Quote:
Originally Posted by Rackat
So, is it possible for me to upload the Ventrilo server software to my web host and run it from my web server?
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This is not likely, most web server/hosts dont provide the level of access required to run an application on thier servers, they would not likely allow the activity on the ports required as well. If you have a dedicated machine, that you have full control over, that has web host services, and allows you to run other applications, maybe.
The 8-slot only revision of Ventrilo server (free for public use), could be essentially run on your own home pc. This is why I mentioned an issue of bandwidth. Your pc would be sharing bandwidth with the voice server, and any online games/services your connected to at the time. If you have more than one pc on your home network with internet access, it would be better to run it on the pc your not gaming on, so it doesnt have to share resources, however your still sharing your bandwidth (ie internet speed/pipe). ISPs give us excellent download speeds (inbound data), but usually cap/limit upload (outbound data), this is where most will encounter a bottleneck.
Do you ever have internet lag issues while gaming? If so, this would only compound the problem making it worse.
Some ISPs, tiers of service at the isp, etc, may provide more bandwidth, and/or more steady service, allowing it to work without problems as someone previous mentioned. My experience in supporting these servers, is that typically we get a user that wants to run it all on his own machine, and has the lowest/cheapest tier of internet service thier ISP provides, which often is inadequate... (if thier computer is even adequate), so I mentioned that bandwidth, etc can be an issue.
If 8 slots is enough, you may wish to try hosting it yourself with the understanding that if it doesnt work, or work well enough, you can seek renting one. Also, there is the issue with IP address when hosting it yourself. Many peoples IP addresses change frequently (ie Dynamic IPs, a 'static' ip, does not change), and may make your server hard to find for your members. If your behind a router, you'll have to configure some ports for it to work as well (and not just one like the OLD ventrilo which was referenced previously).
Note: The old Ventrilo is no longer LEGALLY available, Ventrilo EULA requires ALL users to upgrade when upgrades become available, continued use of the OLD version is a breach of the EULA/Terms of service. Do they police it? Probably not, having worked with/for a large provider, upgrades were required.
I highly recommend renting one if it is within your gaming budget, some hosts allow payment via paypal, and even have "clanpay" options, that help you to collect/pay for the service from clan members.
A 50 slot server can likely be found for around $10-12/month less for fewer slots
If you want a free online voice server that you can run on your own system that is not limited to 8 slots, you could also investigate Teamspeak, another well known online voice communication software. However the only issue previously mentioned that this would help overcome is the 8 user limit. I personally have run an online gaming community going on 9 years, and have had to pay for ventrilo hosting the last 3 (Recieved free hosting prior to that.. since I worked for'em). My group has tried the free teamspeak on our own dedicated game server box, and prefer Ventrilos voice quality/sound.
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