localhost problems

[Foog]

I admit, I'm new to webserving... I'm running Apache Web Server on my computer here to host a site for my sister's wedding, I've got the site written and up and running... using the No-Ip.com dynamic IP updater...

My site is accessable from the no-ip site, but when I attempt to access it from localhost it won't allow the connection. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but I'm wanting to set up a PHPBB message board, and taht requires Mysql support... and Mysql requires access to localhost...

Any ideas would be appreciated,
Thanks in advance,
Foog

[Foog]

System specs are:

WIn XP pro
Apache 2.0.48
Php 4.0
morenet mysql 3.23.57

[Leosghost]

Hi foog ..welcome to WebmasterWorld ...

Hope you're real good at security issues if your doing this ....

Your machine depending how you set it up must look like ...easter bunny all ready to munch on the plate ..

[Foog]

well I've already got a software firewall on this computer, and a hardware firewall computer, followed by a hardware firewall in my router... and, of course, a virus scanner on each computer....

[Leosghost]

I was actually thinking about the security issues involved with the shell hardening ( or lack of ) in Apache under certain configs and the fact that you're running XP ....I suspect that even Bill runs the penguin and keeps a Mac for the real stuff ....

The PHP has got to be a weak area ...where we used to host we had hackers breakthru the sides every 10 days or so .....On your own machine less of an inconvenience if it happens but still a pain in the ***

I've got some articles on Hardened installs somewhere if your interested ...( otherwise I don't want to annoy the Jurrasic park rejects that live in my "office" by looking around their cages )...

[Foog]

If you would be willing to find those, I would really appreciate that...

As for running a Linux box or a mac, personally, I can't stand macs (personal choice, yah, I know they're great at graphics etc, but I just don't like 'em)... and as for linux/unix box, I used to have one... but parents sold it before I moved out... so now I'm just trying to get the money together to be able to get parts to build a new system where I'll put the latest distro on it...

Anyways... I really appreciate the offer of help on the security side of things... however that still doesn't help with the problem that I'm having...

I'm still unable to connect to localhost... if you, or anyone else has any ideas, I would really appreciate it...

Thanks again,
Foog