Hi,

There always is a step to move from Manual Testing to Web Service testing, the thing I've noticed to be the most difficult is moving into working in the Abstract world of web services. Software testers in general  finkd that easy, but coming from manual testing it is kind of hard. Don't give up though, it will come to you. 

I don't know what Opeerating System you are using, but if you're a windows user, you should be able to download the installer, install, and run soapUI, simple as that. So the answer to the questions are:

1) Nope, no server is needed.
2) There is no need to set it up. It is an application that should run all on its own.

So, here is  my suggestion;
1) download either soapUI Installer from
http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=136013&package_id=163662
OR
the Pro Trial version from http://www.eviware.com/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,41/.
2) Install it.
3) Start soapUI from the startmenu or from the desktop icon.
4) Follow etiher the getting started tutorial http://www.soapui.org/gettingstarted/index.html
or use the included Sample project . Actually the last one might be a good starting point if you're not technical.
5) If you have troubles getting it started just come back with questions. We're here 

/niclas
eviware.com

If you're up and running, I'm happy.   

You're welcome back with any questions. We have forums both here and at

http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=494205 which is the main forum for the Open Source version of soapUI.


/niclas
eviware.com