do you guys know if i can host a test server

[DasCool]

on my computer? I am using Linux. I was wondering before i even buy a host. Can i just parition, Install Linux, PHP and Mysql and work from my computer or do i need a host? If i dont, can somone tell me the exact steps on how i'd go about setting one up. Thanks alot

[cyberphr]

on my computer? I am using Linux. I was wondering before i even buy a host. Can i just parition, Install Linux, PHP and Mysql and work from my computer or do i need a host? If i dont, can somone tell me the exact steps on how i'd go about setting one up. Thanks alot

Yes, you can do this.

Just setup your OS (debian would be good), install Apache/PHP/MySQL/Perl/Anything else you want, configure your firewall/router, start hosting.

You can easily partition a drive(s) with most linux installers, though with a server in use, it would need 24/7 uptime.

[DasCool]

Yes, you can do this.

Just setup your OS (debian would be good), install Apache/PHP/MySQL/Perl/Anything else you want, configure your firewall/router, start hosting.

You can easily partition a drive(s) with most linux installers, though with a server in use, it would need 24/7 uptime.
but i wont have traffic on it. Just for my own benefit untill i feel ready to launch the site then i'll move it to a server

[Cap'n Steve]

I think most linux distributions come with Apache, PHP, and MySQL. If you want to use Windows, I'd suggest downloading Appserv.