If you're interested in putting your newly acquired coding skills to the test, you'll want to set up a home server. There are many uses for a home server; it's not just for sharing files between the PCs you have at home. Some of the most common uses for home servers are hosting web sites, sending data and sharing media. Here's what you'll need to get started with a server of your own.

What You'll Need To Set Up Your Home Server

Network router, an ethernet cable, a broadband network connection, a monitor, and a keyboard. You might also find it helpful to have a CD/DVD drive with a burner and a server rack for transferring media files to and from your server.

Large enterprises use very powerful computers to run their servers, but a powerful computer isn't a requirement for a personal server. Many people repurpose an older computer that isn't actively in use. The software for a server can run on most computers. Servers don't require powerful hardware or the latest technology. Just make sure to the PC is functioning well and has reliable equipment.

How To Get Your Home Server Up And Running

Once you've gathered your materials, the next step is to choose your operating system. Linux is a common choice for a server operating system because it is versatile and offers many options and customizations. It's an excellent choice for both new and seasoned coders looking for the most control over their server. You can choose to use the server edition or standard desktop version of Linux. If you’re not comfortable with Linux code yet, a standard PC will do a good enough job for a startup project.

After selecting your operating system, you'll need to open up remote access to your server. Remote access will allow you to connect to your server from another PC. Once you've set up remote access to your server, install an FTP program. The FTP program essentially places a folder on the internet where files can be uploaded or downloaded. Create the users and groups, and activate the server. The final step is to set up your HTTP protocol.


Setting up a server is a great way to hone your coding skills. You'll get practice in coding and problem-solving. If you're looking to go beyond the core server, you might consider creating a video game server. Video game servers have become increasingly popular with Minecraft players. You could also host a Wordpress install on your new server. The possibilities of a server are candles.