I am self-learn, and read the intro of http://apachebook.alcpress.com/index.html textbook,

Guide to Apache, 1st Edition
Ed Sawicki
ISBN-10: 1418837539 | ISBN-13: 9781418837532 | 500 Pages  | © 2008  | Published

I plan reading the whole text, well I do NOT have access to Linux/Unix since I am away from schools, what to do ?
 
If I run Apache in MAC OS X and up , this is almost like running Apache in Linux ? yes / no differ a lot
 
A Linux PC how much it cost ? What Applications has mainly (any in webdesign/develop?) ?
 
If I read the book doing as much as I can theoritically, but not practically , I will benefit any or is needed practical work on exercises absolutelly ?

thanks