My Web Servers Over the Years

Currently, my website is hosted by the good people over at Web Hosting Pad. I've had more or less fairly good service from them. It hasn't been until recently that I've had others host my website, though. For as long as I could, I was hosting my website in my dorm room on various old computers I had purchased for said purpose. Let's take a strole down memory lane to check out the glorious web servers I used in the past, before complications drove me to look for alternatives...

 

While I was hosting things myself, I had three servers I used:

- A used Dell, my first server, which I upgraded to:

- A used HP Pavilion, my second server. I eventually decided to use this computer for other things, so I downgraded my server to:

- A used Compaq Deskpro EN, my last server, which worked well until I decided to go to NYC for an internship, where a lack of packing space and wired internet access forced me to look for paid hosting.

 

I also used my laptop for a few weeks, but quickly realized that that would not work, in the long run. Everytime I needed to take my laptop somewhere (like to go type a paper in the library), my website would be completely unaccessible. I decided to go and buy a used computer to dedicate as a server, and soon found the Dell.

 

Here are some pictures of all the different computers I've used as servers:

 

Dell, First Server

 

 

My Dell server, spread out on the floor at my house.

 

Why yes, that is the old affiliate banner I was using as a background image. This is also the one and only server that had a window manager with a desktop and graphics. This server ran Xubuntu. The other servers ran Ubuntu Server Edition, which just had a terminal screen. As a result, this was also the only server to need a mouse. ;-)

 

 

My Dell server, after it moved into my dorm room.

 

 

Picture of my HP and Dell servers, side by side.

 

The Dell had a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. As I mentioned, it ran Xubuntu, which actually used all that stuff. When I switched over to the HP, all that was connected typically connected was the ethernet cable and the power cord. I would occasionally plug in a keyboard and monitor, but only when I needed to troubleshoot it. Typically, I'd just connect to it via my laptop (not shown) via ssh.

 

HP Pavilion, Second Server

 

 

A used HP computer I used as a server. It was somewhat noisier than the Dell, and at one point, I tried to block out the noise by sticking it in my closet. As I think back, that probably wasn't the best idea, due to the lack of ventilation.

 

 

A closeup of the HP server, in the closet.

 

Compaq Deskpro EN, Third (and currently last) Server

 

 

My Compaq server, shoved between a storage unit and a couple crates. I was able to keep it in my room (versus the closet) because it was fairly quiet. Sitting on top of it was a used LCD monitor I got for around $50. It had no stand (part of the reason it was cheap), so I had to prop it up against something when I used it. Considering I only used it for troubleshooting, it got the job done. It took up a lot less space than my previous monitor, as well (a big reason i got it in the first place).

 

Eventually, I went and made some supports out of cardbord, which eliminated the need to prop it up against anything.

 

Unfortunately, it started acting up, so I had to dispose of it. I dropped it off at an electronics recycling plant.

 

 

A closeup of my Compaq server, on the floor.