Some general server-side scripts questions

[Rockonmetal]

Ok, so I really think I could learn some server scripts like PHP, ASP, and JSP... I have learned that I need some type of "server" or device that can perform these scripts...

I am asking what devices you use or what has used... Though i have several conditions:

1. It has to be under $190 (if it costs more than $220 then its a no-go)
2. Its going to be used mostly for testing and learning how to use server scripts, so encryption, security aren't needed.
3. I don't need 3000000gB of space, I probably need about 10-25gB if even that...
4. IT HAS TO BE ABLE TO USE SERVER SCRIPTS!

I am also open to a free hosting type site which is somewhat like Bravenet or Freewebs which i can test out server scripts. Though it has to be somewhat like Bravenet or Freewebs. Or just even a textarea with a preview button which can show me what it would look like and would show the server scripts in motion. *basicly email forms without
<form action="mailto:IDON'TLIKETHIS!"></form>*


Thanks alot

[thetestingsite]

You could use any computer you would like as long as you have the following:

Apache webserver (http://httpd.apache.org/) or any other webserver.

PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor (http://www.php.net)

For ASP scripts, you could use Chili-ASP (http://www.sun.com/software/chilisoft/) or Apache::ASP (http://www.apache-asp.org/)

Not sure about JSP, but you could probably look at Sun Microsystems (http://www.sun.com) website for more info.


//EDIT: If you are planning on making this accessible via the web, you will have to know your WAN IP Address (talk to your ISP).

Hope this helps.

[Rockonmetal]

Would servers from dell, gateway, work???

[thetestingsite]

You could purchase a server from there, or use any home computer. Either way should be fine. If you purchase one from Dell, Compaq/HP, IBM, Apple, etc; it will come with the web Server already installed (all you have to do is configure it). If you were to go the route of installing a new OS, I recommend installing a linux distro and adding the web server packages yourself.

Hope this helps.

[djr33]

Or you can buy a hosting account and use that server to test.

To repeat what thetestingsite is saying, you can use any computer as a server. Buying a 'server' just means paying more, probably, because it's designed for that. But you likely don't need something specifically designed for it.

[Rockonmetal]

U said home computer... so will can i turn my laptop into a semi server type thing so i can test out server scripts???

[Rockonmetal]

ignore the first "will" in that sentance... it doesn't go there

[Rockonmetal]

If I can turn my laptop into a server, i would really appreciate it if you would give links or tutorials to how i can...

I will buy a server once i get the money and once i get used to server scripts...

Thanks alot man...

[thetestingsite]

If you want an easy way to do set it up (without setting everything up manually), you could look into using a WAMP system such as NetServer (http://sourceforge.net/projects/netserver/) or WAMP (http://www.wampserver.com). Otherwise, if you were to install everything manually, simply look through the respective websites for more information on how to install.


//EDIT: Why buy a server when all a server is is a simple computer with the right soft/hard ware. I own about 4 different servers and maintain another 12 of them (for the ISP I work for) and there is no difference between a name brand server and one you create yourself.

Hope this helps.

[djr33]

Right. Just install the software to your computer, and you'll be fine.

As for buying a server, I think that some servers are more designed for, well, serving, in terms of hardware, but I wouldn't think of this as something needed in this case, especially when on a budget.

[Twey]

In the case of most webservers, a fast connection is much more important than good hardware. Things like the processor speed and the amount of memory only begin to matter (beyond a certain threshold, of course) on servers with very high load.

[thetestingsite]

In addition to what Twey said, the upload speed is what really matters being that you are "serving" from your site for others to download. In other words, I could have a server on a 6 Meg DSL connection, but my upload speed is only 1 Meg (not very good for a webserver unless you don't get that many visitors).

Hope this helps.

[djr33]

Also, if this is just for testing, then the speed makes no difference, when you're using it on the computer itself.

[Rockonmetal]

I appreciate your help testingsite... but I am stuck... but I still need a lotmore guidance... Heres where i'm at:
Ok i've installed WAMP5...

[thetestingsite]

I appreciate your help testingsite... but I am stuck... but I still need a lotmore guidance... Heres where i'm at:
Ok i've installed WAMP5...

Now, place you files in the www directory, and open your browser to http://localhost/ and there you go. If you are trying to access it from the web, you will need your WAN IP address; as I said before, talk to your ISP for this info, and also (if you haven't done so already), make the server Public Accessible (by right clicking on the menu and choosing the "Put Online" option or something to that effect).

Hope this helps.

[Rockonmetal]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I FINALLY GOT IT!

For those who are looking here and don't have it here are your instructions
(if you don't have a server):
1. Download WAMP5 *link given by thetestingsite"
2. Install WAMP5
3. While installation it will ask you where your server is, say localhost *it will say it in the textbox.
4. Copy your website into the folder "www" in the wamp5 folder.
5. Insert PHP Content SAVE AS .PHP!
6. WALA!!!!!

[Twey]

If you are trying to access it from the web, you will need your WAN IP address; as I said before, talk to your ISP for this infoOr try something like http://checkip.dyndns.org/.

[thetestingsite]

Also, for some broadband connections, you are dynamically assigned an internal IP address (using DHCP) in this case you would need to use the services of http://www.no-ip.org or similar.