can I install drupal on local machine (winxp) for portability?

It works fine but you will need to set up apache or IIS, php and MySQL (or progresql). This can take quite a bit of faffing if you are new to it all. I have it working with apache and MySQL and also with www.dynamic-cd.com (and MySQL) which takes some of the lower level hacking out. (It's really designed for putting dynamic web sites onto CD or USB stick but works fine from the hard disk). I think I put some stuff about it on my site www.eldwick.org.uk

Just google on installing apache, php, mysql and i suggest phpmyadmin as well.

You can get them all in one 'program', simply click and install the whole lot in one go.

Try this one http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html

By the way, you dont need shell access to install drupal. you can just upload the files via ftp, any permission setting can be done either through your control panel, or via any decent FTP program, i use SmartFTP on WinXP.

I think it's smart thinking to get Drupal up and running on your computer first, a nice safe place to muck around and learn before deploying a live site.

WAMP is a good solution if you need Apache/Mysql/PHP quickly on a desktop.

xammp works nicely. I have a setup on a flash drive that is convienient to play with.
http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html

-Steven Peck
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Test site, always start with a test site.
Drupal Best Practices Guide -|- Black Mountain