You can use the popular and free PC server software Apache to set up your own computer as a server. This allows you to host websites from computer and make web pages and buttons to control gadgets in your home via the Internet.

It's best to use an old computer that you don't plan to use for anything else as a server, and it's best to set up a separate account in Windows that has limited access to the system for installing the software. If you want to use Linux instead of Windows, the recommended combo is puppy Linux with Xamp. You don't need to uninstall Windows, but rather just boot the PC with Puppy Linux or Xamp. You can then download the Apache server software from a mirror site which is listed on the Apache project main site.

The best Linux server software can be determined by looking at several factors. Which one is best for a given user will ultimately depend on their end goal, because some web servers are geared specifically for certain types of clients, while others are the best in terms of speed, and others specialize in security.

By looking at web server usage you can get an idea of which servers are most popular. Netcraft provides this data since 1995, offering graphical views of web server trends. From this data it appears that Microsoft's IIS web server is the only Windows pure play, while Apache is clearly the most preferred web server software when judged by volume. Apache is a cross-platform software that will run on Windows and Linux. Google also makes the list with their proprietary server software.

An FTP PC server can be easily configured on a home PC. FTP is known as the best and most secure way to transfer files, and it is a far better way of sending files than the alternative of email attachments. With email you have less control over the time it takes a file to transfer, and you also run into limits on file size and incomplete downloads.

Configuring an FTP server on your PC will guarantee that all your files are received quickly and securely. It's also safe to run an FTP server because you retain full control in terms of login, file access and uploading permissions. All you need to set up an FTP server at home is a PC, an Internet connection, and FTP software. You have many options in terms of the server software, and packages are available at a range of price points.