Freeloader Friday Download of the Week

AMP your Mac's Webserver

There's all kinds of talk about the web becoming the new desktop. Today we're going to review how to turn your desktop into a "web-top". You'll be able to access powerful server applications locally, and enjoy the same features remotely - accessing your Mac from the web.

In part one, we'll set up the infrastructure we'll need to install these server applications on your Mac.

Get your AMP package

We have a couple options to install and pre-configure Apache, MySQL and PHP:

XAMPP

This package includes extras like SSL and is pretty easy to install. You'll want to shut down your built-in Apache install by turning off web sharing on the Sharing preference pane, as XAMP's Apache runs on the same port. The install is simple, but you'll have to use the terminal will to start and stop the package.

Once installed you can browse to localhost in your browser and view you security settings. To change the default passwords you will need to fire the terminal up again, but it is easy.

MAMP

MAMP is a more Mac-centric package that absolves you of the command line. The MAMP package includes a cocoa application to start and stop your server and runs Apache on port 8080 - allowing you to leave your web sharing on its default port of 80. MAMP doesn't include SSL, though.

MAMP is the most convenient to run, and includes preferences managed in the application. Your server will be browsable at localhost:8080.

So what do you have now? A pro-quality web server, featuring PHP and MySQL allowing you to install a slew of popular, powerful server applications that you will be able to run right from your Mac. Next week we'll look at some server-based applications that rival the convenience of desktop applications. What's more, with remote access set up, you can enjoy fast, secure access to the same applications from anywhere.

Extras

Here are a couple of utilities that will help you get more out of your new install:

Weblock

This donationware utility makes it easy to apply access restrictions to folders in your web-shared folders. A great way to protect files while keeping them accessible.

DNSUpdate

This is another donationware application that works with the DynDNS dynamic host service. DynDNS supplies you with an easy to remember address, like whatever.dyndns.org and points it to your Mac. This app, DNSUpdate keeps your dynamic IP in sync with DynDNS to keep your external link working.

Tune in for more freeware and for the upcoming Part Two of this feature, where we'll look at some great server-based freeware you can run from your AMP-enabled Mac.

Brian

  


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