Php Installation Kits vs. Manual Install

[ironlion75]

Hi...I am newbie to the world of php....nevertheless thanks to the forums i'd very much like opinions on whether to install php/mysql/apache manually on my remote computer (which might be a hassle) or go for the bundled packages (XAMPP, WAMP, Apache2Triad, etc...Some of the bundles are geared towards windows only and others have lite and pro editions.

Whats my best course of action to choose the right software considering my specs COLOR=DarkGreen[/COLOR] and my current position??

Toshiba Sat..1.6 Dual Core Cual Processor Laptop
80 GB HDD
1.5GB RAM
Microsoft XP Professional

Aprreciate any help i can get...Thanks

[bastien]

they work nice in the short term but there may be limitations in the install (some files or extensions missing). you may also run into conflicts when upgrading the individual components

in the end there is nothing better than installing each element yourself

[ironlion75]

I'm definitely not looking for long term complications....you are probably right bro....its better i know each element so i can trouble shoot later on..i'll try out the manual install..lets just see how savvy i am....thanks