I have a problem with broadband isp's. If you look at any of their terms of service agrement stuff they say you cant host www,mail,ftp or game servers.

WTF
i looked at residental and buisness class ones.
do you have to talk them in to letting you host

i run winxp with apache, bulletproof ftp server,and Half Life Deticated server, but i would like to make this "legal"
instead of worring that they will kick meh off.

any suggestinons?

heh well first I should ask what type of broadband connection you're on?

The reason I ask is because you're using DSL or Cable, don't even consider it. You would not be able to run anything close to a quality host on anything less than a T1.

In addition, they probably will not permit you to run hosting from the connection, because of the traffic limitations. The reason they have those rules in place, are to keep people from running a host, and hogging the bandwidth that they've been alloted.

If you truly want to start your own host from your home computer, you should really look into your local phone company, and getting quotes on running a T1 line.

There are many things you can do with a broadband internet connection. Running a web hosting business, is not intended to be one of them.

Feel free to ask your provider, but I highly doubt they will budge on those policies.

the thing is it is just personal. for my friends to look at and host files for my game

As idoogleceo said, these rules and stipulations are there to keep things under control. Particularly on cable modem service you're sharing your network with your neighbors and if one of your friends is downloading some large files from your server that's going to clog the pipes. Home broadband services are intended for surfing, not serving.

I have heard that Comcast (local cable provider) has started to allow servers on their Pro service, but I don't know that for certain.

Get yourself a fractional T1 or colocate with a local host if you really want to run your own server.

Originally posted by Alakayonk
I have a problem with broadband isp's. If you look at any of their terms of service agrement stuff they say you cant host www,mail,ftp or game servers.

WTF
i looked at residental and buisness class ones.
do you have to talk them in to letting you host

i run winxp with apache, bulletproof ftp server,and Half Life Deticated server, but i would like to make this "legal"
instead of worring that they will kick meh off.

any suggestinons?

Your host most likely won't make it "legal". If your bandwidth usage doesn't get too high it probably won't be a problem. You are probably running your server off port 80 so if you ISP has'nt blocked port 80 they are not actively looking for violators of the policy. It's just in place to prevent abuse of bandwidth. My provider sends an email warning after 20 gigs/month and will restrict speed if I go over 30 gigs.

cool thx

What do you expect for $49.95?

The Last time I read about this. Comcast Pro does not allow any servers to be run from their service.. Although when i heard about the Pro option, they said they allowed you to run servers etc. off of it and it was geared more towards small offices/home offices that would host their own email and websites etc..

From reading the AUP/TOS this is not the case.

Most of the ADSL service providers do not allow you to run servers according to their AUP/TOS.. (course mine said I was only allowed to have 1 PC hooked up, even though I had my neighbors house hooked up and sharing my line.)

Now if you get SDSL service, that normally allows you to do anything legal you want. I currently have a 1.2mb line from dsl.net and they allow me to run servers off that line.

I also believe speakeasy.net allows you to run servers and even encourages users to run game servers.. This could be old news, but at one time they did..

Hosting from your home according to most here is a no no.. But these people dont know you, and they dont know your targetted audience for your services. If you can handle the burdens that come along with hosting at home, then go for it..

ISP do allow you to run servers.. Just not on the plans your most likely referring to.. My line costs 275 a month, thats 1.2mb up and down DSL... Comcast pro which is 3MB down and 384 up i think is only 99 bux.. I believe Covad offers the same speed as comcast for 149 and I *think* you are allowed to run servers off their line..

If your paying 40 bux for the line, chances are its against the TOS/AUP to run servers.