Turning my computer into a webserver

[mikewithaprob]

I've never tried linux and I'd like to try makeing my own server to host a website, The computer I want to use the specs are in my sig. Now I was wondering Whats the best linux for this and im pretty sure Id be able to dual boot between the server and XP right or would I be better off Just having the computer running one OS.

[soybean]

If you installed Linux to use it for your server, how would then also use Windows and still keep your website up?  

Have you considered just creating an account with a hosting service?  Some are quite inexpensive, down around $4/mo.

[Rob Pomeroy]

If you installed Linux to use it for your server, how would then also use Windows and still keep your website up?

A good question.  You can run two OSes simultaneously through virtualisation (look for MS's Virtual PC in the software FAQ).  But I wouldn't recommend this on your machine - that 256MB is barely enough to run XP, never mind XP and something else.  Besides, servers should really be dedicated to the job; not sharing workstation duties.

Try CentOS.  It's an excellent choice for a Linux server.

[mikewithaprob]

Well I dont need to have two operating systems on the comp because my family has more then one comp either then the one im turning into the server. Thanks for the advice I think i'll try to the one Rob recommended.

[fffreak]

You could always try a free web server, like apache or Xerver.
Xerver is one that I use and would recommend because because it is completely user friendly and easily setup.

[Zylstra]

Now, I must disagree with what it takes to run XP.

I've seen XP Pro run on 64MB of RAM at school here
Slow, but it works

[Zylstra]

Oh! Try http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html Xampp, it has PHP, Apache, and a whole bunch of stuff in it. You might like it.

Also, Webmin might be a good way to manage the site. (But you would have to ask Rob how to get it out of Linux, he told me once before)