Windows installation of PHP, MySql & Apache

This article will show how with only a few easy steps you can install the Apache web server, the PHP language, and the MySQL databases all under Windows OS. This way you'll be able to develop your own websites and follow up practical web development courses such as:

Star Rating with PHP, MySql and JavaScript
Create contact form with PHP, JavaScript and CSS

Let's begin! Here we will be doing the manual way of installation, if you prefer an automated way you can use XAMPP as shown in the video:

First, download and install the following packages in this way:
1. Apache Win32 Binary http://httpd.apache.org/download.cgi
2. PHP installer http://www.php.net/downloads.php
3. MySQL community server http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/5.0.html
(optionally: mysql php_mysqli.dll driver from http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/php-mysqlnd/)

APACHE
Check up: After the initial installation in a browser window address bar window type: http://localhost
If working properly the Apache server will show you this message: It works!

PHP
1. Open the file httpd.conf found in directory:  C:\Program files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.4\conf\ and add after the last LoadModule section:
LoadModule php5_module "C:\Program Files\PHP\php7apache2_4.dll" where php4apache2_4.dll is the file telling Apache to load dynamically the PHP language.
Note: If your file has a different name please use it!

2. Find the AddType line and add the following under:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php .php
PHPIniDir "C:/PHP"

This tells the webserver to associate all .php files to the interpreter. Otherwise, when you run a .php file in your browser you'll see it as a normal text file followed by the usual Save as dialogue.
 

Check: Create a new file named index.php and type in the following: <? phpinfo(); ?> . Place it in C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.4\htdocs. Open the browser again and load the index.php file. If it loads up properly then your Php is being installed correctly!

MYSQL
0. Get and run the MySql installer from https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/installer/

1. Rename the file php-dist.ini to php.ini and copy it from the directory it's installation directory i.e. Program files\PHP in c:\windows. Then copy the files php_mysql.dll and libmysql.dll in directory c:\windows\system32.

2. Open c:\windows\php.ini and add after the section Dynamic extensions the following 2:
extension=libmysql.dll
extension=php_mysql.dll

Check: If everything is ready, create index.php file with content: <? phpinfo(); ?> inside: C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.4\htdocs
Point your browser to: http://localhost and you'll have to see in the information the MySQL section.

When having problems:
If Apache fails to run open Start->Run->eventvwr.msc and check under the Application tab the type of error coming from Apache Service. A most common error is:

Only one usage of each socket address (protocol/network address/port) is normally permitted. : make_sock: could not bind to address 0.0.0.0:80

Solution: open httpd.conf and change the listening port used by Apache to 3128 for example.

Other often harder to see the error is being produced when you use the short <? when typing your code - this is forbidden in some of the PHP versions. If you want to use this functionality then change the option:
short_open_tag = On
in php.ini

Cheers, and if you have any questions just ask!

How to share Internet connection in Windows XP, 7 & 8

Here is how to share your Internet connection in a way that other computers to be able to use it.  Happy learning and be sure to check my Windows 10 course!

The popular way of doing this is by using a hardware router or a combination of a proxy server and a hub. In the following article, I'll show how to easily share your connection with the Windows integrated Internet Connection Sharing.
 The alternatives:
Hardware router
Pros: - once turned on the device provides an Internet connection.
Cons: - set up, price.

Hub
Pros: - price, allows proper connectivity and data transfer between several computers.
Cons: - doesn't support network address translation(NAT).
+
Proxy server
Pros: - emulates hardware router functionality and gives IP address and port to the clients to provide Internet connectivity.
Cons:
- every client needs to use the Proxy server address
- network connection protocols are not being fully supported

What you'll need:
- one additional network(LAN) card, which will act as an outgoing Internet device
- (optionally) hub, if you are willing to share your Internet with more than one computer
Note: if you are sharing internet connection over Wi-Fi making hotspot, you are just fine with one incoming network card connection!

Let's begin
Server setup
First off you'll have to know whether you've been using:
Dial-up type of connection (PPPoE) providing a username and password or you are directly connected to your provider(ADSL...) without having to enter username and password every time prior to using the Internet.

Windows XP

Open up Start->Settings->Network Connections to see your network cards(LAN). Important: If you are using ADSL find the incoming Internet connection card(i.e through which the Internet comes in) and right-click ->Properties
If you are using LAN + Dial-up find your Dial-up connection(and not the LAN card) and right-click -> Properties(fig. 1)


Fig 1. LAN + Dial-up

On the next screen check the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection.

Then you'll be prompted to allow the ICS to change your second(inner) LAN card settings.
From now on it'll have IP 192.168.0.1 and will serve dynamic IP addresses via DCHP to the connected computers(clients).

Other computers setup(clients)
The only thing left to do is to go to Start->Settings->Network Connections, right-click on the network card Properties ->; Internet Protocol(TCP/IP) - then again on Properties.


...and check both as shown automatically


Don't forget to protect the shared connection
When all of your computers already have the Internet it is important to turn on the integrated Windows firewall:
from Start->Run->Firewall.cpl
and then check both: On(recommended) and Don't allow exceptions

Windows 7 & 8

The same procedure applies for these versions of Windows. So first go to Control Panel  -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center and click on Connections: Local Area Connection. Same can be achieved if you just right click on the network icon from the taskbar ->Properties




Then choose a network connection you want to share with other computers and click on its properties:

Finally from tab Sharing, click on 'Allow Other Network Users to Connect through This Computer’s Internet Connection checkbox.'

How to set up the clients:

they have to use automatic settings for IP and DNS settings.

Now you are ready. Happy surfing!!!

Remarks:
If your home LAN has IP addresses different than 192.168.0.х you'll have to change your DHCP server settings from here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/230148