Server

I am trying to make an Instant Messenger but due to my ISP not allowing me to host anything (servers, games, etc.) I am trying to make a server on a website (ie: server.im.com). What should I use to make the server though? What would be the best?

Thanks

Either have the app as a hybrid server/client, or get a deditcated server, either hire one, or convert a old PC and hook it up to your broadband connection (Though, ISP may change your IP address now and again)

Dabz

How would I convert a PC?

Don't worry, ISP doesn't allow you to have dynamic IP addresses... seriously.


But I'm not allowed to host anything with the ISP I have.

Are you sure? Because thats what alot of people say about my ISP but I host my site and a few games.

The ISP will only flip if you're transferring a ton of data. As for the dynamic IP ... just have your chat server upload it's IP address to a mySQL database on your website with some php.

I think this true for most of the IPS's. My ISP also doesn't allow keeping servers, but I've run Apache and FTP servers with my connection. It's just that they're not public. With exception of a few friends.

Basically, running any P2P program, hosting a net game or even using Skype means that you are technically running a server. What ISP's are really after, is denouncing resposibility of any user provided content by disallowing servers. They don't activilly search for users running servers and shut them down.

Eh! They shut my connection off when I was developing Supernova. Had to call them up and ask why? they said that it was a security risk.

If I wanted a server enabled connection I needed to pay for a business line. "i'm not running a business!?" was my reply, "but would that magically make it more secure?". "No." they said.

At which point they started to stutter and stumble, and i told them to cancel my subscription because they were crap.

Funny this, because they reconnected me and gave me 3 months free internet! :D This was in the days of GOOD old BlueYonder...

[edit]

Most people have a dynamic IP. Me? I actually have a dynamic IP but most people think its static- in fact, my ISP changes my IP on average once every 3 months!

I went in there to give them a website I made for where my dad works and asked them a few questions about it. They said:
1. You can only host LAN applications/games.
2. You are not allowed to port forward ANYTHING.
3. We have everything secured and nothing will reach the outside world except for stuff we put up.

I would be very mad at these people if they hadn't of given us T1 for the price of 28kb dial up. (Thats right! :])

Anyway, I'm just going to put up with them until they expand or something. My old ISP rocked, even though they charged around $80-$100 for 56kb. Right now we're only paying maybe $35 max.

[off topic]
That reminds me, how come I can only download the BlitzMax demo once? I have uninstalled the expired version and the error message of "This demo has expired! Please go to www.blitzbasic.com to buy the full version" keeps coming up.
[/off topic]

Even if you have a dynamic IP, you can still get a static name through services like DynDNS.
You'll run a small app on your computer which will automatically repoint the domain name to your current IP address.

Also nowadays most DSL routers have an option to automatically update a DynDNS entry which is quite cool. Works fine here.