[I Am JT]

Windows:
Step 1. Download CraftBukkit (Recommended Build) From Here

Step 2. Put the .jar file in the directory you'd like the server to run from

Step 3. Open a text editor and type:

java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar craftbukkit.jar -o true
PAUSE

Step 4. Save the file as run.bat

Step 5. Double Click the Run.bat File

Step 6. Type "stop" into the console to close the server
Source: Craftbukkit

Mac OSX:

Step 1. Install Java
Since OS X 10.7 Java does not come packaged with OS X. You will need to install java from the Apple's website Java For OS X Lion
Step 2. Obtaining the Server Files
To run a server you will need the server jars, i.e. the server files. We will need a place to put the files.
Step 3. Create a New Folder
Open up finder, and create a new folder in your Home folder named CraftBukkit
Step 4. Download the File
Download the server files. You can download the latest builds from the front page of the wiki.
Note: Download the stable build if you are not chasing the cutting edge in the development build
Step 5. Move the File
Move the file from the Downloads folder to the CraftBukkit folder you created.
Step 6. Obtaining startup script
To easily start the server you will need a startup script. The following is a basic server script to start your server.
Step 7. Open up TextEdit set it to plain text mode under format and paste the following in

#!/bin/bash
cd "$( dirname "$0" )"
java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar craftbukkit.jar -o true

Step 7. Save the file
Save it in your CraftBukkit folder as start_server.command
Step 8. Allow the script to run
Step 9. Open up Terminal.app
Step 10.Type into Terminal.app
chmod a+x

Warning: Do not hit return
3. drag the start_server.command into Terminal.app
Step 11. hit return
Step 12. Starting the server
From this point on you can start the server by double-clicking start_server.command.
You will need to run the server once for it to generate some configuration files.
Warning:To stop the server, do not close the terminal/command prompt window. Instead, type 'stop' into the console. Closing the terminal window without stopping the server could lead to corruption of the save files.
Source: Craftbukkit

VPS Setup
Step 1. Login to your VPS via Putty or the other terminal you're using and enter the command below.

yum install java-1.6.0-openjdk

Your system will now attempt to install java build 1.6.0, which is the version required to run the minecraft server software. Just let it run, if it asks any questions just type "y" where/when it asks for you to do so.
Step 2. Let's create a new directory named "minecraft" by entering the command

mkdir minecraft

Next enter

cd minecraft

After entering that command, you should be greeted with the return of "username@server minecraft
Step 3. Now, we need to create a new screen. This is important for when you close the terminal, the server stays up and continues to run without the need of the terminal being open on your computer 24/7. To begin enter the following command

screen -dmS minecraft -t minecraft

Now after creating that screen session with the window ID of Minecraft, enter this command to attach to that created session.

screen -r minecraft

Step 4.While we remain in the minecraft directory, were going to download the files in here. Start by running the command

wget http://minecraft.net/download/minecraft_server.jar

Step 5.This is the last step needed to get your server up and running, this code will start the server.

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

(Where it says 1024M is where you type the amount of RAM you want the server to use, example: if you purchased a server with 2 Gigs of RAM and you want to use all 2 Gigs you would type 2000M in the replacement of 1024M)

Installing Plugins

Bukkit Is Required.

[OversouL]

Nice tut. Thanks for this. I'm sure this will help a lot of members.

[Sirius]

Great tutorial, this can help a lot of members

[Wonders]

Awesome tutorial, thanks a lot for sharing this with us.

[Storm_DZ]

[align=center]

Windows:
Step 1. Download CraftBukkit (Recommended Build) From Here

Step 2. Put the .jar file in the directory you'd like the server to run from

Step 3. Open a text editor and type:

Step 4. Save the file as run.bat

Step 5. Double Click the Run.bat File

Step 6. Type "stop" into the console to close the server
Source: Craftbukkit

Mac OSX:

Step 1. Install Java
Since OS X 10.7 Java does not come packaged with OS X. You will need to install java from the Apple's website Java For OS X Lion
Step 2. Obtaining the Server Files
To run a server you will need the server jars, i.e. the server files. We will need a place to put the files.
Step 3. Create a New Folder
Open up finder, and create a new folder in your Home folder named CraftBukkit
Step 4. Download the File
Download the server files. You can download the latest builds from the front page of the wiki.
Note: Download the stable build if you are not chasing the cutting edge in the development build
Step 5. Move the File
Move the file from the Downloads folder to the CraftBukkit folder you created.
Step 6. Obtaining startup script
To easily start the server you will need a startup script. The following is a basic server script to start your server.
Step 7. Open up TextEdit set it to plain text mode under format and paste the following in
Step 7. Save the file
Save it in your CraftBukkit folder as start_server.command
Step 8. Allow the script to run
Step 9. Open up Terminal.app
Step 10.Type into Terminal.app
chmod a+x

Warning: Do not hit return
3. drag the start_server.command into Terminal.app
Step 11. hit return
Step 12. Starting the server
From this point on you can start the server by double-clicking start_server.command.
You will need to run the server once for it to generate some configuration files.
Warning:To stop the server, do not close the terminal/command prompt window. Instead, type 'stop' into the console. Closing the terminal window without stopping the server could lead to corruption of the save files.
Source: Craftbukkit

VPS Setup (Coming Soon) [/b]

Is there any chance you could set one up for me? Like a dedicated one?

[Cosmic]

This is a really nice thread! Ill be sure to reference it when in need.

Thanks noob.

[Welfare]

Very nice thread!,
Very informative!

[Sunlight]

Very nice guide. Thanks for this, this will be a big help to many members.

[Lexi]

Nice guide I might make one for CentOS soon.

[I Am JT]

Updated the thread for setting it up on a Linux VPS & Installing Plugins. CentOS and Windows VPS Guides Soon.