well, setting up a basic apache server is pretty quick and easy for me. I dont need it for anything more than checking my site on the net, showing friends any changes and just basic....basic stuff like that. so for me, all i do is d/l a .msi package for apache, double click and install (w/o changing much of the settings) and then edit the httpd.conf file.
since i have a linksys router, i bypass port 80 (cuz RR blocked the web port 80) and do a search in the file for the 2nd mention of "80". The first one is just an example IP of 192.168.1.1 or something like that. But, for the 2nd entry of "80", I just make it "8080" and im done. if u use the basic port 80....then i dont think you have to change anything.
after you've done all this, delete everything in the htdocs folder and put in everything you want on your site.
that is pretty much it. now, if you wanted to go into security and adding server scripts, you will have a tougher time and will need more info on that. but it sounds like all you wanna do is simply get a website going for personal use. it doesnt get any easier than what i mentioned, but if i didnt coherently explain something or if you have further Qs, do ask.