New to Apache & PHP

[andyman]

Hi guys,

I'm totally new to Apache and PHP.
I have a VAIO Notebook with Vista Home Basic. I downloaded the PHP windows installer from PHP.net but when I tried to install it, it is asking for web server technology that I wish to use.
I needed Apache for that purpose, so I visited apache.org
I clicked download and got mirror download links. When I click on any link, I see some ftp page where I see different folders.
I'm completely lost and don't know what to download and what not.
Can someone give me a lead here please?
Is there any all-in-one apache installer package?
I desperately need your help, this all is for my Uni (the course is going to start in another month, but I wish to atleast have my computer ready to handle the course requirements).
Please please please help me.
Oh one more thing .. when I was searching for Apache help, someone suggested to install xamp or something, but i was stupid to close that website thinking I don't need xamp but now regret that I should have atleast downloaded that software. Please suggest is xamp apache installation package? And whats the difference between Apache and Apache web server? Is it same?

Thanks,
Silvia.

[andyman]

Anyone .. some help please ..
Its been over 20 hours, I have tried numerous things but all wasted. I don't think I can sleep without knowing what to do about this PHP thing.
It sucks to see people discussing advanced functionality and I'm getting hell of a time while installing PHP and Apache. On top, I will need PEAR too .. which I have but have no idea where to put that pear directory ..
Please anyone give me some lead ..

Regards,
Silvia.

[PowerHouse]

Yes Silvia,
I recently had the same problem i used this video and i ALMOST done.
YouTube - How to make simple Apache web server / home page ? Tutorial !