Selecting the right platform to get started can ease the process considerably. Most organisations prefer to use a windows machine, and at most times a windows server.

In any case the choice should include a backup strategy. VMs may be best with snap shot enabled.

Windows

Add 1.5 GB RAM and about 10 GB HDD to your server specs. So if you are spec-ing 4 GB RAM for your server, add 1.5 GB to make 5.5 GB.

The Idesk windows installation files comes with a batch file to get you running quickly with the install process. Before running the file, make sure:

1. To turn UAC off. You can turn it on again after installation is complete.
2. Run the bat file As Administrator

Idesk is also available as virtual image pre-built on Debian 7 Linux. However, if you wish to install PHP on IIS and a MySQL database, refer relevant sections further down.

Refer section Running the installer once your web server and database are running.

Linux

If setting up on Liniux, you probably know what you are doing! Happy *nix-ing!