Windows XP? Hi, I am looking to do some local development of php on Windows XP, and would like (educated) opinions on what the best Apache/PHP/Mysql package is. Some examples of these packages are:
apache friends - very easy apache, mysql, php and perl installation without hassles
[EasyPHP] - Apache | MySQL | PHP | PhpMyAdmin
AppServNetwork

There may be many I am missing. This is just a quick summary of the ones I found after doing a Yahoo search.

I am looking for more than just a link. I want to hear from someone who has either tried multiple packages or has in depth knowledge about multiple packages. What are the pros and cons of each one? What is your personal preference? Some considerations are:
- How often is the package updated?
- installation ease and reliability
- being able to easily switch versions of PHP 4/5
- extra/useful packages included

Thank you in advance!

Just Try the infor given in Apache Web-Developer Server Suite for Windows including PHP, MySQL, ASP, JSP, Perl, SSL | DeveloperSide.NET

Personally I swear by ApacheFriend's XAMPP. Its a heavy distrobution, but it has *EVERYTHING*. When I need to trim it down, that is so much easier than finding all the things you need, and then finding a compatible DLL for something you want to do.

I give XAMPP 2 thumbs up!

I'm a fan of XAMPP as well, but I would never use it in a production environment. I wouldn't use any of these in a production environment actually - best to configure your own server for your own needs and gain an understanding of what actually needs to get done in order for your site/application to work.

I know that XAMPP is delivered with some security holes - like the MYSQL password being blank. They tell you about the security hole, but plenty of people ignore it.

Compiling this software from source is very easy. I understand wanting to get started right away, and I think it's the way to go if you are running something on your laptop to get started with learning things - but if you put a production server out there, compile it yourself and keep it updated with all the latest security patches. Frequently, these quick and easy distro's fall behind in patch levels and leave you with security holes for days or even weeks.