I am interested in running a server, but I need some help. I can run one on my computer just fine, but I'm aiming for a more dedicated solution. I have an old computer that I could dedicate to minecraft, but it only runs at .7 ghz. I have no clue how much RAM it has, but I would be surprised if it had a gig. What does a minecraft server require? If that isn't a viable option, what is the cheapest (preferably free) way for me to host a server?
Additionally, I have a website with bluehost. I *technically* have unlimited space and bandwidth, and I can afford get a dedicated IP and shell access. Can I use that to run a server?
Load Linux w/o GUI onto your old PC. Get mono installed and run MCSharp (or variant of it). A server uses 100-200mb with a decent amount of players on it. The CPU should suffice, however I'm not totally sure about that. Your bluehost.. I doubt would allow you to run anything. The shell is most likely for cron jobs.
If you want to have a solid remote server, I'd recommend looking at VPS'. There are tons of VPS hosts, both running OpenVZ and Xen. I'm a fan of Xen myself because OpenVZ tends to be abused and oversold. I use slicehost, their lowest package is 256mb for $20 but for $20 you can get a larger VPS from other hosters.
I also host servers for free from my own VPS. Take a look at my thread (server administration) for more info on that.
Additionally, I have a website with bluehost. I *technically* have unlimited space and bandwidth, and I can afford get a dedicated IP and shell access. Can I use that to run a server?
If you want to have a solid remote server, I'd recommend looking at VPS'. There are tons of VPS hosts, both running OpenVZ and Xen. I'm a fan of Xen myself because OpenVZ tends to be abused and oversold. I use slicehost, their lowest package is 256mb for $20 but for $20 you can get a larger VPS from other hosters.
I also host servers for free from my own VPS. Take a look at my thread (server administration) for more info on that.