Download all the software

First we need to download all the software we will need for this project.

This part you can do in stages (probably better if you are on dial up) The largest download will be mysql (around 21mb).

The most important download is the Apache server. Download from http://httpd.apache.org/download.cgi. Select the Win32 Binary (MSI Installer): from the best available section.

The Apache homepage can be found at http://www.apache.org/

Perl for Windows will allow you to run, test and develop your perl/cgi script in the comfort of your own home. Download Perl from ActiveState. Select the Windows MSI link.

The ActiveState Perl homepage an be found at http://www.activestate.com/Products/ActivePerl/

PHP scripting language is a must have tool you can download it from http://www.php.net/downloads.php. Download the PHP x.x.x installer

The PHP homepage can be found at http://www.php.net/

MySQL is your database software and very powerful. If you have never used databases before and want to learn then you'll need this. Download MySQL from http://www.mysql.com/downloads/mysql-4.0.html You'll need to scroll down the page nearly half way for the windows download.

The MySQL homepage can be found at http://www.mysql.com/

And finally...

Not an essential installation but if you really want to test your new server, database and php install then phpBB will certainly test it for you. Download phpBB at http://www.phpbb.com/downloads.php

The phpBB homepage can be found at http://www.phpbb.com

Now that's that over with, let's move on to Step 2 - install and test Apache