Question: I have never developed for WAMP, the hosting guy for my new client says they are using Windows servers, they can setup PHP and MySQL for me, but they cannot switch to a \*nix server.

He said there are some nuances from PHP on \*nix Vs. win.

So my question is, if I have never programmed PHP on win, should I go through the hassle of switching hosts (since they cannot do \*nix themselves), or are the differences slight enough that it shouldn't be too big a problem for me?

(side note: the state of the clients website has no effect since it is a static all-flash site and is going to be completely rebuilt)

Thanks!

Answer: 
I would suggest [XAMPP](http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html) which is a complete LAMP package which will install on either Windows or Linux.

You can do all your development on your local machine this way.
I'd suggest to avoid windows hosting. There is no much difference for the PHP as it already multiplatform, but windows is not an option for the public host. Less performance, less security, less operability.

Also, note that they never administer php installation, so, it will be trouble in support.