After Apache was installed and running, the next step was to install MySQL because the PHP configure script needed to know where it was. I unpacked the MySQL package that I had and followed the ...

Enter WampServer, an open source product that installs a PHP-apps-ready platform consisting of Apache web server, MySQL database, PHP, plus several helpful GUI-based utilities.

I wouldn't be afraid of compiling my own Apache, PHP, or anything else I needed, but then again - I don't know if/how RedHat patch those sources and what (if any) enhancements I'd be missing out on.