Having finally managed to install a local server on my pc, I found myself approaching the next hurdle, installing wordpress and setting up the required mysql database.  I found this great tutorial from six revisions which explains the whole process in a step by step layout.  Not only does the tutorial explain what needs to be done, but also provides screenshots of each step, thus making it very easy to follow.

Installing wordpress and xampp on your pc

Bit of a late reply lol...but i will read that tomorrow its a bit to late to try and digest read material now..well it is for me anyway lol...have to be up ubber early tomorrow for a delivery who delivers between 7.30am and 1.30pm i ask you sheesh no consideration these delivery firms