Wed, 2005-03-30 06:08
So I was given a PC from someone for a real cheap price. (long story), and I was thinking of setting up a webserver so I could learn/ test out new code before publishing it.
I was thinking of using RH Linux 9, but I have no idea about what else I might need, and how to set it up. Could anyone help out please.
Wed, 2005-03-30 06:46
#1
Staging Server
Definitely worth a try. I learnt so much a while ago doing this. I know can confidently troubleshoot and setup a Linux server (which is a bonus when dealing with clients).
RH is a good choice. If the PC can handle it, download a copy of Fedora (Core 3 now I think). It'll probably take you a few false starts to get anything positive out of it, but well worth it.
It'll tune-up your Apache, MySQL, and PHP skills, as well as Unix (or should I say *nix, skills).
Wed, 2005-03-30 06:53
#2
Staging Server
I run Debian myself with Apache1.3.33. Assuming you get the Gnu/Linux on the box ok, I'd guess installing by the RPM should go fine. Believe it or not, configuring Apache for a single domain with reasonable security is bang easy. Just RTFM a few times before opening httpd.conf in Emacs. You'll want to install PHP, Perl, or Python for scripting and Mysql or PostgreSQL for a database.
Oh, and don't forget The Gimp.
cheers,
gary
Thu, 2005-03-31 16:31
#3
Staging Server
Thank You for the tipe. I was probably going to use Red Hat 9, because that is what we have at work, so I can be doubly productive. (whatever that means).
Quote:
Believe it or not, configuring Apache for a single domain with reasonable security is bang easy.
Is it really that much harder to set it up for multiple doamins. I was thinking of leaving my site, plus whatever design I was working on at the time.
Thu, 2005-03-31 16:41
#4
Staging Server
If you have a broadband connection, consider gentoo. It will take a little longer to get setup the first time, however updating and adding software packages is extremely easy (emerge mysql php apache). There are step by step tutorials for getting gentoo up and running that are extremely easy to follow.
includes your apache/php/mysql setup.
Thu, 2005-03-31 16:52
#5
Staging Server
No, unfortunately no broadband connection. But when I can I will look into it.
Also is there any particular advantages with using a particular language over any other. php seems to be the hot thing, so I know there is tins of stuff out there to help you learn, but isn't perl a much more robust language. (i.e. can't you do more with it.)
I have done some stuff with Python, but I would not it any way say that I know what I am doing. Hence this project, to learn more 'real' world stuff.
Thu, 2005-03-31 18:56
#6
Staging Server
There is no rule that says you can't use any or all the languages you want. In the hosting arena, PHP is more commonly offered than the others
I mentioned the single domain setup because it seems some folks have problems configuring virtual domains. It's not that hard, but does confuse some, it seems. For web development, one is all you really need. You have the root domain and all the ~[user]/ directories you want to fool with.
cheers,
gary