Can I Use WordPress with My ISP? Understanding PHP and MySQL Support

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I would like to start blogging using WordPress. I've heard that my ISP needs to support PHP and MySQL in order for this to work? I have no idea what either is but I have seen a few examples of small test-files (info.php) I can upload to my site and attemp to view them in order to find out if my ISP supports it. Always when I try this my browser only shows the content of the file itself as code, nothing else. What does that mean?
 
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Nothing. Could be you have to configure your account so that the server knows it has to work with php files. Best place to ask is your ISP support.
 
You could set up a local http server.
Code: 
[PLAIN]http://www.apache.org/
[/PLAIN] and php+mysql. If you're on windows it'll be a tad bit easier than on *nix, if you're using linux then it's easy too, just look up how setup a lamp server. Your website should be viewable by your IP (external) address. Just make sure the proper ports are forewarded for the web server. Hope that helps to a degree, if you need me to elaborate on something feel free to ask ;)
 
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nickdk said:
You could set up a local http server.

I did this a few years ago with apache/php/perl/mysql on a windows xp system. However, I discovered that my ISP bocked port 80 (for security reasons). I had to use an alternate port (8080) and a free DNS (such as DynDNS). I think some router/modems will even automatically update the DNS if your IP number changes. This method works good if you have a high speed connection, don't mind leaving your computer on 24/7, and you do not anticipate a lot of traffic. Otherwise, it's probably best to pay for a hosting service.

*You should check your ISPs terms of service. Some limit or prohibit setting up home servers on their network.