Downloading third-party HTTP and database server package

Using the embedded HTTP and database server can be convenient for development. However, as explained before we will have SmartFoxServer running standalone while putting HTTP and database server in another standalone machine when the virtual world is released to public. We will learn how to set up a third-party HTTP and database server to cooperate with SmartFoxServer.

We are going to download and install Apache and MySQL server package. These kinds of server package features have easy install that auto-configures most of the server settings. It will also install some essential tools for beginners to manage the server easily, such as GUI server administration panel.

Installing WAMP on Windows

WampServer is an open source HTTP and database server solution on Windows. WAMP stands for Windows, Apache, MySQL, and PHP package.

1. Go to http://www.wampserver.com/en/download.php.
2. Click on Download WampServer to download the installer.
3. Run the installer with all default settings.
4. The server is configured and ready.

The WampServer can run by launching from Start | Programs | WampServer | Start WampServer.

It will be in the task bar and the server management operation can be found by clicking the WampServer icon. We can start the server by putting the server online in the menu.

Installing MAMP on Mac OSX

Similar to WampServer, MAMP is the one package web server solution that stands for Mac, Apache, MySQL, and PHP package. The MAMP package can be downloaded at http://www.mamp.info/.

1. Download the MAMP package from the official website.
2. Double-click on the downloaded MAMP dmg file to mount it.
3. Drag the MAMP folder into the Applications folder.

To run the MAMP server, go to Applications | MAMP and double-click on the MAMP.app.

Installing LAMP on Linux

As the same naming convention, the "L" stands for Linux here. Different Linux distributions use different ways to install applications. There may not be a one-click install method on some Linux branch which requires us to install the Apache and MySQL individually. Some Linux may provide graphic user interface to install LAMP by just selecting it in the applications list. We will use Ubuntu to demonstrate the installation of LAMP.

1. Launch terminal from Applications | Accessories | Terminal.
2. Type following command to install LAMP.

   sudo tasksel install lamp-server
   

3. The installer will progress and configure different modules.
4. A dialog will prompt several times asking for a new MySQL root password. You can set your own MySQL password, while in the example we will leave the root password blank.
   

After the completion of the installation, the MySQL server is set up as service in the system. It runs automatically and we do not need to manually launch it to use it.