Re: web servers, isps, and linux

[Kevin Colby <kevinc grainsystems com>]

Kevin Johnson wrote:
> 
> 1. I can't seem to set the linux system time permanently.
>    Every time I reboot, the system time returns to the previous
>    incorrect time, which is exactly 5.0 hours earlier than the
>    correct time.

Your time is being reset from the BIOS when you boot.
However, your BIOS is keeping local time, and Linux is assuming
that is is keeping GMT time.  I'm not sure of how you resolve
this.  Check the options on 'date'.

> 2. How do i set the hostname of my machine when booting?
>    My etc/hosts file looks like so:

/etc/hosts is for lookups--not for setting the machine name.
True, they should match, but they are unrelated, technically.
Check out the /etc/sysconfig/network file and /etc/HOSTNAME.

> 3.  I want to run Apache with an ISP connection.  I have a
>     registered domain name (troutlogic.com).  Is it possible
>     to run my webserver as troutlogic.com via my ISP?

Sort of.  If you have a static IP from your ISP, then yes.
If not, it is still somewhat possible, but _much_ more difficult.
In either event, you need someone to broadcast your DNS for you
(unless you're _always_ on).  Your ISP may do this for a nominal
fee or perhaps even for free.  The static IP may run you some
more serious cash, though.  The only way around that is to hook
up with a place that specializes in dynamic IP DNS services.
Of course, anyone can still hit you by IP, but if that changes
every login, it may not be feasible.

	- Kevin Colby
	  kevinc grainsystems com