Setting up a test server on local windows computer

I downloaded the Web Development Before you Begin PDF file in an effort to get my computer ready to download the web extension library and start production.

I am unable to find a file named php.ini-recommended as listed as follows:

6. In the C:\php directory, copy php.ini-recommended to C:\Windows and rename it to php.ini. This is the configuration file for php.

I don't know what to do next. I downloaded the following file as recommended at the PHP URL.............

php-5.3.0-nts-Win32-VC9-x86

Is this the correct download for Windows Vista?

Please advise.
Thanks
grgsr

The newer version of php 5.3 has a php.ini file called php.ini-development

in this version of PHP, there is only a CGI install method, not the ASAPI install method that is described in the Web Development before you begin tutorial.

For the time being, I would recommend using the PHP 5.2.10 zip package instead of the 5.3 package.

won't it be easier to just go with wamp, it says a lot of head hitting

Yes, wamp is another good alternative:
en/

Gentlemen:

Thanks for the information. I will check into WAMPSERVER. I hope that the web site has install directions.

grgsr

XAMPP also includes some nice tools that make it easy to manage:
http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html

Includes:

* Apache 2.2.12 (IPv6 enabled) + OpenSSL 0.9.8k
* MySQL 5.1.37 + PBXT engine
* PHP 5.3.0
* phpMyAdmin 3.2.0.1
* Webalizer 2.21-02 + GeoIP lite
* FileZilla FTP Server 0.9.32
* msmtp 1.4.17

I decided to go with XAMMP as it appeared to be more robust. I just wondered how to set up a test server with XAMMP for dreamweaver.

What do I need to do to set up a test server for dreamweaver? Do I need to create a folder somewhere and copy my dreamweaver site into this folder for testing?

Thank you for your support and efforts.
grgsr

I wrote an article here:
144/

That should cover it. Let me know if I need to add anything to it. I know that there is a lot to learn in the beginning but I don't remember all of the things I struggled with.

I know there is a lot to learn initially. I love learning new things and will no doubt find this enjoyable. The only problem is usually finding the right source of learning material up front.......so much out there.

I am still searching for a good book for learning SQL.
Great forum.......great people........excellent products!

Thanks for the great work.

grgsr

SitePoint is having a 5-for-1 sale:
books/

Lynda.com has some great stuff as well:
ViewCourses.aspx?lpk0=259