How to install a test server

[Greenarts]

From what I've read, it's possible to set up a test server on my own computer, that will run sort of a virtual version of my forum.  People use that to test mods and tweaks, and then upload it to the real server when it's working right.

I've downloaded and installed a version of XAMMP.  But now I'm stuck.  What are the next steps in setting up the test server?  I've searched this forum, but all I've found so far are detailed questions in the process.  What I need is an overview for newbies.

[N3RVE]

Which Operating System do you run?

On Windows,
Xampp has a htdocs folder.
Start -> All Programs -> Apache Friends -> XAMPP -> htdocs folder.
Extract SMF to C:\xampp\htdocs\smf
Point your browser to http://localhost/smf/install.php

Proceed with the installation as normal, for MySQL connection details.
Type in "root" (without quotes) for the username and finish the install.

Ensure that the Apache and MySQL services are started.
You can use the Xampp Control Panel to check if services are started.
Start -> All Programs -> Apache Friends -> XAMPP -> XAMPP Control Panel

On a Linux Box, Under the file system, a folder called /opt would be the directory where xampp is installed. You will also find htdocs folder too!

-[n3rve]

[Greenarts]

Thanks.  Yes, Windows XP.

Is there a way to set up that SMF folder in My Documents (easier to back up)?

[N3RVE]

Thanks.  Yes, Windows XP.

Your welcome;)

Is there a way to set up that SMF folder in My Documents (easier to back up)?

Better Support regarding Xampp can be gotten at
http://www.apachefriends.org/f/

refer to http://www.apachefriends.org/f/viewtopic.php?t=3586&sid=f0956b307c63f0667ab3958094968d3b

[Rumbaar]

You need to install the forum into the defined 'htdocs' folder.  Which can be your My Documents folder or whatever you want it to be.  Just be sure to make the appropriate changes, I'm sure there are two areas in the conf file that needed to be changed.

But yes the setup of web servers is beyond SMF general support, and you best bet would be the support forums for the web server application you've download/installed.

[Word Life]

How do I do this stuff? I'm confused, because I don't have "Apache Friends"

[Rumbaar]

Well try to get one of those 'complete' downloads (for testing, do not run a live forum on these) ie WAMP or XAMP distributions.

[Word Life]

What does that mean? 

[Rumbaar]

Google XAMP or WAMP, you'll find all that you need for setting up a test localhost server on various OS's.

[Antechinus]

Here, grab this one. It's better than XAMPP in my opinion. http://vertrigo.sourceforge.net/?lang=eng

ETA: It looks like their server is down at the moment but it should be back online soon.

[Tyrsson]

Yep I use this one myself,

Also, I ran the install for this member earlier (unless I have them confused with someone else) so I think this topic is solved for the most part.

[Antechinus]

For GHWT? How can you install a localhost on their computer from yours?

[Tyrsson]

Lol, no the forum install.... I thought about the fact that I left that out of my post..... Its late bro cut me some slack here lol