I've installed XAMPP and all is well. Only the operator is giving any problem. I've created my MySQL database and the first table table and imported CSV data without a hitch -- except my data is english and norwegian text. I'm losing the norwegian characters in the import process. If this is not the site to be addressing this issue, please don't hesitate to let me know. If I get over this little problem, I think I'm ready to go.
Thanks (takk)!