So I've tried making a dedicated server and non dedicated server, and have failed in all aspects. I just want to make a server where my friends and I can play in privacy. How can I make a server for this? I really have done everything I've found on Google, but I still can't make it work. And yes, I have port forwarded as well.

Quote:

The "Source Dedicated Server" is a program which hosts a networked Steam game either on a private LAN or on the Internet. (If you just want to play Steam games, you don't need the Source Dedicated Server -- you can join online games by clicking on "Servers" in the Steam menu.) If you do want to run a game server and have other people connect to your server via a network, the easiest way to run a server is to click the "Download and Install" button below, which will add the Dedicated Sever to your "My Games" list. You'll be up and running in minutes.

INstall Info