Please read the README in the doc/ subdirectory. Section 2 gives you complete details on how to configure, compile and install FreeRADIUS. If you do not need to modify the default configuration, then take the following steps to build and install the server: $ ./configure $ make $ make install Then, start the server in debugging mode: $ radiusd -X You should see a lot of text printed on the screen as it starts up. If you don't, or if you see error messages, please read the FAQ: http://www.freeradius.org/faq/ If the server says "Ready to process requests.", then it is running properly. From another shell (or another window), type: $ radtest test test localhost 0 testing123 You should see the server print out more messages as it receives the request, and responds to it. The 'radtest' program should receive the response within a few seconds. It doesn't matter if the authentication request is accepted or rejected, what matters is that the server received the request, and responded to it. You can now edit the 'radiusd.conf' file for your local system. Please read the ENTIRE file carefully, as many configuration options are only documented in comments in the file. Configuring and running the server MAY be complicated. Please read the documentation in the doc/ directory for further information. If you have any issues, the FAQ is also a good place to check.