I'm curious if it's realistic to deploy a web server that will host static content for decades without needing much maintenance. The idea is for it to be self-updating and self-rebooting, all while being backed by cloud infrastructure that I'm paying for regularly. Would using something like Debian, FreeBSD, or a minimal distro with specially crafted packages and configurations stand the test of time?
4 Answers
You could definitely implement a setup that lasts a while! Avoid auto-updates after initial stability since they can cause unexpected issues later. Also, sticking to static content can prevent a lot of headaches, especially since dynamic content requires more maintenance.
While there’s no guarantee, hosting your static files in a service like an S3 bucket could work well for you. Just remember to keep your domain name updated and to periodically change your passwords. It's mostly about keeping the essentials running and paying the bill.
Exactly! A CDN would also help make things more reliable, but it's wise to know that some human maintenance might still be required to keep everything running smooth.
Absolutely! Containerizing your server would help a lot. It takes away a good chunk of the complexity, letting you manage versions better. Just make sure you have a solid plan for domain registration since that's a key piece for longevity.
Great point! If downtime is okay, you can set up your infrastructure accordingly to minimize interruptions.
Choosing a simple PaaS like Azure blob storage or AWS S3 can really lighten your load since these services involve minimal maintenance. However, just keep in mind, we can't predict what cloud providers will do in a few years, so there is always a slight risk involved with reliance on them.
Yeah, I've got similar concerns. It would be great to have my own machine running somewhere but the reliability of cloud services can't be ignored!
True, I've heard rumors of servers lasting almost a decade without a hitch. But aren’t there risks of getting hacked without updates?