but not the zones because i'm waiting for a link update in few months. However my DNS server is ready for hostin since a long time. Setting up Apache, it easy, one file contains all the stuff /etc/httpd/httpd.conf After that, you have to setup Bind(Named) with your domains. Search on the web for the zones syntax, the files are in /etc for the config, and in /var/named for the zones.