Joomla! Stand Alone Server

Dynamic websites have many advantages over pages designed with software running on one computer, but they can be difficult to test before posting to the internet.

Joomla! Stand Alone Server takes the pain out of this by setting up the all the required software: the Apache webserver with PHP and the MySQL database software. It includes both of the current versions of Joomla, 1.0.15 and 1.5.

Because of high demand, JSAS is no longer free to download. Instead, registration and payment is required to access the most current download. A one-month membership is only US$10 so it is still very cheap. Free registration gives access to older versions of the software.

Installation is straightforward and Joomla creates a virtual hard disk that is used to store the trial websites. This makes the files easier to find, but they cannot be accessed when the software is not running.

Up to five test websites can be used at any one time with Joomla. Each can be loaded in a browser by clicking on its name on the browser.

Setting up a MySQL database is done automatically and all the information needed for the websites is given in a single window.

There is a bias towards the Joomla website software, and there is a shortcut to install Joomla for each test website. However, we tested Joomla with another website program and it worked without any problems.

The software does have two windows, an annoyance if you have a full Taskbar, and there is some advertising in the main window. There are no pop-ups, however, so it is unobtrusive.

Sadly there is also a known bug with Vista that requires User Account Control to be switched off before JSAS can be used.