test server question

I have some files from a web site I had made a long time ago and I want to install it on a server so I can play around with it. I have another website that I have paid for hosting and such ........ can I use that server somehow as a test server without effecting my current site?

I guess what I'm asking is...do I have to buy and register a new domain name, sign up for a new account for hosting just to play around with this site? Is there anyway I can host it on my own computer? Thanks in advance.

 

nobody....maybe this is the wrong area to post this?

 

you can host the files in your PC. you need to install some pre-requisites in your system.

or

create a new subdomain in your host and install the files over there. no need to buy a domain unless it is necessary for you.

 

Sure you can use that space.

If you mean how do you get a domain name to resolve to that IP address (so you browse the pages in a web browser by using a name) then the eaiest way it to add that domain name/IP address to your "hosts" file. How to do this will depend on your OS.

Or you could install apache (or another web server) on your PC and run it from there.

 

What pre-req's do I need to install?

 

I think the easiest is to:
1) create a subdomain of your current hosted site: test.yourcurrentsite.com
2) put a folder in your hosted space with the files you want to play with: yourcurrentsite/test
3) point the subdomain to the "test" folder.

You can accomplish all of this in a couple of minutes through your web hosts control panel and then you can try the files out on a live web server.

 

For #2, where in my hosted space can I put the folder? In the public_html folder? Please be specific as I am VERY new at this. Also, for #3, how do I "point" the subdomain to the test folder? Thanks.

 

#2) Yes put the folder in your public_html folder and it can have the name of your choice

#3) I can't be completely specific as it depends on your hosting control panel. When you have the option to create a subdomain in your control panel it will usually ask you where to "point" the subdomain. The subdomain should "point" or be directed to the folder in your hosted space that you created in step 2.

 

Thanks man...I did it. The only problem is I have to somehow get it so I see the index page.....instead of the directory page..lol...this is going to be interesting. Thanks again.

 

Usually in the control panel you have the option to select which name/ types of pages are opened by default (e.g. index.html, default.html, etc) You can either find where you can change you settings for which pages in a directory are opened by default or you can change the name of the page you would like to open to one of the accepted ones...