PHP Development Environment and Local Server

[BobH]

I'm trying to learn PHP but without a local host server it's a drag. I want to install Apache, MySQL and PHP on my local machine. I've tried WAMP5, EasyPHP and at least one other all-in-one package without success. One or the other of the products won't work properly - usually MySQL. I HAVE been successful getting Apache to run to the extent that it will serve up any pages I host there. I suspect that I have an application or version conflict, but don't know how to verify the fact or what to do about it if I do.

I have a 3.GHz machine with 2 GB RAM and almost a terabyte of hard disk space, and I'm using Crimson Editor, Firefox 2.0 and occasionally IE to see how things look. The OS is Win XP Pro SP-2. I am granted access to Her Ladyship's system when I need to ensure a distinct login to verify how something is working on my web site where I'm the Admin.

Can anyone point me to a fail-safe how-to on setting up a development environment and local server using these products? I'm retired; so "FREE" is a very large consideration.

TIA

[Waggers]

I can recommend XAMPP - very easy to install and set up. Be sure to change the language settings after installation - after that it's pretty straightforward. Includes apache server (including PHP - you can dynamically change the version of PHP, too) and MySQL among other features. <img src=/S/free.gif border=0 alt=free width=30 height=15> of course.

On installation, when it asks you whether you'd like the various components to be set up as a service, my advice is to say no (unless you're going to use your local host as a full-time web server). This way you'll need to remember to start the (virtual) server when you want it, but it doesn't use up system resources when not in use.

[BobH]

Thanks, Waggers!

Xampp downloaded and installed without a hitch. If it will break, I'll find out how and report back in.

Thanks again!