Hi Ross, If you want a cheap LEGAL setup, forget Windows. I did not know anything about Linux and currently have 2 systems running. I ordered CD's for the initial setup (look on ebay, for a few bucks you can have more Os's than you'll ever need). I found it easier to use CD's. I used Debian because they are rather conservative, which means very stable and not too often needed to upgrade. Installing packages is very easy with deb And very easy to upgrade. But it's up to you. There are many good distributions. This group has been a great help, and the internet for more general questions. As for your questions about perl, mysql and apache: You do not really need to know a lot about them. Knowledge about mysql is handy, but not necessary. I still know Nothing about perl. And it doesn't seem to affect anything in anyway. The only thing I know about Apache is what I read in the instructions for installing Koha. And wonder of wonders, it runs. Hope this helps a bit. Marty -----Original Message----- From: koha-bounces@lists.katipo.co.nz [mailto:koha-bounces@lists.katipo.co.nz] On Behalf Of rossblog Sent: Friday, September 28, 2007 6:20 PM To: koha@lists.katipo.co.nz Subject: [Koha] beginners question Hi Please forgive me if this question is often repeated; I have not found anything that answers the specific questions I have. I am trying to get a small charity's library catalogued and online as simply as possible. I have a (relatively) relaxed time in which to do this, so I can probably learn some stuff as I go along. What concerns me is to make sure I can get hold of what I need either cheaply or for free, and learn only what I must. In your opinion what is the simplest way for a novice to go about setting up everything that Koha can do for this library? The FAQ tells me I need Apache, Perl and some extra modules, but others have pointed me to MySQL. I'm a bit lost. I would like to learn these tools but I don't want to waste time. My really big question is: If I'm starting off with only a bare PC running either Windows or Linux, can you tell me which are the cheapest, easiest programs to download and install? I will just go with any advice here. And secondly, would I greatly hinder things by running the Win32 version? Again sorry for the simplicity of the question, no doubt I'll have far more complex issues soon enough! V grateful for any help. best Ross -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/beginners-question-tf4537111.html#a12949490 Sent from the Koha - Discuss mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Koha mailing list Koha@lists.katipo.co.nz http://lists.katipo.co.nz/mailman/listinfo/koha