Since I have DSL and my connection is virtually 24 x 7. Would I be able to run a web SERVER on my PC? If I can, what web server software would you recommend? I am running Widows XP Pro on my PC.
That depends on your ISP. Most ISPs do not allow users with regular accounts to run webservers, so you should check with them first. If they allow it, there’s tons of server software out there.
**Yes, assuming it isn’t against your ISP’s service agreement. Also, it will help greatly if you have a static IP and you aren’t behind NAT.
I use Xitami myself, but I’m sure there are tons of them out there. I have always used Xitami and I’m very happy with it.
There’s loads of software available. Cable or such isn’t required; you can run one on a dial-up machine if you’d like. So long as you know your IP, and your ISP doesn’t actually block port 80 or others, anyone can reach your own personal page.
I can’t say it’s amazingly useful… I use it to host images and stuff so friends and family can check them out. If you want more people to be able to access it, you can actually host your own domain, using such places as Dynamip (which I admit looks suspect, but my friend used it for a while with success).
As for the “no servers” rule, IMHO most ISP use it so they can boot people for excessive bandwith usage, which would happen especially if they happen to post images that most people wouldn’t show to friends and family. 
You’d have to call someone pretty high up to get an answer like that though.
Thanks for the replies folks. I know most ISPs I have had allow me some space on THEIR server to host a website. But they don’t allow server-side programming (CGI). So I am stuck with a site that is basically display-only.