So, you want to start a server, Huh?

So, I hear you want to start a server! Well, as the owner of many servers, I am here to help you.

First, you need to have a server program! For the sake of time, I will organize this into parts.

Table of Contents:

~ONE: A Classic Server

1: MySQL and the trouble it brings

1a: Getting your server program

1b: Port Forwarding

1c: Running your server

1: A Classic Server: MySQL and the Trouble it Brings

Okay, the first thing you need is MySQL. (EDIT: YOU CAN GET THE SERVER SOFTWARE BEFORE YOU DO THIS, TOO) MySQL sucks. I'm not kidding. It. Sucks. If you forget one thing about it, forget it, it's practically ruined. But don't worry; We are always here to help you if something goes wrong. :3 So, where do you get it? Here: http://www.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/

If you don't know if your computer runs 32-Bit or 64-Bit, just go for 32.

Okay, you downloaded it! Now what? Install it. After that, you need to open the MySQL Instance Configuration Wizard. If you're on XP, it should appear in Start> All Programs>MySQL. If you don't run XP, it should be where the Installation Wizard asked you to install it.

When the wizard opens up, click next. Click next again, ooh look! Again. Untill you see where you are supposed to make an account. Make one, then it will ask you for a password. Make a password. MAKE SURE THE PASSWORD IS EASY TO REMEMBER. IF YOU FORGET IT, YOU ARE DEAD! Then click finish! (If you already have your server, open up server.properties and put the MySQL password you made into where it says to. Don't worry about the port.)

1a: A Classic Server: Getting Your Server Program

Now (or first), you need to pick a server program to use. There are many out there, (Including mine, which can be found on my site's homepage: http://www.wulfkraft.t83.net/). I am only teaching you to do those, so if you want something different, look elsewhere. So where do you look for other kinds? Here, check the list: http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Custom_server_list

So you have what software you want. Download it, and unzip it.

Open it, and run MCWulf/MCForge/MCLawl. Dont worry about the error; More files will appear! Just close MCLawl/MCForge, and next, open up the PROPERTIES file, and find SERVER.PROPERTIES. Once inside, find the line SERVER-NAME= __________ and change that name to whatever you want to name your server (ex: My Minecraft Server). Also set your MOTD. This is the message that will appear when someone logs into your server. Look around some more, and don't be afraid to change the options around a bit.

When you are done with that, you may close that file. Go back to the main folder, and run it. Don't think it works, It doesn't, you need...

1b:A Classic Server: Port Forwarding

Okay, now this is the tricky part. I can't really help you with this, but I can help you a tiny bit. First, press Start.
Then, go to Command Prompt. (For XP: Click run, type cmd.) When you get there, type /ipconfig
Look for your IP address. Now that you have that, I can't really help you much more, exept to tell you to look for a Port Forwarding Guide on YouTube. I know it's lame, but I don't want to seriously mess up your computer. So just do it. Once you finish port forwarding, you are SO close to done! If you changed your ports during port forwarding, then make sure to go to SERVER.PROPERTIES and change your port number!



If your server works, then go ahead and read my tips on how to run a successful server...

1c: A Classic Server: Running Your Server

-DO NOT GIVE OUT RANKS TOO EASILY. I cannot stress this enough. If you do, people will expect a rank really fast just for building the tiniest thing ever.

-Make sure you know your commands. Everyone has griefers. If you don't know your commands... You can't help them.
MCWulf pretty has the same commands as MCLawl, but it soon won't!

Here's a list of commands for MCForge: http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/MCForge

For MCLawl: http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/MCLawl

There you go. Memorize those!

-Have at least 1 op on at a time. If you don't, something may happen, and you won't even know what hit you.

If you need any more help, feel free to post!