Setting up an web server isn’t always an easy job, so to make it as efficient and quick as possible, download XAMPP, which includes Apache, MySQL, PHP, PEAR, PERL, OpenSSL, FileZilla FTP Server, Mercury Mail and more. These are the instruments you’ll need to create your databases and/or manage web sites.

XAMPP is perfect for web developers and avid bloggers. Don’t expect a clear explanation of each part, though, and certainly not a built-in XAMPP tutorial – you’ll need a certain amount of programming knowledge to get to grips with this software.

Crucially for a web server, XAMPP is very easy to install, and doesn’t require any complicated set-up. Add that to the program’s easy-to-use interface and the wealth of extra information and help available online (check under Extras), and XAMPP shapes up as a very worthy tool.

XAMPP is an all-in-one tool for dynamic web page developers. Free and open source, it’s primarily designed for professionals, but with a bit of effort can be mastered by most.

Download XAMPP 1.7.4 in Softonic

It was born out of the Apache HTTP Server Project in an effort to develop and maintain an open-source HTTP server for modern operating systems including UNIX and Windows NT. A survey by Netcraft found that more than 68% of the web sites on the Internet are using Apache which the developers claim make it more widely used than all other web servers combined so you know you're in good hands from the start.

However, be warned if you've never used or configured a server before as this is not loaded with wizards and quick start hints to get you going. Fortunately, there is extensive documentation however that takes you through the whole installation process step by step, plus there's an extensive Wiki.

When you run the installation file, you'll be prompted whether or not you want to run Apache for all users (installing Apache as a Service), or if you want it installed to run in a console window when you choose the Start Apache shortcut. You'll then be asked for your Server name, Domain name and an administrative email account. After this, Apache takes care of much of the configuration but you'll still need to know a little about where and how you want it to install files in various directories.

Apache Server is one of the most successful cross platform open source servers on the net - invest the time in learning how to configure it and you won't be disappointed.

Download Apache HTTP Server 2.2.15 in Softonic

Server2Go was primary developed for the usage on CD-ROM but there is no problem use it from other drives too. Using a web browser, a user can run php programs as well as view html files on the CD-ROM. He only need to insert a CD with Server2Go under the supported Windows operations systems. The server starts automaticly and opens a browser with the Website of the CD-ROM. Server2Go was build to replace a tool called WampOnCD that lacks some important features and isn't actively developed. Server2Go supports PHP5, SQLite and MySQL.

Download Server2Go 1.5.0 in Softonic

WOS is an Apache server based on PHP and MySQL that can be taken anywhere on a USB Stick. You need only plug in your USB stick and hey presto, you've got a complete functioning Apache webserver with PHP and MySQL. The program also includes several applications to get up and running on your webserver including TYPO3, Wordpress, OS Commerce, Joomla, Mambo, and Drupal. Note that to get the best out of WOS, you should install and run WOS from the root directory of a drive because the first time it's run, WOS configures the paths for the servers based on the current directory. In subsequent uses after that, it changes the drive only, so it's annoying if you have to change directories later. The installation is fairly straightforward although and once done, you should see a server screen upon which you click "End". Now copy the wosportable directory (“C:\wosportable”) to your USB-stick (“I:\wosportable”). When you execute the “wos.exe” on your USB-stick, the server is started immediately, and your browser should popup although if it fails, just hit the refresh button and you're done.

This is an incredibly powerful little package for such a small webserver and to think it's free and fits on a USB stick will only add to it's appeal for those webmaster on the move.

Download WOS Portable 2.1.1 in Softonic