Need help to setup a local server for drupal 6.3/XAMPP/Debian - Please!!!

Hi,

I am new to drupal and need help to setup Drupal. Here are what I have:

1. One server loaded with Debian Linux latest version
2. 1 and 1 business package
3. A domain name registered www.skybridge.info

My intent is to create a full-feature social network for my friend worldwide to stay connected. I am thinking of create a local server for development and upload finished work to 1 and 1. Unfortunately, I can't even get started. Can anyone in Chicago area help me?

Step by step on how to setup local server with Drupal 6.3 will be greatly helpful. Many thanks, Liyu