can I install 2 Apache/Mysql/PHP groups on the same local machine???

I run an installation of apache/mysql/php in a package distributed as "phpDev4" from URL I have installed the phpDev4 under its own partition and folder(e:\phpdev\). For the purposes of evaluating the php ide, PHPEd, I would like to install Nusphere's bundle of apache/mysql/php. By default this package installs all components into \program files\nushpere\. So I gather I can install this eval package without overwriting my current setup. However, I know that mysql and PHP drop some files else where on the machine. My question is will the double install of apache/mysql/php allow both to run (though not at the same time)???

i wouldnt think that its possible, but im known to be wrong. If you could run 2 copies of apache, you would have to seriously modify the config files, etc to make it work, i would just stick with the one copy

You can do it, just change the ports that the 2nd install of Apache runs on. The first one will be the default 8080, and the second should be just 80. If you are running IIS, make sure it's disabled.

ok thanks for the help.

regarding the apache config files - they're not located in the same directory so _ if they're not running at the same time _ they shouldn't make a difference.

also - does this hold true for the ports - if only one is running at a time, can they both be assigned the same port?
just wondering. no problem setting different ports. in fact, if the nushpere install is all its said to be, probably will remove the other. thanks.

if you alternate when the servers are on/off, you can use the same port, but if they are working at the same time, one will take over the other, or you may cause your pc to stall etc.... so its best to define different ports

Ben's absolutely right. Even if you don't intend to use them at the same time, set them to different ports. If you like the rest of humanity, your bound to forget at some point and this way you won't cause yourself problems.

Not to mention it would be best to put it on an "off" port so that people looking for open stuff on your box won't see a web server

Sounds like the package your using is a bit like phptriad which I use on my laptop (2 installs there too) and I do it just like you do. But I do have different ports because I've found myself actually using both.