Home server behind firewall

I'd like to setup a home web server behind my firewall. The
server would be used strictly to serve streaming media files
(for podcasts), as my website host doesn't allow this.

I wondered what the risk to my home network would be if I did set
up a server. On the one hand, I will save a bundle by hosting
streaming media at home. But on the other hand, is the risk
manageable and worth it?

Cheers
Simon
--
Simon Pole
www.simonpole.ca
Two-fisted reflections from around the world and outer space.

On Sat, 14 May 2005 09:51:20 +0000 (UTC), (E-Mail Removed) (Simon
Pole) wrote:

>
>I'd like to setup a home web server behind my firewall. The
>server would be used strictly to serve streaming media files
>(for podcasts), as my website host doesn't allow this.
>
>I wondered what the risk to my home network would be if I did set
>up a server. On the one hand, I will save a bundle by hosting
>streaming media at home. But on the other hand, is the risk
>manageable and worth it?
>
>Cheers
>Simon

I've been running my own webserver (2 domains, with all the bells &
whistles) plus mail, plus anything else I want - including DNS & etc.
for years. The risk is managable if you're willing to learn. In
fact, I highly recommend it as a way to learn. Start with learning
about a good firewall, and when you're comfortable, move to your
podcasting. DO NOT START THE OTHER WAY AROUND!

It's not like someone can penetrate your exposed system unless you're
running server(s) - just stay aware of what you're running and
configure it properly. Checking the logs regulary & running snort is a
good idea too, if you're really worried about security.

Mike-

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Simon Pole wrote:

>
> I'd like to setup a home web server behind my firewall. The
> server would be used strictly to serve streaming media files
> (for podcasts), as my website host doesn't allow this.
>
> I wondered what the risk to my home network would be if I did set
> up a server. On the one hand, I will save a bundle by hosting
> streaming media at home. But on the other hand, is the risk
> manageable and worth it?
>
> Cheers
> Simon

One answer:
IPCOP.org

You build a simple firewall/router, that has a red port ether card, for the
broadband Internet, a green port for the 10/100 ehternet LAN, a blue port
for the wifi, and the amber port for the webserver. Needs any cpu, on a
mainboard that is a 486-25 up to a 200 mhz cpu, 16 mb of RAM (up to about
64 Mb is OK, more is wasted), and a 130 mb drive, up to a 1Gb drive.
Anything over 130Mb is simply used to cache web pages, or is wasted.

Permits web page cache for your LAN users (limited to about 30 node
clients).


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WiseOldMan <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
> One answer:
> IPCOP.org
>

Thanks for the tip. IPCOP looks very cool, and perfect for the
old computer I'm using as a router/firewall.

Cheers
--
Simon Pole
www.simonpole.ca
Two-fisted reflections from around the world and outer space.