Setting up a local testing server for PS3

Scenario:
Small local network
Preferred server: Mac Mini Intel Leopard Mamp
Primary development platform: Mac G5 Tower Tiger Adobe CS4 with all the trimmings Mamp
Secondary development platform: Mac Pro Laptop Intel Leopard Adobe CS4 etc. Mamp

Question…
How do I place my local site files on the Mac Mini "server" or a network drive so that I can access the same "local" files from both my desktop or laptop.

And, how do i set the Mac Mini as the "testing server"?
Would all the access privileges be set at the Mini?

And is Mamp, NOT Pro, able to do this?

And I expect that privileges for the individual files could be a problem working from two locations so what do I need to do to overcome that?

I don't want to keep any site files on either development platform so there is no chance of disparate files in two locations.

I've poured through all the forums and only circled around related questions. Nothing gets to the heart of what I intend.

Mick

You will first need to ensure that your machines are networked together. This will allow you to access the files from one or the other machines.

In DW on your dev machine you just need to setup the testing server to point to the root of your site on the mini. You also need to add in the URL to this location. The URL you need to add will be the one that takes you to the site on the mini.

This way you can work and test on your machines.

Originally Said By: Eric Mittman

  You will first need to ensure that your machines are networked together. This will allow you to access the files from one or the other machines.  

They are.

Originally Said By: Eric Mittman

  In DW on your dev machine you just need to setup the testing server to point to the root of your site on the mini. You also need to add in the URL to this location. The URL you need to add will be the one that takes you to the site on the mini.  

In my case I want both the desktop and laptop to be my dev machines so that I can work from either at will.
And the mini will be my testing server.
Since I am the only one using DW and I wouldn't & couldn't use two copies concurrently on the same site would this be possible?

Would it be correct to assume that Mamp on my dev machines would need to point to the directory on the mini?

How and where would I set privileges…

At this point this is all still very unclear to me, so please pardon the nature of my questions. I'll get there eventually.
Your help is appreciated.

Mick

You just need MAMP on your testing server machine, mini. The other machines just need to have DW installed on them, you can have two installations at the same time.

You would need to configure the sites in DW in the testing server area. In this area you need to select the root of the site on the mini, and set the URL so that it will browse to the root on the mini.

You should not have to worry about setting any privileges.

Eric

I am delighted.
My Mini is serving.
I can author from either desktop or laptop.
I can preview my work.
And whatever else…

Thanks
Mick

You are welcome, it is always good to hear when things are working as they should.

Eric

I've set MAMP on the mini to the default Apple ports 80 3306 and consequently a login is required which must be done at the mini.

First. Is it advisable to use 80 3306 or use the MAMP defaults which don't require a login or does it make any difference at all?

Second. If the first (80 3306) can I use a VNC to control the mini from my other machines?
Starting and logging in?

Third. If I should use a VNC and I'm uncomfortable with Apple's asking price for Apple Remote Desktop can you offer any insight into preferred open source or third party apps?

Mick

If you are being asked to authenticate it is because of a security feature that is in place on the OS. If you feel ok with logging in then it is ok to use these ports, however these are the same ports as used on live webservers so if you have any security concerns you should use the defaults.

You should be able to control the machine via VNC with the default setup. To enable VNC on the mini go to system preferences > internet and networking > sharing. In here make sure that you have the option for screen share enabled.

Next you need to install a VNC client on the machines you would like to remote into the mini with. If you are on a mac I would suggest Chicken of the VNC, it is a client that I have used and it works well. On a PC you should look for TightVNC, it is a free one.