Need Guidance on Server for Android App

I have an app idea that will need to connect to a server to get account information, other users inf开发者_如何学Cormation, and some other stuff.

I am not savvy on the server side of things.

Do I need a website that is hosted and have the app connect to the website?

Can I use my own computer at home to host?

I pretty much don't know anything about this side of things so any information will greatly be appreciated.

I'd check out App Engine.

It's free for a certain ammount of storage and bandwidth and it runs on Google's infrastructure so you don't need to worry about backup, downtime, or server maintainence.

There's also a framework set up for Android and App Engine to work together in harmony. Check out this Google I/O 2011 Session on Android and App Engine.