XXAMP automatic start, passive FTP mysql deactivated

[moppentappers]

Hello fellowes,

I a inexperienced Linux user and need help. The most important thing at this point, is that xampp will not automatically boot.
I followed these instructions:
http://www.apachefriends.org/en/faq-xam ... x.html#fsl
but that didn't make a difference. I am running opensuse 11.1 by the way.
Also, after I started xampp manually ofcourse I can't use FTP on a remote computer in the same network. On the server port 20,21 and 80 are opened but since passive FTP uses a range of ports that has no effect. My question on that problem is as following: what is the passive FTP range and how do I open it?
Also good to mention, I have version 1.7.2

And last but not least, the status screen says mysql is deactivated.. should I do anything or just ignore it?

Thanks in advance!