Dynamic DNS with a virtual web server
Dynamic Duo
© iofoto, Fotolia
A virtual server with a dynamic DNS service might just be the easiest way for a home user to implement an Internet website.
A dynamic DNS service lets the user run a web server from a home computer without a static IP address. Dynamic DNS providers such as DynDNS.com [1], easyDNS [2], or ZoneEdit.com [3] won't even charge you for a static DNS name. If your Internet provider assigns new IP addresses to your router through DHCP, a special program – or even the router itself – will pass the new IP address on to the dynamic DNS service provider, thus updating the DNS record for uninterrupted name resolution services.
Many users are wary of installing a private server because they're afraid of vulnerabilities. An attacker who manages to compromise your web server can access your private machine and possibly even endanger important data. However, if you install a web server as a virtual machine (Figure 1), the damage is limited. If an uninvited visitor runs amok on your server, you can easily restore the system to its previous state. VMware server, for instance, lets you take a snapshot of the current system state and restore it at any time. A virtual web server also offers greater convenience and mobility. If you burn your data onto a DVD or a memory stick, you can put your server in your pocket and load it into another virtual machine on other hardware.
Figure 1: A browser attempts to access the virtual server. The dynamic DNS service translates the DNS name into the router's public IP address. The router then passes the request on to the virtual server.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.