These are some questions I’ve been having for a while about servers.
I would like to have my control over a server. Where could I buy a good Linux server to use, or would I set one one up myself (how would I set one up myself)?
Is it possible to register your own domain name?
What are DNS Servers for?
How could I give my website it’s own email addresses (mail server?)?
I don’t want to get a virtual server from GoDaddy, 1&1, etc.
Thanks for the help!
You can set your Linux server up yourself, or buy a VPS that has a web-based control panel. Control panels such as Cpanel and Plesk are popular, with Webmin worth mentioning as well.
You can register your own domain name, which will then be hosted on your domain registrar’s DNS server (easiest way, anyways). GoDaddy and 1&1 both offer a way to manage your DNS settings via an easy to use web interface.
Yes, you can have mail server software installed on your server, which will allow your server to send and receive mail.
A VPS is a cost effective, and easy way to get what you need- dedicated servers can be quite costly. I wrote a couple of articles which might help you with your quest for a hosting provider:
Choosing A Web Host
Shared vs. Dedicated Hosting
As I mentioned before, take a good look at VPS hosting, which is a combination of the cost savings that shared hosting has, and the security and stability that a dedicated host has. If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this thread.
Could you host it on your own DNS Server?
I’d suggest going with SoftLayer. Their services are top-notch and we never had any major issues.
Needless to say, you can host your own DNS servers if you got a dedicated server
How about spending some time with Linux in Vmware/Virtualbox etc. to actually learning basic system administration, how things work and all the other things you need to manage a publicly accessible Linux server?
Time for a car analogy: You’re asking the equivilent of “How do I replace drive shaft? Do tyres go on this way? Without the gear box will the car still drive? Can I use spanner to open the windows? What’s this? (points at drive shaft)”
I admire your enthusiasm to get stuck in to something new, but please - learn to walk before you run.