A pre-built virtual machine is the best way to to quickly deploy a server or test a server-based application.
There are virtual appliances for ERP, CRM, file serving, groupware, and just about every type of server you can think of. You can download complete operating systems or powerful services built on top of full-blown server OSes.
In this post, 5 of my favorite turnkey, readymade solutions for VMware and VirtualBox, which you can download and load up into your favorite virtual machine host:
1: LAMP stack
LAMP stack is for anyone who needs to quickly deploy a LAMP server (Linux Apache MySQL PHP). This virtual appliance offers SSL support, PHP, Python and Perl support for Apache2 and MySQL, XCache (PHP opcode caching acceleration), PHPMyAdmin (Web-based front end for MySQL), Postfix MTA (mail server), and Webmin modules for configuring Apache2, PHP, MySQL, and Postfix. With this appliance, you can quickly test and roll out Web sites and services or test customized LAMP optimization.
Download : http://www.turnkeylinux.org/lampstack
2: WordPress appliance
The WordPress appliance will help you get the world’s most popular blogging system up and running in moments. You will instantly have a WordPress server that is installed from upstream source code to /var/www/wordpress. Also included is an integrated upgrade mechanism, the ability to upload media such as images and videos, permalink configuration supported through an admin console, and automatic plugin upgrades.
Download: http://www.turnkeylinux.org/wordpress
3: Samba Domain Controller appliance
The Domain Controller appliance is a Samba-based Windows domain controller server. This appliance is configured to support netlogon, network attached storage (NAS) for domain users, roaming profiles, and PnP printing services. It includes a powerful Web interface to make configuring Samba and printing services a snap.
Download: http://www.turnkeylinux.org/domain-controller
4: Openfiler appliance
The Openfiler appliance will convert any standard x86/64 system into a full-fledged NAS/SAN appliance or IP storage gateway. With this virtual appliance, you have easy access to all the tools to fit your growing storage needs. Openfiler also helps bridge the gap between platforms, easily allowing for storage from any OS or system.
Download: http://www.openfiler.com/community/download
5: Moodle
Moodle is a BitNami stack that simplifies the deployment of Moodle. Moodle is a popular course management system that’s designed to help educators create online learning communities. Used in 175 countries, Moodle can scale from a single computer up to a 50,000-student university.
Download: http://bitnami.org/stack/moodle
Worth a try
If you haven’t tried virtual appliances, you need to do so right away. These incredible time-saving tools can help you quickly learn the ins and outs of specific pieces of software and systems, as well as virtualization. Check out a few of these virtual appliances and see if they don’t make your world much easier to manage.
