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although a broadband connection and a linux box may be an option. Is this latter option easy to do and which broadband suppliers allow static ip addresses??
I used to do this with Eclipse internet ( http://www.eclipse.net.uk ) they don't do any port blocking and have no restrictions on servers etc. they even setup reverse DNS for me for free.
Adam --------------------------------------------
Zen Internet (http://www.zen.co.uk) offer a similar facility. Their 'home' service allows small business use (i.e.servers) and you can have 8 static IP addresses for the basic price. Consult the ADSL Guide (http://www.adslguide.org) for comparisons; I think Eclipse and Zen are usually among the leaders.
And yes, it is easy to do. Just plug in and go. Make sure you get an appropriate modem/router, though; avoid the USB models like the plague. Zen supplied me a Draytek Vigor 2600, which is a 4-port router, modem and firewall. Not cheap (~£170) but buying from the ISP guarantees you support.
-- GT