Web designers usually like to have web servers running on their local machine, so that they can beta test new designs, scripts, databases, etc before they go public and “official”.  There are two common ways to do this: install Apache or IIS.  For someone who’s used IIS, I personally think Apache is tons easier to use, at least after you install it.  The problem is installing it and the various other modules you may need.

AppServ is an Open Source package that makes this installation a snap, and assists you in setting up your Apache configuration file (the most difficult part, usually).  Also, AppServ installs a collection of other Open Source software for you, saving much setup time.  It can be downloaded here:  http://www.appservnetwork.com

I would like to detail the included open source programs and give a brief description of their uses:

Apache
Apache is the brain of your web server.  It coordinates everything your server will do and how it will handle everything.  Apache handles incoming HTTP connections, sends the requested file back to the computer who requested it, handles password protected directories, and can contain add-in modules to expand its standard capabilities.  Compared to IIS, Apache wins the web server battle hands down.

PHP
PHP is a server-side scripting language, meaning that it processes .php files before Apache sends those files back to the client.  PHP has many great uses, and can help web designers make larger sites quicker.  It has built in support for MySQL querying.  PHP is becoming an industry standard for server-side programming languages.

MySQL
MySQL is the premier open source relational database management system (RDBMS) available.  It is generally accepted as being the most user-friendly, powerful, and quick DBMS, and is probably a great choice for both beginners and advanced users.

PHPmyAdmin
This is a PHP backend for dealing with MySQL in a very user friendly environment.  It helps you navigate multiple databases, tables, records, and fields much easier than from source code.  PHPmyAdmin helps the user visualize a database instead of having to try and imagine it.

MyODBC
MyODBC is an interface used to connect to other database programs, such as Microsoft Access.  It makes the process extremely easier to use compared to older methods.  It is a very nice (and recent) addition to the AppServ package.

I really can’t say enough about how much simpler AppServ makes the configuration and integration of the included programs.  This package has saved me countless hours of installation troubles (I’ve installed this server on many machines in the past, and I still use it today).  It helps you set up PHP and MySQL through a simple wizard compared to the other alternative – installing each program separately.  AppServ also comes with built in support for CGI – which saves even more time.

AppServ has several other optional add-ins, including blog software, content management software, and the PHP Zend Optimizer.

Overall, AppServ is the best server installation program I have used.  I love using it, and will happily recommend it to every one of my readers.  Its simply awesome.

A Special Thanks to Bryan Risley
Today marks Bryan’s last day as my personal Editor, and your PCMech Editor in Chief.  I would like to thank him for his dedication to insuring that I, as well as all his other authors, produce quality-driven content for this site.  He helped me get started, and I owe him for much of my success.  Thanks Bryan for your hard work, dedication, and patience.  I appreciate it greatly, and hope that your life as an accountant takes off and does wonderful things – which I’m sure it will.

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