Most of apache's settings are located in a file called httpd.conf, such as where to put your files.
This configuration file is highly documented and can be understandable by a novice user just by reading the comments within the document.
I assume you are using windows.
Apache has a program for windows that manages starting and stopping all apache services. It comes default with Apache Mod Perl, I believe.
You can also start apache up by typing apache -k start in command prompt, however.
using login scripts and databases is not entirely apache-only. Mod Perl comes with most of what you will need to run the scripts, but apache is not also a database server. You need to get something else (ie Oracle, MySQL, or MSSQL, I recommend MySQL as it is the more widely used of these, and its Free).
http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/
Im sure there are decent guides located on the interwebs. Possibly even on the apache website. Just type getting started with apache in your favorite search engine, and you should come across a better guide.
Hopefully this helps get you on the right foot.