So here we go:
The first thing at all is to inform yourself a little about the different terms in webserver language!
Then download your own private copy of xampp-- A server package which is available for free at http://www.apachefriends.org.
Its a normal installation exe. , so its easy to install.
After running the instal.exe, you will need to configure some basic stuff.
1st:setting a root password for a database managing system (which you ofcourse get with this package)called mysql.It is operated with the client called phpmyadmin.
This database is useful to store data include info that different php scripts (like forums such as this one) need to have access to. Normally you need to be good at programming to make your own php script which accesses databases such as mysql. But that comes later when you know what the basics are!
So, the client phpmyadmin is not a programm installed on your computer like any other one, no, its accessible with the normal internet client. To access the xampp start webpage(from where you can access phpmyadmin and other stuff), type localhost into the webbrowser url box.
Localhost is the url which points to the folder htdocs. This means, that it will open the directory of your website which is by default "htdocs"(found under xampp installation dir. on your harddrive!)
This is standard and easy.
When the webpage opens you will see a menue and many different things on the site. This is the xampp start page located in htdocs.
To make a your html doc. vissible by typing loacalhost, you basically just have to copy the file into htdocs and voila... the site(ex.localhost/yoursite.html) you put in there should be vissible when you type the localhost and then file name url!!!
So , this is the simplest part at all!!
To configure your server(s) you need to go to the main config file which is located in the xampp/apache directory. Here you can make changes to what the server can and will do.
But wait you might say-..... whats with the mysql and ftp and email server stuff i see in the xampp control panel.... well..the mysql database like i said is accessible when using a php script like a php forum. The forum script normally connects and creates the files it needs(passwords..usernames..etc.) automatically in the specific database.
The email server can be used to have your own email (ex. imsocool@localhost.com,imcool@192.168.1.35.com)
however you configure it,... in the end you can have network email adressess.
FTP?
Well, this is the same kind of server you access when you connect with your webhost(like astahost) by an ftp client. When installed and again configured, you can access it with a normal ftp client in the network.
So, I hope you now have your own server installed and running...but like i said...dont rush!!!
You need to take time with what you really need!
