Apache...

[comingbackdown]

Okay. I want to install Apache on the local machine to act as a test server.
However, I have a few problems. #1. I haven't the slightest idea of how to configure it once I install it. #2. I need to be able to run: PHP, ASP, ASP.NET,
JSP, Coldfusion, Perl, etc. Basically, I need to be able to run all of the most common server-side languages. So, can anybody help me out? I have no clue if any of those languages have to be installed, and I have no idea how to do any of it. I do have the installers for PHP and Coldfusion. Those I know must be installed. Other than that, I'm completely and totally lost. As you might imagine, I don't know all of the languages that I listed. In fact, I don't know anybody who does know all of them. But I need to be able to run them.
I learn new languages relatively fast, once I get the basics of them down.
I intend to do alot of learning. But I have to have my testing server up and running first.:(

Also, if anybody knows of an easier solution than installing Apache, (since apache seems to be a bit of a pain in my hands since I'm new to it) then offer up said easier solution. I posted a while back about apache, but since then, the scenario has changed quite a bit. Now I'm completely stuck.
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.:cool:

[bathurst_guy]

first download xampp, that will get apache php mysql and others running. dont know about asp, coldfusion etc though

[Watts]

Don't take this the wrong way... go to amazon.com and do a search on "Apache for Dummies" - there's a version that has Apache, MySQL and PHP as a reference guide.

I highly recommend any of the "for dummies" series of books. I had Redhat for Dummies and it was pretty thorough - even had the OS on disc provided with the book.

[TheBearMay]

mod_aspdotnet will let you run ASP.Net on Apache if you're running it on a Windows box.

[comingbackdown]

Don't take this the wrong way... go to amazon.com and do a search on "Apache for Dummies" - there's a version that has Apache, MySQL and PHP as a reference guide.

I highly recommend any of the "for dummies" series of books. I had Redhat for Dummies and it was pretty thorough - even had the OS on disc provided with the book.

I know that it's a good series of books. I really do. I've used the series before for other computer endeavors. However...

I have only one problem with this. I can't afford anymore books. I can only spend on things that are directly related to starting my business.
I can't afford to get that book, nor do I have the time to read the whole thing. I have four or five subjects in school to finish in two months. I have at least half a day's work every single day to back up my system, file by file, folder by folder, disk by disk... I also have to clean out all of the crap that I don't need. I'm busy, and I don't have much money. What I came here for are INSTRUCTIONS, not what I'm getting. All I'm getting is how to make on language work... I need to know how to get it up and running, configuration and all, and how to get ALL of those languages to work...
So, start me off from step 1...

Sorry to be rude, but I wanted my test server set up within a week of posting tops... It's been a bit longer...

[Fang]

Download and install Wamp (http://www.devside.net/)
Now read the sections on installing and configuring Coldfusion (http://www.developer.be/index.cfm/fuseaction/tutorialDetail/GroupID/3/tutorialName/Installing_coldfusion_and_apache_on_windows.htm)