Download the Minecraft server software from the official Minecraft website
Create a new folder for the server files
Place the server `.jar` file into the folder
Open a terminal or command prompt in the server folder
Run the server once with Java to generate the required files
Accept the EULA by opening `eula.txt` and changing `eula=false` to `eula=true`
Run the server again to create the world and start the server
Configure `server.properties` to set game rules, difficulty, port, and other options
Open port `25565` on your router and firewall
Find your public IP address or use a domain name
Share the IP address and port with players
Keep the server running while players are connected
Back up the world folder regularly
Update the server software and Java version when needed