In general, no.
The Terms of Service (TOS) for most residential broadband connections don't allow you to run a web site on your connection. A few ISPs (notably SBC DSL) will allow you to run web servers on your connection. Check your ISP's Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy for details.
Some ISPs will not notice if you run a web service on port 80, as long as the traffic is very low. Once your ISP finds your web site, they may ask you to shut it down, block port 80, or turn off your broadband service. Some ISPs block incoming port 80 in an attempt to block web site hosting. Using a different port number may allow you to run a web site, but you will still be violating the TOS.
Another disadvantage of a residential connection is that they usually don't come with a static IP Address. Having a dynamic IP address means that you have to update the DNS name-to-address information each time your IP address changes.
In order to run a web site on your Cable or DSL connection, you may have to upgrade to a business class connection. These types of accounts usually include a small block of fixed IP addresses and the TOS usually allows web site services. Business packages are usually available for both Cable and DSL.
Business broadband access packages are more expensive than consumer packages, but you may be able to offset the higher cost by selling some services to a few family and friends (this is usually allowed on a business class line). However, the cost added of a business class broadband connection will probably more money than your existing connection plus a low cost web host service.
Most DSL and Cable packages come with a free web site hosted at your ISP. The free site usually has modest capabilities (small disk quota and low bandwidth quota, no server scripting, no database support).
If you need server side scripting, database support, or SSL encryption, and you aren't ready for the business class broadband cost, you will be best off paying someone to host your web site. This should cost you between $3 and $8 per month, depending on the web and email services you need.
If you want a free web site, see »Webhosting FAQ »How can I host my site for free?
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by big greg 
last modified: 2006-06-24 13:00:16 |
