[TriLUG] Loading Apache and PHP

[Lisa C. Boyd]

I recently purchased a book to get started with PHP and in the beginning
it talks about loading apache and php. The book goes through directions
for downloading the latest copy from each site and installing it that
way. I wanted to get opinions/advice on doing this vs. using the version
that would be installed with apt-get (Debian - stable).

Is it better to run the latest? Or is it ok to be back a few versions?
Any recommendations on versions to run (or stay away from)??

Thanks for any info you can pass along :)
Lisa B.