In the last posts I mentioned how to install XAMPP and create sub domains, or link to directories, and also setting up a Web server on Ubuntu. These requires you to tinker with some codes. Does that make it geeky? But even if you are not a geek, you have to have a server running on your system so that you can set up a local Wordpress blog or wiki.

Here's a server that will be as easy as using your favourite juke box--NetServer. It does not even require you to install anything. It comes as an executable application, making it possible to setup and carry your server on a flash drive. Unfortunately, this server package is available only for Windows NT, 2000, 2003 and XP.

NetServer includes Apache web server with PHP5, MySQL with phpMyAdmin, FileZilla FTP server and a mail server. It comes as a simple executable programme that provides you an intuitive console for installing and managing the servers.

NetServer is perfect for use as a home server or as a server for development purposes. However, this server package is no longer under development since 2004 and might not be perfect thing for those who want a heavy-duty up-to-date server.

Download and extract: Download NetServer exe zip file from Sourceforge. Now, create a directory on your hard drive or flash drive and call it something like MyServer. Create another directory in MyServer directory and call it NetServer. Now extract the NetServer zip file in this directory. It will take some time.

Install servers: Once extracted, click on the NetServer icon to start the console. Go to Manage Servers and instal Apache and MySQL. By default, MySQL gets installed with a username root and no password. Start both Apache and MySQL servers. Now go to Shortcuts -> phpMyAdmin or http://localhost/phpmyadmin. PhpMyAdmin is an easy management tool for MySQL database server. You will have to provide username root and leave the password blank to log in. Now, change the password using the admin page.


Creating aliases: To create aliases or sub domains that link to certain specified directories, go to Servers -> Apache Web Server -> Configure. Under the Alias tab, click on Add and enter the name of alias, say, blog, if you want http://localhost/blog. Also, choose the directory that the alias should point to. If you want to set up your local blog, point the alias to the blog folder. Remeber to save the changes and restart the Apache server to reflect the change.

Uninstall? If you wish to uninstall NetServer, just delete the folders after uninstalling the servers using Manage Servers option. Clear.

Additional resources:
Install XAMPP server, configure Apache to activate sub domains
Easy guide to installing a Web server on Ubuntu