B.1 Installation Overview

There are two approaches to installing MySQL, Apache, and PHP under Microsoft Windows:

• Obtain an installation package or packages. This is the best choice because it's the simplest. The disadvantage is that packages don't always contain the latest software.

• Obtain and build the software from source code. This isn't possible unless you've previously installed a C compiler and other support tools that are needed to compile software. The advantage is you always get the latest versions.

Most Windows users don't have a C compiler, so this section focuses on using a package.

In addition to a working Windows 2000 or 2003 installation, you'll need a Zip program to extract files. If you don't have one, a good choice is InfoZIP's free program Wiz from http://www.info-zip.org/pub/infozip/WiZ.html. Windows XP comes with Zip software installed.

We don't cover installation on Microsoft Windows 98 or earlier versions.