Getting MAMP to work on a Langara Lab Mac requires a specific procedure, as outlined below.
The Problem
There are two issues to confront when trying to use MAMP on a lab mac.
First of all, it’s not installed by default.
Secondly, the installed MAMP gets “tied” to the user who installed it.
It won’t work for anyone else. The app will start, but one or both servers will not, making the app useless to anyone other than the original installer.
The Solution
The solution is to install (or reinstall) the app. But you cannot install it the “regular” way.
For licensing and security reasons, a student or staff account is not allowed to install software on a lab mac.
However, Langara IT Admins have made it possible to install approved software, using a specialized software called Self Service.
Using SELF SERVICE
Search for Self Service by pressing COMMAND+SPACEBAR and typing self service.
Once the app starts up, go to WMDD in the BROWSE menu on the left side.
Click Install MAMP Silicon.
The installation can take a few minutes.
If you are reinstalling MAMP, the process will move older installations into folders with dates in the name. Ignore these folders.
May 2025 Addition
As of this year, you will need to do one more thing to make MAMP work on a lab Mac: update phpMyAdmin.
To do that, do the following:
- Download latest phpMyAdmin version from here: https://www.phpmyadmin.net/downloads/
- Unzip the download.
- Go to the folder Applications/MAMP/bin/phpMyAdmin5
- Delete all files and folders from inside that folder
- Copy the files and folders from the newly downloaded version to Applications/MAMP/bin/phpMyAdmin5
Make Your Site
Start up MAMP. If it asks for a password, just click cancel. It may ask again: just click cancel again.
The first time MAMP starts up may take a minute or two.
Once MAMP is running, click START and then WEB START PAGE and create your first database.
As part of making your site, you will of course need to download WordPress and put it in the htdocs folder inside the MAMP folder. Remember: this is the folder that does not have a date in the name.
Important Note:
If you login to the Mac later, you will still be able to use the MAMP you installed. If someone else has used MAMP on that station, however, you will need to reinstall.
For this reason, it’s definitely recommended that you backup any projects you build on a lab machine.
As well, if you think you will need MAMP for an exam, it would be a good idea to arrive a little early and install it ahead of time.