Setting up for using php

[nEptune]

I've had a search around the forums and can't seem to find an answer to this so I apologise if this has been covered before.

I want to set up a testing server for php and mysql and wondered what is the best way to go about this? How do I install php and a testing server on my pc? I've just found out that Windows Vista doesn't ship with IIS for server testing and wondered is there an alternative, or how can I do this? Is it easier to use my laptop which has XP pro installed?

From what I see php and mysql is the most popular combination in use at the moment so I assume this is the best way to go?

Thanks in advance,
Ian

[nEptune]

Just an extra thought - Is it feasible to still be using asp and ms access? I have some (albeit limited) experience of this.

I would still need to install a web server though.

Ian.

[brotherhood of LAN]

Have a look at WAMP [wampserver.com] (Apache, MySQL, PHP on Windows)

[lavazza]

For Win XP (maybe Vista, too), I can strongly recommend cyleft's Installing Apache 2.2 PHP 5.2 MySQL 5 on Windows 32bit or x64 [cyleft.wordpress.com] - simply because, if you follow it to the letter, it works! :)

[BradleyT]

2nd vote for WAMP. It's basically plug and play.

[dreamcatcher]

Xampp is also an alternative and a better one that Wamp IMO. You can also view this thread in our library:

[webmasterworld.com...]

dc