Creating a Web Test Environment in Windows - Enter XAMPP
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Knowing that installing and configuring Apache and the other necessary components is not easy, the kind folks over at Apache Friends decided to make things a little easier by developing XAMPP. XAMPP is a single installer that installs the whole package in a preconfigured, ready-to-run state.
The core of the project, of course, is Apache web server but they've included virtually everything you need, including support for PHP, MySQL, Perl, OpenSSL, and more.
You can download the XAMPP for Windows installer by visiting the ApacheFriends site. Installing XAMPP is simple and straightforward.
After starting the install, you'll be prompted for the language you would like to use. Next, you'll be asked to choose an installation directory. I recommend not putting this in your Program Files folder. You want this somewhere with easier access.
If you can, you should install this to a dedicated drive. This allows you the most flexibility for added security if you plan on running this for public access.
In the next stage of the installation you will be asked how you would like to install the XAMPP programs. I recommend choosing to install all of the components as services, especially if you will be running your web server full time. This allows your web server to function even when no one is logged on.
Once all of the files are copied, the installer will launch the PHP installer. This will set everything up for you without any input from the user.
At this point in the installation, all of the programs have been installed. The XAMPP installer will now attempt to start your web server. If you have Service Pack 2 installed, which you should, you will likely see a warning message like the one pictured above. Click the Unblock button to configure the Windows Firewall to allow access to Apache.
If you have some other third-party firewall installed, you will likely see a similar message. Choose whatever option allows access. If you have the option to remember this decision or to always allow, you should set that as well.
At a minimum, you will need access to Port 80. This is the standard port on which web servers operate. If you are running this on an intranet, you may wish to configure it differently for security purposes.
Next: Configuring Apache Security >>
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