Getting Started with DesktopServer

DesktopServer was created specifically to help WordPress designers or developers spin up local building and testing environments. Since creating a site takes just a few seconds, you’ll find it easy for testing out concepts, isolating problems, or even referencing dozens of sites that might still be in development.

In the following video promo, we demonstrate how to run DesktopServer for the very first time in OSX. Following are step by step instructions with large screenshots for Windows users (featuring Windows 7). This material should help answer some of the most common questions that arise when you install DesktopServer for the first time; however, please feel free to reach out to us if you hit any road blocks.

First, DesktopServer will want to start as an administrator. This is needed to create your ‘virtual servers’ so that your browser can find the non-existent .dev (dot D-E-V) domain for development. When you point to a .dev domain, you are working on your local box.

For security purposes, Windows will ask you to confirm, and Macintosh will ask you for your password. It’s just a matter of clicking ‘Yes’ on Windows7. If the database and web services are not already running, DesktopServer will prompt you to start them.

The caution arrow is to remind you that running a server may expose your computer to other users. This usually isn’t an issue for users at work or home as they are more likely to be behind a router’s firewall. But if you don’t trust your co-workers or are in a public area with potential hackers, like a WiFi hotspot, you may wish to check your settings.

Last updated on November 15, 2016