Using Apache on WinXP home?

Questions about reasoning's for setting up Apache:

[TheWatchman]

I have tried several different times trying to use Apache. My question is: Is Apache only used as a private server? I am a bit confused so bere with my questions.

I understand that the home XP version doesn't come with ISS, as stated at "BlackViper's" pages. If that is the case, excuse my ignorance, then what server is my OS using while browsing with MSIE,Mozilla,Opera,K-Meleon? I have checked urls using the SEWebtools here and they say depending on the urls that some are using Linux: Redhat, others are using something else.

My mis-understanding is I see all these site's using "Apache" some you can have access some no access. So is Apache just used as a private server? Or is it possible to use it for all surfing of the Internet. Would thank anyone in advance if they can allow me to realize what it is that I'm asking, and if it is a valid question to ask.

Looking at some statistics, it seems that Apache is far more faster than other servers, so my interest is getting it to surf faster on the Internet, am I off in my analagy here?
The Watchman

[edited by: engine at 2:09 pm (utc) on Aug. 23, 2004]
[edit reason] italics removed [/edit]

[topr8]

welcome to WebmasterWorld,

you do not need a webserver to look at web pages on the internet, only a browser such as the ones you have listed.

you need a web server if you are serving/publishing webpages yourself. to look at other peoples websites you need only a browser.

[TheWatchman]

Thankyou for that explanation. I have only been using a PC now for 1yr. But I have utilized so much time learning about different aspects of what can be done on a PC that I sometimes get confused over such things as I have posted. Plus I am getting ready to attend College at the great age of 51 and am trying to whittle down what it is that I want to do in the Computering Industry. I love communicating as I have 4 forums, and lost count on how many blogs I have.

Perhaps you could induldge me here? I have been working on what it is that I may be able to make a good living at in computering. I like the idea of programming, and have looked up several sites defining programming, and am limited physically so I could do nothing in networking,I like learning about using the different types of languages, php, c, html, perl, python, etc, so I would like to get into more programming or some other field that may allow me to use and learn more to earn a living by computering.

I am fascinated by how all this works and how programmers do what they do, realizing I am but a novice here, but the love of it hasn't drifted off yet as with so many other typical users all they want to do is check emails, surf the internet, I on the other hand am allways downloading new program's and checking them against others, just fascinated with all these type program's and would like to learn one day how I could program a software and give it others as a thankyou for all the programs I am presently using for free, so any suggestion's if your not to busy?
The Watchman

[edited by: engine at 2:08 pm (utc) on Aug. 23, 2004]
[edit reason] italics removed [/edit]