PHP system commands

Hi all!

I want to execute system commands through the functions provided by PHP (like exec, system etc)

In the LINUX machine in my work, everything seems to be OK, when, for example, I write system `ls`; and I print it on the screen.
In my home PC on the other hand, where I have winXP and the Cygwin platform installed, none of these works.

1) Is the Cygwin platform sufficient to run system commands or must I have LINUX machine?

2) Do I need to change anything in my php.ini file in order to 'activate' the system commands?

Thanx!

re: PHP system commands

Never mind, a fellow from another forum answered my question.
In windows, 'system' calls cmd, so it does not communicate directly with Cygwin.