Setup PHP server

[marcopolo]

I did this a while back but wanted to know if anyone has a quick guide to setting up PHP, MYsql for Vbulletin on Server 2008, or should I just follow the ones I've found already here

http://www.wampserver.com/en/

Thanks

Mark

[Dismounted]

No, you shouldn't use those "ready-made" packages. You'll find heaps of tutorials about this kind of thing on Google, but first you have to decide if you're going to use IIS or Apache or similar.

[marcopolo]

The last time I used Apache, but I'm tempted to go IIS this time. It's only really for my own usage, not as an alternative to my live forum.

[mac-warez]

I would go with LightTPD

[Angel-Wings]

If you're running Server 2008 - maybe give IIS a try. PHP can be installed as ISAPI module - the PHP Readme already has a guide included how to install it. :)

[marcopolo]

If you're running Server 2008 - maybe give IIS a try. PHP can be installed as ISAPI module - the PHP Readme already has a guide included how to install it. :)

Thanks, that's what I went for in the end since I have a Server 2008 at home. All has gone well (IIS Fast CGI, MySQL 5.1, PHP 5.2.9, phpmyadmin and mysqldumper)

Must admit I had to mix a number of readme's to get MySQL installed and PHP configured, losts of conflicting info but went with one document in the end with a couple of minor amendments. :)

Does anyone have a readme as to what users require access to the wwwroot/forum folder.

I would imagine IUSR, IIS_USR and Network Service, but what permissions?

Also noticed mysqldumper would not get past the first screen untill I added everyone (full control on the folder (don't worry this is not public). Just wanted to check it was server permissions

Everything is up and running but I would ideally like to tie down permissions as 'priority'

Thanks,

Mark

[Dismounted]

All has gone well (IIS Fast CGI, MySQL 5.1, PHP 5.2.9
I have heard that running PHP as an ISAPI module is more stable and quicker than FastCGI (it used to be the opposite) on Windows boxes.

However, I have not done any testing myself as I don't play with Windows boxes.

[Angel-Wings]

You can setup a special dedicated PHP user - using the "IIS Guest" user as template. Then you can run the website with the forum under this user account.

http://www.iis-aid.com/articles/how_to_guides/securing_php_iis

Has some more info :) Your fav. search engine too

[marcopolo]

Yeah not bad that, always like the permission restriction but it doesn't actually say what permissions are required for the IUSR account which would help. :)

[Angel-Wings]

Read (not execute) permissions are enough - if it's a dedicated PHP user - filesystem based.
When storing attachments in the filesystem, create a directory outside your webroot and there write permissions are required. The same applies for the logging directory - if enabled in your VB settings.
If you also use the builtin FTP server, create another user and give that one write access to the VB folders / files and finally - remove the other users like "Everyone" if set that except "Administrators" and the PHP user / FTP user have no access.