dont use xampp... use LAMP... since this will be the closest you will ever get to the actual live server...
1) to start make sure you have tasksel installed if not run this -
Code:
sudo apt-get install tasksel
2) then once na install na run this line -
Code:
sudo tasksel install lamp-server
3) follow the instruction, customize if necessary
4) Now once ma install you install a ftp server, you have two options either proftpd or vsftpd
Code:
sudo apt-get install proftpd
Code:
sudo apt-get install vsftpd
however if you wish for more secure you can use scp which is already installed with your SSH...
XAMPP are only good if you are developing in windows if you are in Linux always use LAMP
and btw dont for get to install multitail its very handy in tailing server logs..
if you are in windows and want to developed using LAMP you can always download turnkey linux with LAMP or install CentOS in virtual box, with this you will learn how to setup a webserver...