A nice guide, with pictures, I need pictures :) to explain how to set Xoops up on my own PC so I can practise and test it while offline.

THanks

Look at WAMP server - http://www.wampserver.com/
and/or
easyphp - http://www.easyphp.org/

Both are easy and have a documentation at the sites.

This Q&A was found on XOOPS Web Application System : https://xoops.org/modules/smartfaq/faq.php?faqid=583