PHP running in apache virtual directory

I have always used a Windows system for Web development but recently switched to Linux. I set up Apache, MySQL and PHP. It runs fine except when I try to run a PHP script in a virtual directory on my computer. It does not work and I get the message: "The server encountered an internal error or misconfiguration and was unable to complete your request." I assume I need to change something in my PHP configuration file, but what?

Please help.