All has been said really.
If you have windows, use WAMP. Will aid in making things easier (if you want)
If you have a mac, then MAMP.
No real need to learn how to setup mysql and all of that, it is nice, but since hosting companies are implementing one click installs, time better spent learning other elements.
Personally, I LOVE wordpress. It's superb, the communities are great and so many resources as outlined above.
All in all, good luck
Let us know how you are getting on, will be good to see some examples, even if on screen grabs
Thanks,
G.