Can't access Self Hosted Website on a different computer.?

Question

I am a new web developer, I am currently attempting to host my own website to get away from Go Daddy. And for the learning experience. I have installed Xampp with Apache, MySQL, FileZilla, Mercury, and Tomcat. I am running Windows 8 with a Linksys Wireless Router beside a Cox Communication modem. When I type in "localhost" or "myipaddress" into my computers web browser that is running Xampp it loads all my files and websites. (what I want) But then as soon as I or a friend goes and types in "myipaddress" we receive nothing but a "This web page is not available" dialog box. Any inputs, suggestions, or solutions are very welcome! Thank you!

Answer 1

Do you have a domain? Do you have a static IP address for people to reach your website? Do you have your a NS to set your IP address? If so, you cannot go *out* from router to bounce back in. You can only see your site if you are outside from your home cable connection -- use a dial-up or a WiFi from a neighbor's router.

Answer 2

You'll need to have a business internet connection with a static IP and a high bandwidth allotment. If you have a standard connection, depending on the company, your bandwidth is probably capped and 250GB per month at the most (comcast) and much less on other providers. You'll also be violating their TOS to run a web server on a home connection. If you have a dynamic IP address then you won't be able to get anyone to the server anyway without taking additional steps to keep forwarding the address. You also have to deal with backups and hardware/software maintenance. Running a web server is not a set and forget deal. It'll need constant attention. Most people are better off setting up a plan with a hosting company that will take care of all those issues for you. Depending on exactly what your needs are you would probably be fine with Hostgator's mid-tier of shared hosting for around $100 a year. They also have easy setup of Wordpress, which can be used for a website and blog all in one package.

Answer 3

Does the router have ports forwarded to the internal IP address of the server machine? Does the firewall have those ports open in exceptions?

Answer 4

Type in your internet IP not the local if you are not on the same network