How to convert an old laptop into a web server for local usage?

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Mr.CookieMonster

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Hi,

I have 2 laptops, one that I dont use for anything. They are both connected to my Wireless Network.

On the laptop I dont use, I want to create a PHP / MyQSQL Server on it, for testing my future sites.

1. Should I use Windows or Linux for this? Also, what Linux should I get if I have to get Linux?
2. What programs / software will I need?

I would also like to be able to access my site on other laptops connected to the network.

Thanks.
 
Myself, if your laptop has a windows pro license already i would just use that and just install WAMP on it. That will sort out your webservice, MySQL and PHP requirements...

Its more personal preference as your not going to be using it for any heavy loads so makes no real difference... :)
 
lumpyza said:
Myself, if your laptop has a windows pro license already i would just use that and just install WAMP on it. That will sort out your webservice, MySQL and PHP requirements...

Its more personal preference as your not going to be using it for any heavy loads so makes no real difference... :)
Click to expand...

I do have WAMP installed, how do I access the website I have hosted on my laptop from another laptop connected to my Wi-Fi network? Also, I dont want it to be online (on the internet). How do I restrict it from ever going online?
 
I would suggest you install Ubuntu 12.04 Server (its the easiest to setup) on it and run (or perhaps the desktop edition if you are somewhat a n00b and you will be using wireless)

in your terminal run tasksel (as root)

and select LAMP that should fine, It will be to your advantage to enhance your Linux skills because most production web servers run *nix
anyway.
 
I currently have my old laptop running ClearOS for a internal web and mail server. If I reinstall, I'll probably go with Ubuntu or Debian.

Like lumpyza said, if you have Windows already, the WAMP stack is easy to use. If you want to switch later, a backup of MySQL and your PHP configuration is probably all you need to get the same setup again.
 
To access the site, just browse to the laptop by its IP e.g. http://192.168.0.1.
Blocking it from access online would be via a firewall. Close the port (default 80) from external sources.
 
Okay, I will download Linux Ubuntu 12.04 Desktop (32-Bit) version. I am going to using Wireless, no cabling. Should I use the Server Edition or will desktop be fine. Should I assign an IP Address to the laptop so I can type in http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx then I will be able to access the server?

Where can I download Linux Ubuntu from Servers in South Africa?
 
Thanks, I am new to Linux. Im now downloading the desktop version. I want to build up my site using PHP, is there a software (like Adobe Dreamweaver) that I can get for Linux? Is it also free?

Also, I know this is a bit off topic, but can one Develop Windows and Linux software on Linux?
 
To recycle technology or expand the mind?

ngadao08 said:
Hi,

I have 2 laptops, one that I dont use for anything. They are both connected to my Wireless Network.

On the laptop I dont use, I want to create a PHP / MyQSQL Server on it, for testing my future sites.

1. Should I use Windows or Linux for this? Also, what Linux should I get if I have to get Linux?
2. What programs / software will I need?

I would also like to be able to access my site on other laptops connected to the network.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Firstly great to see that you are using "older" technology. All to often we "throw" something away just because it is old. Re-using it and re-using the license of Windows is also a good idea. But learning new technologies like Linux is also good for you, as it will increase your technical knowledge. Now I am no Linux boffin and each Linux devotee has their favourite but Ubuntu seems pretty good.
So do you go Windows or do you go Linux? Well why not both? You can get Linux and Windows as both bootable off the the same PC. Using this would enable you to have your Windows environment that you are comfortable with up and running quickly while you learn the Linux environment.
I would also assign a fixed IP address in your router to the test device. This will make connection consistant in the event that your router powers down. Also as others have highlighted check which ports are open to protect you from the outisde world seeing your new development.
As to tools like DreamWeaver I would need to do a bit more research for you but the Linux environment has a wealth of tools many of them for free to try.
Let us know how you get on
 
ngadao08 said:
Thanks, I am new to Linux. Im now downloading the desktop version. I want to build up my site using PHP, is there a software (like Adobe Dreamweaver) that I can get for Linux? Is it also free?

Also, I know this is a bit off topic, but can one Develop Windows and Linux software on Linux?
Click to expand...

I've have not used Dreamweaver, but you can try Eclipse, Aptana ,Netbeans, Bluefish or Geany amongst others.
 
Does your wireless network have a router? If so, it probably uses NAT, so you don't have to worry about your website being accessed from the internet, because the NAT will act as a firewall.

It would suck if DHCP gave your server a different IP each time it requested one, but there are workarounds, eg:
My TP-Link router's DHCP can give PC's on the network a static IP, by checking it's MAC address.
You could even assign a host name for it, eg myhost.net - but that might be a bit overly complicated if your IP is static.

As for the OS, just use whatever is already on the machine. (If it's not broken, don't fix it)
 
xera said:
Does your wireless network have a router? If so, it probably uses NAT, so you don't have to worry about your website being accessed from the internet, because the NAT will act as a firewall.

It would suck if DHCP gave your server a different IP each time it requested one, but there are workarounds, eg:
My TP-Link router's DHCP can give PC's on the network a static IP, by checking it's MAC address.
You could even assign a host name for it, eg myhost.net - but that might be a bit overly complicated if your IP is static.

As for the OS, just use whatever is already on the machine. (If it's not broken, don't fix it)
Click to expand...

My Wi-Fi network is from my ADSL Modem. I use the Netgear DGN2200Mv2TELKOM Modem. Yes, it does have NAT (Network Address Translation).
 
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