Localhost Server

The process of developing interactive websites can be simplified with the use of a localhost server.

Web servers are actually machines that store web sites on the internet.

The software programs that control the access of users to those web sites are also referred to as servers.

The most popular of those programs is the free Apache server.

You can download and install the Apache Server on your Windows machine, and create an environment similar to the internet right on your computer.

When you run the server on your computer without an actual connection to the internet it is called a localhost server.

Why do I need a localhost?

You must be running on a server to process your HTML forms on your PC.

When you build a form its action statement calls a CGI script to process the data entered in the input boxes on your form.

The most popular scripting language is PHP.

The viewing browser must be able to access a server in order to find the interpreter that processes the scripts.

It can be very difficult. It doesn't have to be!!!

IndigoAmpp makes installing the Apache server on your PC just about automatic.

I've installed it on Windows XP, Vista and 7 without a hitch.(Can you tell how old this page is?)

And IT'S FREE!!!

I recommend Indigo AMPP ( Apache/Perl/Php/Mysql) for tech-dummies like myself.

Download and Install. Instructions for using it are on the download page.

Linux users can either use Wine to install and run the IndigoAmpp package or install the Lamp Stack.

Lampstack Installation on Ubuntu and use.

Free Ebook How to Code in HTML5 and CSS3: "How to Code in HTML5 and CSS3" is a free e-book about making websites in HTML5 and CSS for absolute beginners. It doesn't require any experience in IT to start....
Free Logo Generator Turbologo.com: If you are building a website for business you need to begin thinking about creating a brand identity. An unforgettable logo could be just the start you need. You can create it free at Turbologo.com. They also provide generators for business cards and letterheads.
FREE HTML Editor (Windows): NoteTab Light: All the features of a commercial HTML editor.
FREE Apache Server (Windows): IndigoAmpp: Set up a real time server environment right on your PC. Test forms and scripts before uploading to your web space.
Linux Users: If like us, you've left the insane world of Microsoft Windows for the even worse experience of Linux, we recommend the BlueFish HTML editor. You'll find it in your software repository. It does have some QUIRKS, but it's FREE.; For image resizing we've found the easiest Linux tool to be Krita.