I want to set up a small web site. I have a DSL line and an extra old puter. Can I use this computer as the "server"?  If so what OS should I use. I really want to own the server for this particular project, and not set up a site on someone else's.  Any hints on how to do this would be greatly appreciated!

The first thing you need to check is if you ISP allows this. Some service providers do not allow incoming HTTP or FTP traffic.

Some say they don't allow the runing of servers on your computer, but they do not block the ports. Some may or may not have a policy, but they do not let the traffic pass to your computer. You'll need to find out what yours does.

[url]http://000buck.d2g.com[/url]

that is my dsl served website/server, the bottom of the page explains everything I use for it.

I run win2k because it is stable(i only reboot it cuz i want to, ran for 3 months without reboot no problem), easy to use, and well supported.

I use savant webserver, cuz its free and easy to use, and pretty safe.

I use www.dns2go.com to follow my DSL's dynamic IP address, if you have a static ip, you just need a name, or use your IP address with no name.  dns2go cost me $19/year i think.

I'd go with [url=http://httpd.apache.org/ ]apache [/url] running on linux. Most linux distributions already have it included.