for php and mysql do I need apache or standard windows server can do it?

I read that you can use microsoft iis (Internet Information server) with PHP but maybe it would be better to use it with apache for windows

Search google.com you will find lots of help there

on the windows platform, IIS kicks apache's @#!@#!@#!...

PHP is much faster with IIS.

but can you install Apache and IIS (2 web service) in one machine ?:confused:

No reason you could nopt but you would have to run them on different ports
eg not both on port 80 the common httpd port

That way you could really test which is faster with php

Sorry LighthousePoint I just find it hard to believe that any iis run php quicker, that's not to say that it is not possible

apache ON WINDOWS used to be slower with dynamic pages. have heard some good stories about the latest 2.x apache on windows though.

I haven't had the need to try apache on windows myself....

I have installed Apache on a Windows 2K Professional machine and i have had no problems running PHP on both IIS as well as Apache. (In fact IIS seems to be faster..when a test is run for a extra loooooong looping)