PHP and Web Servers

[simontompkins]

Hi
I want to learn how to use php so to install on XP I think I need a web server and the php files. I've trawled through pages and I've found download sites but I can't make out which files I'm supposed to download - even the official php site is goobbledegook - it says 'download here' then when I click it gives me a directory without telling which one is the one.

So, please could somebody send me a link that tells me exactly how to download - the php site does the classic mistake of putting in links to a directory with loads of downlaodables but doesn't tell me which one to download when I get there.
So I'd be grateful for clear links to download php. I'd also appreciate any help on tutorial pages for php. I also need a web server (are there any free that work with php?)

[Brendan]

Right. I found what I was looking for. This is a software "package" that will install Apache, PHP and MySQL for you. It also configures everything for you.

http://www.firepages.com.au/

[Force Flow]

What O/S are you running on the server? There are installation packages for linux, windows, mac and other platforms.

http://www.php.net/downloads.php

No, they did not make a "classic mistake" as you say they did. You just have to know and be aware of the different platforms and what they require, as well as knowing how to download from mirror sites.

[simontompkins]

Originally Posted by Force Flow What O/S are you running on the server? There are installation packages for linux, windows, mac and other platforms. http://www.php.net/downloads.php No, they did not make a "classic mistake" as you say they did. You just have to know and be aware of the different platforms and what they require, as well as knowing how to download from mirror sites.

This is the type of post that really winds me up. Yes they made a mistake - when I buy an icecream and say to a person could I buy one I don't expect to be shown an aircraft hangar sized freezer and be told - 'it's in there somewhere you just need to know your way around freezers'
Your attitude is ridiculous - if a php page says there are three things you need and this is the link - amazingly enough I expect to be directed straight to a download dialogue- I don't expect a window to open up with large numbers of files without any idea which files to download.

While I appreciate people's time - I was extremely annoyed by the way you try and dismiss my experience of the php site. One of the biggest problems in IT is the way that some people refuse to accept that technology should be about making life simpler - not allowing things to stay overly complicated just so that certain people can feel more important about themself just because they know something other people don't. For my part I'm sorry for those occassions in the past when I've missed the point - I hoped I've listened to constructive criticism - as I hope you will

[catacon]

Well, umm...ok then. I use this server for testing http://www.appservnetwork.com/. It comes with PHP, MySQL, and Apache. Installs everything for you. Works well and I have had no problems at all. Hope that helps.

[Force Flow]

Ok...that still didn't answer the question I had so I could help you out and direct you to what you needed.

[neouser99]

Originally Posted by simontompkins Hi I want to learn how to use php so to install on XP I think I need a web server and the php files. I've trawled through pages and I've found download sites but I can't make out which files I'm supposed to download - even the official php site is goobbledegook - it says 'download here' then when I click it gives me a directory without telling which one is the one. So, please could somebody send me a link that tells me exactly how to download - the php site does the classic mistake of putting in links to a directory with loads of downlaodables but doesn't tell me which one to download when I get there. So I'd be grateful for clear links to download php. I'd also appreciate any help on tutorial pages for php. I also need a web server (are there any free that work with php?)

guessing XP, but is this guy the same as the other three, or are there three people other then force commenting in the same thread?!

-neo

[Force Flow]

Sorry, guess I missed it first time through.

He can either grab the zip: http://www.php.net/get/php-5.0.4-Win.../from/a/mirror
or the installer: http://www.php.net/get/php-5.0.4-ins.../from/a/mirror