I don't run a web hosting business, but I have some extra resources on my server which I'd like to put to use by hosting a few people. How can I protect myself like a TOS protects a host?

The correct thing would be to contact your lawyer or a lawyer with Internet experience. Yes this will cost money however if you want to be truly protected you will want the advice of legal counsel.

You can also contact your server provider and ask them if you could use their TOS/AUP. If a person violates anything in your server providers TOS/AUP you/your server will be in violation as well.

Hope this helps! :)

HostLegal (http://www.hostlegal.com) might be one place to start. And then have your attorney review it to make sure it covers your special needs

And then have your attorney review it to make sure it covers your special needs
Honestly I don't think you would need to spend hundreds of dollars on a lawyer to review something you got from HostLegal (since you aren't planning on opening a full blown hosting company). HostLegal is used by a ton of other companies and I have never heard of anyone having any issues with it. Technically you will be serving as a host.

Good luck to you! :)

Mike

True, they guys over there are great. But having an attorney review it for any thing that one particular hosting company does over another would be in the OP's better interest.

In America, people sue as a hobby almost. And running a business, you want to make sure you are protected. The TOS is a good start in protecting one's business. And having an attorney read through it, you have established a relationship with that attorney just in case anything ever happens.