Geekinetic May / June Project: An Ubuntu Based Web Server

I have mentioned my desire to set up my own web server a number of times in the past, now I am going to make good on my plans and actually do something about it. The web server will be a cheap build that I created from some budget parts.

The specifications are as follows:

• MicroATX motherboard
• Intel P4 3.0 GHz Processor
• 1GB of DDR2 800
• 40GB HDD
• DVD-Multi drive

It is a lightweight system, but it should have all the grunt that it needs to handle Ubuntu and the applications that I need for the task. This is going to be more of a communications device than a computer. The objectives that it needs to accomplish are the following:

• Host a website using Apache.
• Run a POP mail server
  
• Run Skype and other messenging clients
• Run custom-built XML parsing software
  
• Be remotely accessible
• Have a low energy footprint

P4 chips are not exactly energy-efficient, but they are cheap and by opting for onboard graphics as opposed to a discreet card it keeps the footprint down a little. If it all works out, I will likely be doing a rebuild with some more robust components. Fingers crossed, because as soon as my monitor is repaired, I am going to be devoting my weekends to getting this thing working.