Best Server Script

[Rockonmetal]

I really don't know where to put this... But I'll put it here.
Ok, I am going to try and set up the next youtube. I got the design, ideas, and other stuff.
I just need to look at the advantages and disadvantages of some server scripts. And what I should buy.
I want to know out of which of these:
CGI
PHP
ASP
JSP
Are the best for a youtube like site.
Dispite what the forum says what I am I know my way around HTML, Javascript, Css, XML, and Flash. So I am not afraid to learn something. I am only afraid of cost, time, possible errors.
Also. If I need to download anything its best to just put a straight-up link to the download location. Not the site (unless you tell me specificly what to download).

I also would like to see If i could do a test site on my computer without having to buy a server. That is an added bonus.
Thanks for reading this. I really would like some feedback if you know anything that could help.

[mburt]

Considering cgi is only an extension of a server-side language, it narrows it down to php/asp/jsp. Generally most people learn php. It uses a more "modern" syntax, similar to JavaScript (doesn't interact with DOM though). You can learn asp as well, but I found php much easier, personally. It's up to you.
And the youtube thing: it will be alot of work, considering you have to have an unlimited bandwidth/storage space server set up, and the knowledge to do it. Before you even start with it: Don't buy a book if you don't have to. I learned server-side languages completely off the internet, and anyone can. Use Google or Yahoo! to search for tutorials on the languages.

As far as downloading: server-side doesn't require any downloads, unless you want to set up a MySql database (http://www.mysql.com). Server-side testing is done on the internet, not on your local drive.

[thetestingsite]

Server-side testing is done on the internet, not on your local drive.

Unless you have WAMP or LAMP set up on your computer.

[mburt]

Isn't wamp/lamp part of the www/ ? Not local (c: on Windows)?

[thetestingsite]

On my WAMP package, I have the choice of making it an online/offline server. Either choice I make, I can test my scripts locally (spelling?); if the package is running, by going to my browser and typing in http://localhost or http://127.0.0.1.

The same goes for most W(L)AMP packages (as far as the localhost testing thing).

[Rockonmetal]

Ok, now, is there any server script I can run off of my laptop??
Ok, What do I need to use CGI and PHP??
Links to the download page (with the listed software i need to get) would be nice? I mean seriously.

[thetestingsite]

Try using netserver (http://netserver.hugosoft.net) for either local or "worldwide" testing. As far as making a youtube type website, look at mburt's post above.

Netserver comes with Apache (the webserver), PHP, Perl, a mail server (hmailserver is the name of it), and MySQL.

Hope this helps.