Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I spent much time in researching content management systems and their capabilities. I can`t say I wasted time because I learned a lot. My main issue was having to pay for hosting to use these content management systems. This was a slight put-off as I didn`t like the idea of having to pay for something that I may end up disliking.

After enough research and the right use of specific keywords in Google I stumbled accross the concept of setting up a local host. A local host basically makes your computer a server, and its free. Now there are other details some Googling can explain better but it is a cheap, straight forward approach to messing around and learning a new CMS to see how it fits your style and needs.

This is not a step-by-step guide on how to install and set up a local host on your computer, just a little summary on what I learned.

I am currently fiddling around with Drupal, the local host I use is called XAMPP, it is open-source and free. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Unix and Solaris, there are different versions for each OS.

I am running XAMPP and Drupal on a Windows XP laptop and it works fine. XAMPP basically puts all the subcomponents needed to set up a local host into a tidy, little interface. It is quite a small file and a fast download. XAMPP contains Apache, PHP and MySQL and Perl. Just navigate to ApacheFriends.org. For the most part the install and set up is plug-n-play.

Although I am not completely sure about this, but other CMSs like Joomla can be installed and run using XAMPP. There are other free local host/Apache distributions such as WampServer.

I wish I had learnt about local servers earlier so that I could`ve jumped on the Drupal bandwagon and gotten work on my website faster.

I hope this helps anyone considering an open-source CMS like Drupal who has qualms about the associated hosting.

Note: Local hosts should only be used for developing and testing, it is not recommended to use as your sole website server (go public).

the only problem you will have is low bandwidth - if you have 10 people on your site it might be very slow. I suggest a real host with real bandwidth so your site has the necessary speed to satisfy your customers.

I use AppServe, which is similair. It is a great way to set up your own server environment so that you can test not only pre-written programs like CMS`s, but forums and all other types of web-based projects, as well as being able to write your own scripts and build your own websites.

I would not, however, use this as an online server.



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M Hall
Website Critique Community
International Society of Curmudgeons

Whoops, seems I forgot to make it clearer. I am suggesting the use of a local host only for development and testing. I do not however recommend using it as a server to make your website public.

If you do, your ISP will probably be very upset and may boot you if you try and use their bandwidth up running a server commercially. It is also unsafe as it will make your computer an easier target as it is open to the public.

Thanks

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Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter

Actually the time to install XAMPP and create a local host took less than 10 minutes. As for the Drupal install onto XAMPP maybe 30 minutes - databases etc.

Free too!

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Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter

I understand what Critical Mass means about local hosting.  It`s