Why would I not want a WAMP Server?

[thephpguy]

Why would I not want to use Apache, PHP and MySQL on a Windows Box?

I've seen lots of tutorials on how to build them but a lot say use this for a test server only. Why?

[txbakers]

The main reason, is that IIS, and ASP are native to Windows. mySQL runs fine on Windows. You have to install some type of database.

Why duplicate a technology and web server when one already exists.

You certainly can run it on a Windows box, there's nothing wrong with doing it. You'll have additional configuration since IIS wants to run on port 80, but that's an easy fix.

The general consensus though is that that group of products is run on Linux. But there's no hard and fast rule.

[mcavic]

Agreed, while it probably works fine, I think it's silly to run Apache/PHP under Windows. It'll be slower under Windows than under Linux, and it may or may not give you 100% compatibility (development-wise) with the Linux community. Also, it may be more difficult to install security fixes.

But aside from that, if it works it works.

[ikkyu]

If you stay with windows I guess its better to WIMP out;).

[txbakers]

WIMP : Windows, Icons, Menus, Pull-Downs for the acronymically challenge.

Funny, that was the original appellation for the Mac when it first came out.