What is Apache

The first step to make a regular computer into a server is to have a web server program running. This is a special program, because once it is turned on, it stays on and listens for requests from other people's computers. There are many programs like this, but I would recommend Apache because it is probably the most common and there are a lot of posts on the internet about how to use it, in case you get stuck. 

To get it running on your computer, you can search "how to install Apache on <insert your operating system name here>" There are different ways to install it whether you are using Windows, Mac, or Linux. Make sure you download it from the official Apache website. You'll find plenty of websites that will explain it, just make sure you're not reading a page that was written 10 years ago, it might be misleading.

Once it's installed, do some more Googling to find out how to start it up, and then you can test it! To test, go to your favorite browser and type in "localhost". This will open the webpage that your computer is serving! Don't worry if it doesn't work on the first try, few people get it right the first time. Keep Googling and exploring, you'll get it.

Once you can see the test webpage that Apache is serving, you're ready to move on!