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Need a testing server

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 2:40 pm
by evilmonkey
Hello,

I want to set up a testing server on a (very) old computer. I need Apache, PHP (with most of the options), MySQL, an FTP daemon, an HTTP server (that will only be accessible from the local network). Here's the thing: The computer is a Pentium 133 with 16MB of RAM and a 1GB HDD. I know jack...stuff...about Linux, so command line isn't that good an option...unless...I can get a graphical installer to install everything I need, and then use FTP to upload/download and test whatever I need. With that, I'm looking for distro suggestions.

PLEASE: don't make this a distro war. I don't care about what is easiest to use or looks the prettiest because I will only interact with it though FTP after initial installation. I'm just looking for something that is fast, efficient, and can run on the aforementioned POS computer.

Thanks. :)

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 2:47 pm
by R4000
centos 4.3 :)

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 2:59 pm
by feyd
Any particular versions of Apache, PHP, MySQL wanted?

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:00 pm
by evilmonkey
feyd wrote:Any particular versions of Apache, PHP, MySQL wanted?
Apache 1.x, PHP 4 or 5, MySQL 4.x

Thanks for the CentOS suggestion, I'll look into it. :) Keep 'em coming.

EDIT: CentOS looks to me like RedHat Enterprise, repackaged. I doubt that'd run well on my old comp. :?

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:03 pm
by feyd
hmm might want to dig around on DistroWatch for minimal install distros.. Damn Small Linux seems to fit the bill, but I don't know how far back the processor support goes.

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:08 pm
by evilmonkey
feyd wrote:hmm might want to dig around on DistroWatch for minimal install distros.. Damn Small Linux seems to fit the bill, but I don't know how far back the processor support goes.
DSL Site wrote:Run light enough to power a 486DX with 16MB of Ram
Hmm, might be an idea...I'll take a look at what it supports. :)

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 4:27 pm
by RobertGonzalez
A 1GB HDD might give you fits. As for the other hardware, my current Fedora Core laptop is about the same (except I have a 12GB HDD, of which about 2GB is used up by FC4) and it runs almost as good as my XP machine with an Athlon 3400. I think your trick is going to be finding a Linux OS that will install AND run on 1GB of HDD space.

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 4:37 pm
by timvw
The real problem is that you need at least 16mb ram for most installers...

(base OS install + Apache + PHP + MySQL shouldn't take more than let's say 200Mb)

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:20 pm
by evilmonkey
timvw wrote:The real problem is that you need at least 16mb ram for most installers...

(base OS install + Apache + PHP + MySQL shouldn't take more than let's say 200Mb)
I have 16MB (I think I have 24 in fact). :)

The DamnSmallLinux couldn't even boot, telling me that my BIOS was so corrupt, that it can't recognize it. Knoppix booted fine though. :? I can't use knoppix obviously because I have to store files on it, so...

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 6:48 pm
by Benjamin

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:32 pm
by evilmonkey
Does that have the servers? That looks like a real newb system (which is in itself not a bad thing, but won't help me much if it doesn't have those servers). Also, what system is it based on? (rpm, deb...)

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:05 pm
by Benjamin
I'm really not sure if it does or not as I have never used it. I just remember stumbling across it a long time ago and from what I understand it is supposed to run great on old hardware and it's very small.

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 10:40 pm
by evilmonkey
Hmmm...it really sucks that I can't get damn small to work, would ahve been a perfect solution...

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 10:57 pm
by redmonkey
Personally I think you are wasting your time trying to set up a testing server with those apps running on that type of spec. I not sure it's even possible to run MySQL on a system with only 16MB of RAM nevermind adding Apache and FTP deamons into the mix.

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 11:26 pm
by Benjamin
Yeah linux will run on small systems but that is kind of pushing it. I have some of that old ram if you want it. Just pay shipping and give me a few bux and I'll be happy. I have 4 16mb sticks that I found in the trash. I even have an old 75mhz processor to lol.