What do I need on my computer so that I can make *.php files and view them on my computer to make sure they work??

If you are running windows, you will probably need IIS installed...then install PHP.

However, I usually just upload mine to my server (which runs PHP) to test them out.

I have IIS Installed, and PHP...but I usually test live.

I'm not sure about on a Mac...but I assume it would be a similar process...only perhaps it would run under Apache. I'm not really a wiz with server administration...but you could probably find the info you need at:


PHP: A Simple Tutorial (http://us3.php.net/tut.php)

HTH,
Erica

Well, the server that I could test them at, is having some difficulties. So ould u possibly tell me exactly what i need to install on my computer? I'm running winXP

The link I left above, should give you all the info you need. On Win XP, I would just either install & run Apache (as the tutorial link above describes in detail), or install IIS (the windows server), and then install PHP.

To install IIS, just do a search in windows HELP for it (by windows Help, I don't mean the microsoft website...but the actual HELP files in Windows XP), and you should find step-by-step directions.

But, the link above does cover both of these alternatives in step-by-step details.

HTH,
Erica

BTW, chances are you may already be running IIS on your system. If so, you should just download and install PHP, per the IIS installation instructions. Usually the Binaries come with a step-by-step readme file.

Erica

If that doesnt work, you can try this tutorial

http://in.geocities.com/samdarshipali/apache-php-mysql.htm

I myself have had success with this tutorial, so I definetly recommend it.

this seems to be an easy install for server. after that is done, it will run and be able to view serverside stuff such as php.

http://www.firepages.com.au/

I'd also reccommend firepages bundled distribution (just avoid phpdev5 on XP - go for phpdev423 at the moment [click the bundles link on the left of his main page])

That distro will very nicely setup Apache, MySQL and PHP - with a few helpful modules thrown in, such as invisionboard,snoopy etc

Uhh yea..I got no idea what to do...So if any of you wouldn't mind maybe giving me step-by-step instructions i'd greatly appreciate it.