How to TEST a new Forum?

I'm going to install a new SMF forum. I have a .com domain name and quality hosting already purchased for it. I just wonder how should I install and test the forum first?

I can't install the forum right for my .com domain name, as it already receives some traffic and I don't want anyone to participate in the forum until I try it and see all works well.

Would this work?: I would create a secret folder (e.g. mydomain.com/xxxmy1stforumtestingxxx/), install the forum into that special folder so that no one would know about it (nobody will know the secret folder) and try it. Then if all works well, I will just copy all the files from that folder to the main folder of my domain name. Will this work? Can I copy my forum files to other folders? Or, this won't work, as it will require a new installation?

How do you guys launch & test your new forums?

 

I heard there is a software that will run a database server on your computer, so that you can set up and try the forum with it first, before uploading it online.

It's called "apache2triad". Do you think it's good? And don't you know where can I download it?

How do you guys test your forums before launching them online?

 

upload it on a subdomian named oj45fg9i0fik45.yourdomain.com

 

OK, I'll try.

 

And after that just move everything and run repair_settings.php to correct all your paths and url's.
It can be found in the download section on the SMF site

 

OK, thanks for your advice Diether.

 

I would recommend doing what Diether said. Much easier, quicker, and less hassle compared to setting up apache and hosting it yourself..

 

Id just leave the forum in a subdirectory, and then redirect either using .htaccess OR index with a META refresh redirect OR frame that takes you to the forum when your ready.

I just did a job like that: http://www.forexaffiliateguide.com
Its a META Refresh to the /forum directory.

 

you can install it in the place you want it to use later, just disable guest view of the forums and disable new registrations.
you can also put the forum offline in admin control, so only the admin can see the forum.
using this you can setup all categories/forums and only need to enable it to get it running for public.

 

Thank you Wimpie for your tip. That sounds to be the easiest solution.