Help me understand Tester requirements

WebPageTest Private Instances
1

Hi Folks,

I am interested in running a private instance of WebPagetest.

I understand an Amazon EC2 instance can be used in place of a local Windows computer to perform the Testing functions.

I would much prefer to use a professionally managed remote machine than a privately managed local machine.

However my problem is I want to ensure that testing is done from Perth, Western Australia, and I understand that Amazon EC2 instances are served from USA.

Perhaps I could find a professionally managed VM located in Perth to do the Testing?

Are you able to make some recommendations for me?

2

There are EC2 AMI’s available for Sydney which is closer but still on the wrong coast: https://sites.google.com/a/webpagetest.org/docs/private-instances#TOC-ap-southeast-2-Sydney-

Other than that a Windows VM would work fine but it’s quite a bit more work and I’m not familiar with hosting providers in the area.

3

Thanks Patrick.

Can I ask some clarifications please?

In running a private instance of WebPagetest, am I free to advertise my instance publicly? I know that sounds like an oxymoron. :slight_smile:

Can you point me in the right direction for understanding what work is required to get the Testing performed from a Windows VM?

Thank you,
Steve.

4

You’re welcome to do whatever you’d like with it (even for commercial use). The BSD license it is licensed under is quite liberal.

Have you been through the configuration docs? https://sites.google.com/a/webpagetest.org/docs/private-instances#TOC-Configuring

The main difficulty is with keeping windows running and clean (malware), particularly if you allow browsing of arbitrary pages. With the AMI you can just terminate and re-launch instances and not worry about it.

5

Thanks Patrick. Yeah, I have been through the configuration docs. I agree RE: Windows.

The AMI sounds helpful, but I’d really love to offer an testing service from Perth.

I gather that means I am stuck with a VM, and my question is: is a Windows Server running as a VM the only solution left to me? If that’s the case, I’m open to trialing it.