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.

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.

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 !

:D