First of all, I wouldn't recommend using your PC to host, not if you're planning to promote it publicly or keep it up 24/7. I run my own host and my server machine is an older Dell Dimension desktop. I'll get to the hardware and OS later. First you need to check how well your internet can host. Follow this link to find out:
http://www.planetminecraft.com/forums/before-you-make-server-t6544.htmlYour internet bill and power are the ONLY upfront costs. I also have a free Enjin website for my server that serves my needs quite well. See it here:
http://williamwallis.enjin.comNext check out this link for the BEST Minecraft server private hosting OS that exists:
http://minecraft.codeemo.com/Setting this all up can be tricky but when you have the OS installed (will also work on a VM), it only runs about 50mb and the rest is for Minecraft! The support and wiki are also very helpful.
My server specs:
Dell Dimension 4600 desktop
Intel P4 3.4Ghz 1024KB L2
2Gb pc3200 400mhz RAM
Pretty slow IDE HDD is annoying XD
I run 10 slots.
BTW check out my server, the post is here:
http://www.planetminecraft.com/forums/idailycraft-com-survival-only-slots-t289211.html
