The Apache Web Server  Started in April 1996 as an open source multiplatform web server (Windows, FreeBSD, UNIX, and Linux compatible).  Now the world’s 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).

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.

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.

Easy Installation  Latest binary (compiled source code) is available for download.   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.

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.

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 sguide/linux_ugapache.html sguide/linux_ugapache.html sguide/linux_ugapache.html

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. 