Uniform Server: Quick Windows Web Server Setup
Exploring Lightweight Windows Web Servers
A keen interest in all aspects of the online world naturally leads to a fascination with efficient and capable Windows web servers.
Previously, I detailed my experience with XAMPP, driven by a need for a portable server environment. This was primarily for developing and testing modifications to my blog’s design.
My initial discovery of XAMPP stemmed from an article by Dave outlining its PC setup process. Given the blog’s current traffic volume, maintaining its uptime and reputation is paramount.
XAMPP and the Search for Alternatives
While XAMPP has proven reliable, I continually evaluate alternative solutions. The goal is to identify a service that surpasses XAMPP’s functionality.
I’m pleased to report that I’ve found another lightweight web server application that meets these criteria: the Uniform Server.
Introducing the Uniform Server
The Uniform Server presents itself as a compelling alternative within the landscape of portable Windows web servers.
It offers a streamlined approach to local web development and testing, mirroring the core benefits of XAMPP but with potential enhancements.
Key Features and Benefits
- Provides a complete and self-contained web server environment.
- Facilitates safe and isolated testing of website changes.
- Offers a lightweight footprint, minimizing system resource usage.
This makes it an ideal solution for developers seeking a robust yet unobtrusive platform for their projects.
Further investigation into the Uniform Server’s capabilities will be conducted to determine its suitability for ongoing blog maintenance and development.
Utilizing the Uniform Web Server
Prior to detailing the capabilities of the Uniform Server software, it’s important to explain why alternative solutions, such as XAMPP, were not ultimately chosen.
While XAMPP successfully installed a PHP/MySQL-based web server capable of mirroring my blog, the process of its setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance proved less streamlined than desired. Although it includes the Admin PHP application for MySQL setup, configuring the PHP installation itself can be complex.
The Uniform Server, conversely, provides all the functionality of XAMPP, alongside significantly improved accessibility for configuring and adjusting settings. It also supports Perl scripting, should that be required.
To install Uniform Server, simply download the ZIP archive and place it in your preferred directory on a USB drive or your PC. Within the root folder, you will find Start_as_program.exe and Start_as_service.exe. Executing the program initiates the server configuration application.
The application will immediately prompt you to change the root MySQL password, enhancing security. Upon completion, you’ll return to the main server setup screen. To activate the web server, click "Start Both," which will simultaneously activate the Apache web server and your MySQL database on http://localhost.
Visiting http://localhost/index.php before deploying your own files to the /www subdirectory will display a confirmation page, verifying the server’s proper operation.
Within the Uniform Server application, selecting the "Server Configuration" button reveals all modifiable aspects of the web server. This differs from earlier Uniform Server versions, which utilized a web-based admin page for these settings. Now, all configuration is managed through this locally executed, non-browser application.
This application provides access to a comprehensive list of server settings, eliminating the need to manually locate and edit configuration files. It streamlines the configuration process considerably.
For instance, clicking the "Apache" button grants access to all Apache web server settings, along with the ability to view log files, all from within the application.
Selecting PHP provides access to the PHP settings that can be altered on the server. This is particularly beneficial, contrasting with the challenges encountered when modifying PHP settings on a previous XAMPP server. The Uniform Server presents these options in a clear and organized manner. While understanding the changes remains necessary, the time spent locating the relevant files is significantly reduced.
The "Edit Basic Configuration" option allows for quick alteration of PHP settings directly within the application, bypassing the need for file editing. The interface is entirely menu-driven.
Furthermore, MySQL database backups are integrated into the Uniform Server application. This is advantageous, as my web hosting account with InMotion Hosting offers a one-click DB backup feature, and it’s valuable to have a similar capability with my local blog installation.
To thoroughly assess the server’s capabilities, I ran the WordPress installation script on the local web server. In my view, if it can successfully execute this, it can likely support any PHP-based blog.
Using the Uniform Server application, I launched phpMyAdmin (without needing to determine its location), and created a test MySQL database with a new user. I then downloaded the latest version of WordPress, edited the config.php file with the database name and user credentials, and initiated the installation script from http://localhost/wp-admin/install.php.
The installation script completed flawlessly on the local Windows web server.
In conclusion, after extensive testing, I have opted to switch from XAMPP to Uniform Server. Its setup and configuration are simply more efficient.
Have you experimented with both XAMPP and Uniform Server? Which do you find preferable? Are you aware of any other lightweight web servers that offer superior performance? Please share your insights in the comments below.
Web Server image Via Shutterstock
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