The Apache Web Server

1
The Apache Web Server

• Started in April 1996 as an open source
  multiplatform web server (Windows, FreeBSD, UNIX,
  and Linux compatible).
• Now the worlds most popular web server with an
  estimated 70 of sites being hosted with Apache.
• Is extensible, so most client-server development
  tools can be utilized including but not limited
  to PHP, MySQL, PERL, and cli (.NET).

2
History

• Developed in principle by Rob McCool.
• Part of National Supercomputer group that
  developed httpd model which Apache is based on.
• Name was chosen to be catchy, but stories
  persist that it was from their self-deprecating
  description of a patchy software solution.
• Only initial competition came from Netscape as
  developed by Sun who had invested their
  technology resources at that point in Java.

3
Open Source

• Apache is an open source technology, which means
  that it is developed by a collaboration of users,
  with the code available for free download.
• You the user are free to alter the code in any
  way on your own machine.
• Many Apache users develop extensions so that
  popular web tools can be used in conjunction with
  the web server.

4
Easy Installation

• Latest binary (compiled source code) is available
  for download.
• http//httpd.apache.org/download.cgi
• Designed for optimal operation on Linux systems,
  but complete binaries are available for Windows,
  and UNIX based systems.
• If you have XP, you must download and install
  Service Pack 1 first.
• There are many binaries, you want the one that
  has the .msi extension which uses the Microsoft
  Installer.
• Unzip the download, and step through installation.

5
Setting up Apache

• Apache servers have a fairly standard server
  model.
• Provide Apache with your DNS domain during set
  up.
• Set up as a service running on port 80, which
  means it will listen for all incoming requests to
  the machine.
• Configure the number of threads to use, so that
  no one monopolizes your services.

6
Using Apache

• You may wish to compile your needed extensions
  before you run Apache.
• All web documents will go in the directory,
  /usr/local/apache/www/
• For more information on configuration, check the
  Apache home page and http//www.comptechdoc.org/os
  /linux/usersguide/linux_ugapache.html

7
Apache Software Foundation

• A community of developers committed to creating
  related projects for the Apache server.
• These extensions are compiled in binaries and
  made available via the Apache website.
• http//www.apache.org