I have a static IP address with my DSL service. But I use a free service called DNS2GO.COM. I install a small app that runs as a service on my server that sends "heartbeats" to the DNS2GO server with my current IP address. My URL is www.jurden.dns2go.com. All requests are routed through their server to my current IP address. Go to http://www.dns2go.com for more details.


>>I'm thinking of hosting my own applications. I can get a fixed IP address from my DSL provider if I upgrade to their business DSL program. Is anyone doing this? Can you point me to some reading material to help me get started? Any information is appreciated.
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>I have DSL and my IP address is static ... didn't require a "business" program either. Bought and hooked up my own DSL modem, phoned the Telco to activate my account, and I was away (the IP address is always the same).
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>Anyway, you don't need a fixed IP address to start dabbling in Web Hosting; two phone lines and 2 ISP accounts will do.
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>I can start a Web server on any machine hooked up to a dialup or DSL modem, determine the current IP address (whether dynamic or static), and then go to that IP address from another account (ie. http:161.123.12.111).
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>An "official" static IP address becomes more important when you need to associate a domain name with your (own hosted) web server (eg. FOO.COM).
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>On the other hand, you can also let your ISP host your Web site. Depending on what you want, you can still maintain it yourself, provide FTP access, database access, E-commerce, etc. Often it's cheaper than doing it from your own "site", but you have to look around. You should be able to create a significant presence for about $30 per month (else you are paying too much).
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>Check out CADVISION.COM for an idea of what "I" think an ISP should be capable of providing, whichever route you choose.