WAMP Packages

WAMP packages provide an easy means to get a web site running locally on your Windows PC. They are designed for easy installation and provide the essential software (Apache, MySQL, and PHP) needed to host most local web sites. Many WAMP packages include additional software such a mail host and ftp server software that provides additional features for your website. The software is often freeware or open source, which means they are free for personal use. A WAMP package might require a license for corporate use.

The WAMP name is derived from its four principal components Windows, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. You provide the windows OS and the package provide the other components. Most versions of the Microsoft's Windows operating systems are supported by WAMP packages. Apache is web server software that host web sites and make them accessible by web browsers. MySQL is a relational database engine. PHP is a scripting language that can be used for more than coding web pages. 

A WAMP created website can be setup to be accessed locally on your PC, across a network, intranet, and even the Internet. Most WAMP are not secure. Their security settings are not considered secure enough to prevent its sites from being hacked. Only use them locally until you learn how to make them safe and secure.

There are numerous providers of WAMP packages. Each differs in their installation, administration, and included software. Some provide Perl or Python instead of PHP for the scripting language. On this web page I've include a short list of WAMP packages. There are many others available. In addition, there are Linux versions called LAMP and MAC versions call MAMP. 

Uses for a WAMP

  1. Developing websites.
  2. Personnel training in Apache, MySQL, PHP and other software supported by WAMP
  3. Running your own personnel WAMP compatible applications. Such as Wikipedia.
  4. Evaluating various Apache, MySQL, and PHP applications

WAMP Packages

Warning: Most WAMP's are not secure. Their security settings are not considered secure enough to prevent its sites from being hacked. Only use them locally until you learn how to make them safe and secure.

When looking at a WAMP package's components, remember you can add additional components after the WAMP has been setup. Therefore, if the WAMP you selected is missing a component, you can download and install it yourself. For example, you can install Perl separately from the WAMP.

XAMMP lite

Very easy to deploy and on a Hard Drive or USB drive. It can even be put on a shared drive so it can be started from different PC's. It is very easy to install and  remove. 

XAMPP Full version

Contains more tools than XAMPP lite and comes with an installation option. This version is updated more often than the lite version. In addition, it provides an update installation option for new releases.

Error Encountered:
  • WinMySQLAdmin access violation in module LIBMYSQL.dll - see forum topic

WAMP Server

This is my favorite WAMP to use. After installation, start it up by clicking Start Menu > Start WampServer. A task icon will then appear in the task menu of the tool bar. This icon is used to stop/start the web site and limit web site access to local only or over the network. Additional options are accessed by left or right clicking the icon. To access the home page, select LOCAL Host.

The icon's popup message 'WAMP5 - server offline' means it is configure for only local access. 'WAMP- server Online' means it is configured for access across the network. Any web sites added to the www directory are automatically added to its home page on localhost. It's latest features provides support for multiple version of software such as apache and PHP.

Uniform Server

It is a popular WAMP package that is portable. They claim to be very secure in their settings. Their implementation is intended for use in production.

EasyPHP

Is another popular WAMP package that uses an Icon much like WAMP Server does.

PAMPA

This Portable WAMP is available in WinPinPack Tech Package or can be downloaded separately. Its is designed to run on a USB drive which makes it very small and portable.  It is very easy to install and startup.

Warning: Most WAMP are not secure. Their security settings are not safe enough to prevent its web sites from being hacked into. Only use them locally until you learn how to make them safe and secure.


Creating a Website without WAMP

Before finding these packages, I used a tutorial on how to install each of these components separately on a server. Since then the tutorial has been updated here. I enjoyed downloading all the different components and installing them. Doing it yourself allows you to update the various components when you decide.

The author also provides another tutorial using XAMPP to setup a fully equipped development environment.

Hosting Applications

After installing WAMP on your PC, you can easily add applications that use Apache,MySQL, and PHP. Most of these applications are free and easily installed. Installing these applications locally on your PC is a great way to evaluate them and learn the application. It is also provides you with your own personnel wiki or blog.

To share these applications with others, it is best to put them on a server. If you want you can host them from your PC. The WAMP settings determine if others on your network can access them. When evaluating an application you can use your PC, but for long term use they should be on a dedicated server.

Additional Links

WAMP Software

  • For help in comparing WAMP packages see the Wikipedia article Comparison of WAMP.
  • XAMMP - very popular WAMP available for Windows, Linux, and MAC. The lite version is portable and be executed from remote or USB drives.
  • WampServer- quickly switch between local only access to over network
  • EasyPHP - installable on USB drive
  • Server2Go - designed to run on CDROM but can run on any drive such as USB drive.
  • UniformServer - Perl and PHP. Installable on USB Drive
  • PAMPA - portable WAMP comes with USB Pen but can downloaded separately 
  • apache2triad - recommended by some

WAMP Helpful sites

WAMP Applications