What do I need to make a server?

Hi. I have been running a MUD for some time now on the xidus.net server and I was just wondering what exactly do I need to set up my own server. I'm sure I'll probably routers and everything but I don't know where to begin. And just another question, do I need to run unix on my computer to use a unix shell for my server? I'm not sure how the whole port thing works so I guess I'm pretty inexperienced at this. I do have a broadband cable internet connection if that matters any.

Thanks for any help!

As far as hardware, Id recommend minimum of 20GB harddrive, 866 CPU for *nix or probly 1.4Ghz for a windows box. Also as much RAM as you can reasonably pack into the board. If you run on Windows, Id advise forking out the time to invest in Visual C++ instead of using Cygwyn, but honestly, Id recommend a *nix machine over windows anyday. Youll obviously need the dedicated connection and Id advise registering a sitename so you dont have to worry about your players losing you if your IP has to be changed. As for your shell question, yes you would need to run *nix to use the shell setup for CVS and whatever else you might need. Beyond that, its pretty much personal preference for what video, sound, etc to add to the server.

Now what would I need to get FTP and SSH access? Also do I just get a site name just like a domain name. I know they are two different things, but I don't know where else I would get a permanent site name. A web server would also be good so I guess I have a lot more questions. And if I did do all of this then how in the world would I set it all up? Is there server software?

Thanks for everything.

If you install Unix on your PC, which I would recommend for running a MUD, it would come with shell access, FTP, SSH and so on.

A lot of people use Linux (eg. Red Hat, Debian etc.) however I found OpenBSD pretty easy to install and use. As standard you get FTP, a web server, SSH, shell access and so on.

As for a name, by registering a domain name, you could then link that to your IP address and tell people to go to:

yourdomain.com 4000

to play your MUD.

Thanks. I'm glad you guys helped me because now I'm going to build my server. While I may not have the funds right now I'm saving up and I'm getting a job this summer. Although I might not be hosting other MUD's I'm sure this will be an interesting experience. So yeah, thanks again!

I'm probably sounding pretty pathetic now, but how is it I would go about have more ports? (rather than just 4000) Is there something I have to buy/install to get more or does a Linux (e.g. Red hat) come with that software.

Once again thanks for all your help.

You don't have 4000 ports, the MUD accepts connection on one port, namely 4000. Ports are a "short integer", I think, which means you have from 1 to 65536 to choose from. A lot of MUDs choose 4000. It is just a way of identifying which program incoming connections go to.

For example, you could run three MUDs on a single PC, one could run on port 4000, another on 4001 and another on 4002.

I was wondering, while looking through pogolinux.com, if I bought a sever from them could I hook up a monitor, mouse, and keyboard and use it like a computer?

Thanks for all the help, I'm going to be getting a server this summer because of it.

No real reason you couldn't. Most *nix servers are sold without such things because most network admins have a habbit of locking the server in a closet somewhere and doing all of their admin and maintenance tasks from a remote terminal somewhere.

Certainly you can. A server is really just an ordinary computer that provides a service, hence its name. Thus a web service provides the HTTP service, an ftp server provides the ftp service, and so on.

I wouldn't pay too much for a "server" - basically any modern Intel PC - within reason - can have Linux installed (or similar OSes like OpenBSD, NetBSD, FreeBSD). In fact, if you are getting a new one you should be able to get it cheaper. Go to your local PC shop and get a quote for an Intel PC "without Windows installed". That should knock $100 off the price. Then get your Linux (or *BSD) CDROMs (that should be a lot less than $100) and install that. For example, the OpenBSD CD set costs $US 43 for USA orders (see http://www.openbsd.org/orders.html ).