I am trying to install php on my laptop, so I can work on my website locally, I have tried the installer, but it doesn't work, can someone walk me through the steps to get php to work?
Also, I need a good free host for the blog I am starting, I really loved perihost. but they are selling the site..
easyphp it's the best package out there.. it include apache, mysql and php. you start one app and it controls it all. I use it everyday as a testing platform.
I downloaded it, but I am not sure how to use it, and also it keeps coming up with a bunch of error messages, I had to uninstall it to get rid of the error pop-ups
I downloaded it, but I am not sure how to use it, and also it keeps coming up with a bunch of error messages, I had to uninstall it to get rid of the error pop-ups
You should have at least snapped screenshots of these error messages instead of uninstalling it right away; I'm sure someone here on AS might be able to help you, or you could post on the EasyPHP forums for some help. The FAQ might be of some help in determining why the error popups were showing up. 
Also, I need a good free host for the blog I am starting, I really loved perihost. but they are selling the site..
http://www.110mb.com/ (No forum posts required)
http://www.quotaless.com/ (No forum posts required, but there are ads)
http://www.x10hosting.com/ (I believe their hosting sign-ups may be on hold, though.)
http://www.theicy.net/ (Forum posting)
http://www.retect.com/ (Forum posting)
because of the ports that easyphp uses you need to close all messengers and then run easyphp...then reopen your messengers..... www root is found in program files/easyphp/www/
then to access the site browse to 127.0.0.1 or to localhost
What I don't get is.. if I have a php file that I am working on, how can I open it and everything will work?
If you want something for testing on Windows, it really can't get much simpler than XAMPP. You have to put your PHP files in the htdocs folder (unless you change it from the default of course). Then open the php file in your browser at http://127.0.0.1/yourfile.php
http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html#641
Also if you want to get reallly flexible, there appears to be a portable version. I haven't used it but i guess that means you can just install it on a USB drive and plug it into what ever computer you want to develop/test on.
Okay, that's what I didn't understand about installing php and the like locally... I didn't know you had to move the php files into the file and then go there with your browser... Thanks!
Edit: How can I set up wordpress locally? Any of you guys know?
All your help so far has been great!
I am using XAMPP as my local PHP testing center. Search google for XAMPP and you will get the link to the website. and more over, its easy to use. I am using it from long time, no problems. and about free webhosts, refer to first two links frovided by "colophon" in this discussion. and one thing more, dont go for free web hosting if you want to host a professional website. These days, webhosting is so cheap, so no problems. And there are many features like Mail accounts, Stats, redirection service and moch more that are not available in free hosting. Hope my reply has helped u out.
Aqua-Soft Forums