using mysql & php on a W2K SP2 server

[beeswax]

I'm currently hosting our school's website (what there is of it) in my own webspace so that I could get my head around CMS Made Simple. the Head has now sent a newsletter out saying that the new site will be up and running in 2 weeks, so look out for it.
My host uses linux servers with mysql and php and the databases mostly set up. As you can guess, I want to try and replicate this on our W2K server in house. I could do with some help with this, or it's off to the east wing with a pearl handled revolver.
beeswax

[webman]

www.en.wampserver.com

Looks VERY smart by the way, good job

[Geoff]

Do you already have an internal web server?
Do you want to use Apache or IIS?
Is using a Linux server an option?
Do you want to be able to access the website externally?

[Nij.UK]

you will be able to back up the whole of the mysql database by using the mysqldump function, and this will create a txt file holding all the SQL required to build the database back from scratch

mysqldump -u username -p password databasename > fileName.sql

the above is to back up the database, and the below is to recreate the database.... note that the sql needs to sit where the mysql.exe is.... and u run this at the command line.

mysqldump -u username -p password databasename < fileName.sql

thats for the database

as for the webserver..... i have set up PHP and mysql on 2K3 server using both IIS and apache..... which one are you going to be using?

[webman]

PHP runs very poorly on IIS, take our site for example :? Apache will be better.

[Geoff]

Hosting providers usually have PHPMyAdmin avalible too which will allow you to export the database easily.

You can transfer the files with FTP.

[DMcCoy]

Just remember not to use Apache 2.2 as php is still not built to work with it, I do have an alternate build at home that works, but there appears to be a memory leak in the apache version used. I'll probably go back to 2.0

[Ric_]

Why are you running SP2? That's a good couple of service packs old and must surely leave tthat vulnerable IIS box open to more attacks than a pointy stick may be pointed at!

BTW... php4 and mySQL have been fine for me on 2K in the past... never had much luck with php5 though :S

[beeswax]

my mistake. trying to get 25 hours out of every day. I meant SP4. thanks for taking the time to answer, and the compliments.

http://apache2triad.net/

Have it running on a W2K3 box hosting demo moodle / intranet / gallery2 / and soon to be atmail. Works a treat.

[Joedetic]

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html

That's what i use if i've got to put AMP type stuff on a doze machine.

I used it to test a php website before committing a LAMP server to it.

[Geoff]

Yep, bear in mind the performance of Apache on Windows is terrible. Also consider the fact that PHP on IIS performance is similarly terrible.

Basically, if you need a high performance web server, you need a LAMP box.

[Joedetic]

And for which i'd suggest Ubuntu Server because it has the option to install a basic LAMP server during the installation

[webman]

And for which i'd suggest Ubuntu Server because it has the option to install a basic LAMP server during the installation

Seconded! Installed it last night, brilliant stuff

[beeswax]

I made similar enquiries last September/October/November regarding using linux based server(s) to host the school's website, and looked at several, including Debian. My worry, ok, my NM's worry, is security. If I have a machine running Ubuntu server to host our website (and eventually our moodle intranet) within the school, how do I go about securing it?
thanks again for your time