1) Would I be crazy to run a server from my house? Anyone else here do it?

I do it, though just for my private network and not for the outside world.

2) Would I need a separate firewall, or could I use a software one running on Linux?

Personally, I don't trust a firewall that comes in shrink wrap. I use either Linux 2.4's IPTables or OpenBSD. IMHO, Linux-based firewalls are more flexible and are extendable to more complex tasks via kernel modules, but the OpenBSD project cares very deeply about security, which is the ultimate goal of a firewall. You'll do fine either way.

3) My box at work will soon have a fixed IP address - would that mean I could securely connect to the box at home?

Yes, as long as you configure your firewall to allow it. Check with your ISP if they allow you to run a server or not though. If you don't use too much bandwidth and they don't get any complaints, ISPs usually leave you alone, but you never know.

4) There are plenty of sub-100 pound PC's in Loot around the 300Mhz mark - is that a suitable box?

Plenty, unless you get slashdotted and have lots of dynamic content (if its simple static content, you'll be OK--there have been Commadore 64s running webservers that took a slashdotting just fine since they were running static content).

----
I wanted to explore how Perl's closures can be manipulated, and ended up creating an object system by accident.
-- Schemer

:(){ :|:&};:

Note: All code is untested, unless otherwise stated

In reply to Re: (OT) Should I get a Linux box? by hardburn
in thread (OT) Should I get a Linux box? by willdooUK

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