How to set custom localhost folder?

[wintermute]

Hey, thanks for reading.

So, I've been trying and trying for hours to set a custom root directory for Apache's localhost - with NO LUCK!
I couldn't even place my own files in the "/opt/lampp/htdocs" folder, NO ACCESS!

All I want to do is set my own custom localhost folder, so I can execute my .php scripts and practise my web development without having to
upload all my files to a FTP server every time I want to do a quick test.

Previously I've been able to do this on WIN and OSX. But I'm so awfully noob with Linux (Ubuntu), that I have literally made no progress
the last 6 hours.

I've tried to edit the main httpd.conf file as well, but I couldn't save my changes - reason being: "you are not the owner" (or something like that..)

Sorry for my noobness, but if anyone could guide me in the right direction, I would be delighted!!
Please help!

[Replica]

Same for me. I'm not able to use my xampp installation, because ownerships.
I'm using Xampp 5.5.19-0 and Linux Mint 17.

[wintermute]

I got it working eventually. Here´s one way to do it:
http://computernetworkingnotes.com/ubuntu-12-04-tips-and-tricks/how-to-fix-permission-of-htdocs-in-ubuntu.html