Setup LAMP server but how to host website?

I am totally new to Linux and also LAMP (LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP). I want to host my small forum on my own Desktop so after a long searching how to built your own server for your website i make LAMP server. I use Linux for this server.

Now the main problem i face here it is

Q1 How to install my website on the server?

Q2 How to make my forum/website available for my friends etc?

Q3 Did i use domain instead of local host? How please explain.

i know these are very stupid questions but for me its very important i want to learn kindly help me. So i am stick with this thread and waiting for your helpful replies.

What version of linux are you using? Red hat based or debian based?

Red Hat Based Distro's:
RHEL, Fedora, CentOS

Debian Based Distro's:
Debian, Ubuntu.

Are you connected to the internet directly or are you behind a router?

If you want to host the website on your own pc and you are connected directly to the internet (not behind a router) and you have a static IP (one that doesnt change) and you are using a red hat based system do the following.

"su" - type your root password in.

"yum install php mysql" - follow on screen commands. Apache should already be on there.

"/sbin/service httpd start" - starts apache running.

Store your website files in "/var/www"

View your site by typingyour IP into a browser.

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It would be easier to rent a VPS, you can get them for about £5-10 a month.


Oh and gooogle is you friend. Google will provide you with all the answers you need.

firstly setup your LAMP


once your lamp is setup you're are going to have to buy your domain name.. I would go through godaddy. setup godaddy dns via
hxxps://dcc.godaddy.com/default.aspx

point cname records to your modems ip.

you would be suprised with the amount of info on google!