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vpnuser
@comcast.net
|  what about private servers?
What about the realm of private servers, for only me to access? In my case it would be a VNC (search for tightvnc on google). Technically it is a server, but it is a consumer's use of internet - I've never heard of an account suspension because of PC anywhere use, and this is practically equivalent.
Any thoughts? | |
|  ftzsee
Premium
join:2001-11-22
clubs: | Re: what about private servers? I run my own web, ftp, and ssh server on my comcast connection for the use of me and a few friends.
To hell with their TOS. | |
| | 
b1gdr3
I Blame Your Mother
join:2001-07-28
Pittsburgh, PA | Re: what about private servers? Real mature...hope you get busted and terminated
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I wasn't born with enough middle fingers. | |
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charter_eng
join:2004-01-18
Morristown, TN
| Re: what about private servers? By default, many operating systems have FTP, web, finger, ssh, etc. servers running. This must be "real mature" and grounds for disconnection.
The most popular server OS is Windows 2000 Server. FTP, SSH, finger, etc. are not enabled by default. Most Linux distros don't even have them enabled by default (unless they come with, and you select to install webmin). Also, the web server in the WAP is for configuration only-doesn't have any purpose to anyone other than the person using the WAP. | |
| | | | | ftzsee
Premium
join:2001-11-22
clubs:
|  Re: what about private servers?
said by charter_eng  :
Also, the web server in the WAP is for configuration only-doesn't have any purpose to anyone other than the person using the WAP.
The SSH server on my computer is for me only-doesn't have an purpose to anyone other than me. Same goes for FTP and web.
I'd contest that Linux is more widely used in server environments than Win2k server, but whatever. | |
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charter_eng
join:2004-01-18
Morristown, TN
| Re: what about private servers? I'm using Fedora right now-I know for a FACT that most servers are NOT enabled by default. You have to request that they be installed and enabled. Mandrake won't even install ssh by default on the desktop installation (which is the default on the download edition). | |
| 
Combat Chuck
Too Many Cannibals
Premium
join:2001-11-29
Erie, PA | I doubt they'd say anything as long as you have it password protected and you weren't eating up gobs of bandwidth.
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Japan-- Now with 30% more climbable telephone poles!! | |
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jansm38
Vn800-B
Premium
join:2003-05-19
Blackwood, NJ
| said by vpnuser:
I know the issue of web servers and comcast has come down to the fact that it's against the TOS, thus don't do it.
What about the realm of private servers, for only me to access? In my case it would be a VNC (search for tightvnc on google). Technically it is a server, but it is a consumer's use of internet - I've never heard of an account suspension because of PC anywhere use, and this is practically equivalent.
Any thoughts?
Servers of any type are "technically" not allowed but it's rarely enforced. Public facing servers that are open to anyone are what they look for, if they look at all. If they found out someone was serving kiddie p0rn or other illegal files they would take action.
The application you are talking about would not raise any eyebrows. It's the amount of upload traffic caused by "servers" that are the problem and it's what will catch the attention of Comcast. | |
| | hawk77777
join:2003-03-01
Royal Oak, MI
| Re: what about private servers? If you think about it, any type of file uploading is being a server. Sending email, IMs, files to friends, uploading a webpage to a server or even posting on message boards. If they enforced it, we'd all be busted.
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Win98 SE, 1.4 GHz Athlon, 256 MB SDRAM, 30 GB HD, Cable Internet | |
| 
djrobx
join:2000-05-31
Valencia, CA
 ·PHONE POWER
 ·AT&T U-Verse
·AT&T CallVantage
·Time Warner VOIP
 ·RoadRunner Cable
1 edit | quote:
Sending email, IMs, files to friends, uploading a webpage to a server or even posting on message boards
From a technical standpoint, one could define a server application as one which waits for and accepts a connection on a port. You can do all of the above things without a server connection. The only minor exception to that rule is standard mode FTP - it will open up a port and the remote service connects to it.
Servers are forbidden by the AUP, yet they don't block the majority of the ports used to run servers. If they really wanted to stop them altogether, they could pretty easily, but choose not to. As long as you don't create a problem, it's not likely that they're going to notice or take action.
Personally, however, I hate the "no-server" clauses in the AUPs. I shouldn't have to feel like an "abuser" because I want to log into my PC at home when I'm away, or because I want to log into my PVR's scheduler (all using piddly amounts of bandwidth, compared to p2p). Those sorts of things are part of the exciting world of always-on access. If Comcast doesn't want people running high traffic and/or business websites from their residential connections, why can't they just specify that and "legalize" servers that are used responsibly?
-- Rob
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\\ROB - a part of the SCB local network | |
| | 
CatScratch
Premium
join:2003-09-10
West Jordan, UT
·BroadVoice
·Vonage
| Re: what about private servers? Like many threads before this one have stated, Comcast doesn't really care if you don't "abuse" the bandwidth. They do of course want to add the clause for the right to boot that one "abuser". Run your server apps responsibly and if you truly are a getting 'business' trafic, go with a different option. | |
| 
wheelzoff
join:2001-02-14
Irving, TX
clubs:
1 edit | I often run file-sharing progs all day and night, have since I had @Home, usually upload about 20 gigs a month, no word from anyone. So if you are not running a site selling stuff that is noticeable by a lot of people you shloud be fine.
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"The Stars Win The Stanley Cup, The Stars Win The Stanley Cup", Ralph Strangis. | |
| 
vang
Let's Get Ready To Get Ready
join:2002-01-02
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
| I've run my own web/mail/ftp/terminal services since the @Home days back in 98, with no problems. They're personal and low traffic. I asked a Comcast tech once if it would be a hassle, and was told that while against the AUP, unless you're serving up tons of data you likely won't get hassled.
I decided ro run my own mail server because @Home's was so horrible. I still run it, since I can now control spam reaching my mail using RBLs and other types of blacklists (entire country blocks work verrrry well). I'm down to roughly 1 spam message a week. I run antivirus software on the mail gateway, and strip all executable attachments so my wife can't accidentally infect my network. I smart host through Comcast's SMTP servers, and locked down the gateway to insure it's not an open relay. This is far better than the mail services Comcast could ever supply, and is worth the hassle of having to support.
My ftp server is for personal use to transfer files to and from work (and password protected). My web server is public, but is completely contentless, and is public only to show off technology I'm currently working with (resume fodder). I use Terminal Services to be able to access my home systems from work.
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I love senselessly pushing things! | |
| 
plencnerb
Premium
join:2000-09-25
Franksville, WI
clubs:
·RoadRunner Cable
| I have to agree with everyone else who has posted.
I to run a small FTP/Web server out of my house (in fact, it actually runs on a server machine, Compaq Rackmount 4500). But, that machine, along with the other PC's on my network, are behind a netgear 4 port Web-safe router with NAT and a hardware firewall. On all my pc's (including the server), I run McAfee Enterprise 7.0.0 Virus Scanner. My FTP does not allow any anonymous connections, and the web sites I have are small and personal (not a lot of traffic).
If you do them for your friends/family, and keep things low on the bandwidth usage, then you should be ok. Also, keep an eye on your content. As others have stated, P0rn, cracks/warez,etc will get you shut down really quick.
--
============================
--Brian Plencner
E-Mail: saursesCancer@comcast.net
Note: Kill Cancer to Reply via e-mail | |
| 
Mrhowes
join:2000-11-16
Saint Paul, MN
| Bottom line...if you run a small server, and generate very little traffic, even though it is against the TOS, you likely will not be noticed.
It is those that draw a great deal of attention to themselves that are likely to get busted.
--
Listen....do you smell something? | |
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Epyon9283
Premium
join:2001-12-26
Dayton, NJ | Im running a web server. It gets almost traffic though. | |
| | | | | BrotherJPW
join:2003-11-27
Glen Ellyn, IL | Re: what about private servers? I password protect my webserver and put front page extensions on it and only use it if I am saving a file from a remote computer. Its password protected and I made the realm: Linksys BEFW11S4 V2/V3. I hardly ever use it but its there. | |
| | 
fractalspher
join:2001-07-17
Chicago, IL
clubs:
| Comcast knows there are enough technically savvy people out there that will run their own server equipment in their homes.
As long as you're not running your own business website that gets gigs of traffic a day I don't think they'll care. I know I've got 3 PC's here and I've had my own ftp, SSH, VPN and proxy server running for years and it's never been as issue. (I started this server back in 1998, before consumer broadband routers even existed!)
Mostly, they don't want you pulling more than one IP, either. If everything is hiding behind one connection point then you'll be fine. But don't advertise it to their help(less)desk if you call. You need to be responsible for troubleshooting your own stuff once it's past the broadband modem.
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FractalSphere - "Maybe it's in the basement, I'll go upstairs and check" - M.C. Escher | |
| 
KE7JFF
SKU CHECK
join:2001-12-01
Hillsboro, OR | I ran my own webserver for 3 years on my @Home/ATTBI/Comcast connection. Once I noticed traffic picked up by a lot, I moved my site to a dedicated webhost.
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34 years of UNIX stability vs. 13 years of Windows stupidity | |
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