How do i install Apache, PHP and MySQL?

Question

I have downloaded all three but need some help (few questions):

Am i right in thinking with Apache i can host my own site's?

When i try to install Apache, it asks for network domain and server name what does that mean is it a domain name as i don't have one yet?

PHP installation instructions say to run the MSI installer, i can't even find that in the PHP folder, what's gone wrong and there are so many files its confusing me?

As for MySQL, i thought i followed the instructions correctly, but when it loaded up it was for some command codes or something, i thought it was for databases?

This is getting to confusing, and all i want to do it start learning PHP, is there an easier way?

Please help, desperate and confused wannabe web-designer

Thanks in advance

PS: If you think i am too thick to be studying this stuff, keep your comments to yourself (as i am sick of idiots thinking i should be an A* pupil to study this stuff) I am and always be thick, so my achievements will always be greater than yours !!!

Answer 1

I, as a web designer/developer myself, would recommend in the future that you host your websites with a hosting company. A lot less headache. But in the meantime, I would recommend working with and installer package like XAMPP (http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.ht... This will install Apache, MySQL, PHP, and other features and set them up as services as well. If you are new to this I recommend using a installer like XAMPP. This will setup your computer as a server and allow a good environment to learn PHP.  Good Luck!

Answer 2

You need to set up a WAMP on your system. A WAMP is a package of those that will set it all  up and serve it for you...otherwise, you are going to continue to run into issues. There are tons of choices when it comes to which WAMP to use, pretty much all of them are free, as far as I know.

I use XAMPP, personally. Works great, never had any problems, and it was very easy to install. Free, as well.

Now, all of this is designed to host your site on a local basis for development .To get it on the net, you absolutely should go with a hosting service. If you're determined to do it yourself, check with your ISP first, at the very least.

Many ISP's are very strict about serving websites on a home package. Most will shut you down in a heartbeat for it. Also, it is a massive headache to do it without a server system set up. With PHP and MySQL you should have a Linux server going on your machine.

In the end, it will cost you just as much to pay someone to host your site, as your ISP will likely up your monthly bill.

Answer 3

Download and install everything via XAMPP, it's easy and fast. Or, MAMP if you're on a Mac.

Answer 4

For purposes of learning PHP I would recommend using XAMPP:

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.ht...

XAMPP is an install package that sets up a preconfigured environment with Apache, PHP and MySQL. Makes it much easier then trying to install them individually.  

Answer 5

Download WAMP (if you're on windows) and you shouldn't have a problem getting up and running that way

Answer 6

Well, if all you want to do is learn PHP, then you may want to just find a web host somewhere. What you're doing would be good training if you wanted to become a system administrator—but if you just want to learn to code, then it sounds like you're wasting a lot of time trying to figure things out that aren't that relevant. Also, most PHP coding isn't done in a Windows environment.

I would find a web hosting service that has PHP & MySQL installed (nearly any will) and UNIX shell access (not as common, but they're out there) and get an account. Then you can jump right into learning PHP and let them deal with installing software, etc.

Answer 7

Try EasyPhp. It will install Apache, php and mysql for you. You don't have to worry about configuration.

http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles...

Or Wamp(similar to easyphp)

http://www.wampserver.com/en

Answer 8

The easiest solution is to get something like wamp ( http://www.wampserver.com/en/ ) or xampp ( http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.ht... ).  These application provide the trio of Apache, MySQL and PHP in a simple installer.  They will do a basic setup for you to allow you to test applications etc on your own computer without having to worry about what configurations you need.  And you can be up and running in a few minutes.

I recommend wamp, simply because it allows php extensions to be switched on off easily to match client setups, but have a look around for other wamp solutions that meet your requirements a bit better.  To install wamp,

Download the isntaller from their website.

Run the downloaded file.

Start WAMP (from the start menu).

Open internet explorer or any other browser

In the address bar type in http://localhost

if you see a page with a welcome message you have a working apache, mysql, php setup and can begin writing your code.  The root directory for wamp is usually c:\wamp\www - so place all your scripts in that folder and it should all work ok.

If you are intent on configuring it all yourself to get a better understanding of the guts of the system. Post an update to your question asking for a full explanation and I will try to guide you through installing each component.  But as your main point is to learn php there is no real need to understand how apache or mysql do what they do.