Setting up Apache, SSL, MySQL, PHP, mod_python, mod_perl, asp for developing web applications can be a pain and can take a little time. If you want to just get to developing web-sites as fast as possible read on.

On Linux I find it a lot easier to set up an Apache 2 server with PHP, MySQL, and related tools than on Windows. It can take time if you new to this setup, especailly getting everything working together. While this is getting easier over time it still is a pain in the ass when you just want to get started writing code.

Here are five preconfigured setups that will save time that can be used getting your web-sites coded.

Apache2Triad is my personal favorite. I find it to be very stable and very well configured. It includes everything I need and more, like Apache with SSL, FTP server, and a Mail server. It also includes MySql tools, mod_perl, mod_python and it's own MySQL and Apache monitor and service panel. Windows only.

Web Developer Server Suite This one is fairly new to me, but man it's a really well put together install. It includes many of the things found in Apache2Triad but goes way further by including enhanced security features, Tomcat servlet/JSP container, mod_aspdotnet ASP.NET Host Interface, and even some popular CMS frameworks like Joomla . Also includes nice MySql tools and a monitor/config panel. Windows only.

EasyPHP If you're looking for the bare minimum for PHP development on Apache and MySql this package is for you. It is basically Apache, MySql, and PHP. I would not use this as a production server. Windows only.

MAMP Alright you Macintosh users, yes you too can have a preconfigured environment. Apache, Mysql and PHP with just a few mouse-clicks! MAMP will not compromise any existing Apache installation running with OS X and is easily removed. I would not use this as a production server. OS X only.

XAMPP Much like Apache2Triad in it's feature sets, but is available for OS X, Linux, as well as Windows. Currently OS X and Solaris are beta.

Have fun and happy coding!