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 or any other webserver.

PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor

For ASP scripts, you could use Chili-ASP or Apache::ASP

Not sure about JSP, but you could probably look at Sun Microsystems 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 or WAMP. 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.