PHP - Apache, IIS

[PseudZ]

I need to do an assignment covering server side programming, mainly looking at PHP.
So I download php-5.3.0-nts-Win32-VC9-x86.msi from the site, and I see the VC9 version only works with IIS, so I install IIS. Then I configure Dreamweaver to use the local server which worked fine. However every time I run my PHP page, I get an error about " <?php print( '<?xml version = "1.0" encoding = "utf-8"?>' ) ?> "

If I delete that line from my code, I only get html text showing and no php showing on the page.
So I think maybe it's the web server, so I decide to try Apache, which would require another version of PHP, the VC6 version.
I go to the Apache site and theres a local mirror, http://apache.is.co.za/ but there are a million folders and the site gives no help to what I need so now I stuck. Not knowing what I am doing or what I should be doing, or why my stuff won't work.

So just wondering what the best route is, or what would be recommended
Thanks

 

[chiskop]

[-]What are you trying to do? Get PHP running on your machine?

Does it have to be on IIS?

Otherwise, the easiest route is xampp - all in one apache + php + mysql.[/-]

 

[PseudZ]

What are you trying to do? Get PHP running on your machine?

Does it have to be on IIS?

Otherwise, the easiest route is xampp - all in one apache + php + mysql.

Nope it doesn't have to be on IIS. Just need to get it working.

I will give xampp a try thanks, never knew about it before, thank you

 

[Peon]

No man Chiskop, i wanted to say he must use xampp.

You stole my thunder

 

[chiskop]

Okay, I'll delete my most helpful post, if it'll make you feel better.

 

[Peon]

Yes it would, do it now, do it immediately. I command it.

Ok sortof please dont ban me.

 

[KobusDJ]

WampServer will also work.

 

[PseudZ]

Now I must say thank you to Peon?

lol Anyway though, thanks to all, got it sorted out now

 

[Peon]

Im gald I, yes ME! Could be of assistance!!!!

WHERES MY COFFEE, I NEED MY COFFEE!!!

 

[spiderz]

Im gald I, yes ME! Could be of assistance!!!!

WHERES MY COFFEE, I NEED MY COFFEE!!!

and don't forget to take ur pills

 

[Asha'man X]

Weird, as I've never had a problem getting PHP to work with IIS before. Just use the exe installer from their website, and it even configures IIS for you to handle the PHP files. The other alternative is to use the recently released Windows Web Stack tool, which sets up your system to host any number of applications, including Drupal, Wordpress and so on. Go to microsoft.com/web to take a look.

 

[SilverNodashi]

If you haven't got too much experience in setting up PHP on Windows (with either IIS or Apache), then get WAMP / XAMMP / TheSaint / etc - which all have Apache + PHP + MySQL + some other nice goodies as well.

Or, even better, head over to www.portableapps.com and download wampportable - then you can put it on a USB memory stick, CD, portable HDD, etc as well.

 

[Peon]

Oh no, I cant believe it! Everyone wants rain on my parade.