Dedicated Network Server Apps

Any of you know where I might be able to run a Windows-based network server program? I am always writing all these stupid things for fun (and I have just finished writing such a version of the Guess the TV Character game) and would like to actually try using them (regardless of the fact that it's likely the only client using them may be me). The problem is I don't have a static IP and even if I did I would be unable to run a computer 24/7. I know the possibility is slim to none that any web hosting company would allow a client to run EXEs on a shared server (and the cost of a dedicated server is out of the question). So, do you have any idea how/where this could be accomplished? Do any of you ever do such network things?

well, if you modify your database to use some serverside scripting language, or maybe a Java applet, you could do it pretty easily.

Are you in college? Most colleges give you some amount of server space and allow you to run server side exe's on them.

Even many free web hosting services might offer the ability to let you have php or javascript code in your page.

So this is my suggestion:

1. how are you storing and editing your database? are you using SQL? are you just doing a simple CSV file? Most colleges support SQL. If you are not in college, you would have to find a webhost that supports whatever you are using.

2. Convert the actual program to some server side scripting language or a Java applet.

For the IP adress issue: http://www.dyndns.org

I don't know what to tell you about keeping a computer up.

www.no-ip.com is free. i don't know how much a static IP will cost from your ISP (if they give you one at all)

can't you get a friend with a router and an old computer(or just the router and you assemble and old comp)? although they might not appreciate you pimping their bandwidth.

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1. how are you storing and editing your database? are you using SQL? are you just doing a simple CSV file? Most colleges support SQL. If you are not in college, you would have to find a webhost that supports whatever you are using

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portland.co.uk has free SQL accounts. Their service seems to fluctuate dramatically when it comes to quality, however.

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well, if you modify your database to use some serverside scripting language, or maybe a Java applet

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That is out of the question. All these types of apps are Windows apps (not console), and the work to rewrite them from scratch in Java or a scripting language (none of which I am experienced enough to comfortably do such a thing) is very undesireable.

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For the IP adress issue: http://www.dyndns.org
www.no-ip.com is free

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Thanks for the links. They offer some interesting services, however, the problem again is that my wife doesn't want me to leave a computer running 24/7 because of the electric bill. And I wouldn't think to impose on someone else by asking them to run a computer with their electricity and bandwidth 24/7 either.

My best hope is if I can find someone who already runs a dedicated server who would be willing to host my little apps. Perhaps some time down the line I will figure out a way. Either way, thanks for the comments.