Chapter 14.

Apache HTTP Server

The Apache HTTP Server is a robust, commercial grade open source Web server developed by the

Apache Software Foundation (http://www.apache.org). Red Hat Linux 8.0 includes the Apache HTTP

Server version 2.0 as well as a number of server modules designed to enhance its functionality.

The default configuration file installed with the Apache HTTP Server works without alteration for

most situations. This chapter, however, outlines how to customize the Apache HTTP Server configu 

ration file (

/etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf

) for situations where the default configuration does not

suit your needs.

Warning

If you plan to use the graphical HTTP Configuration Tool (redhat config httpd), do not edit

the Apache HTTP Server's configuration file. The HTTP Configuration Tool regenerates this file

whenever it is used.

If you need more information on the HTTP Configuration Tool, please see the chapter titled Apache

HTTP Server Configuration in the Official Red Hat Linux Customization Guide.

14.1. Apache HTTP Server 2.0

Red Hat Linux 8.0 ships with version 2.0 of the Apache HTTP Server. There are important differences

between version 2.0 and version 1.3   which shipped with earlier releases of Red Hat Linux. This

section reviews some of the new features of Apache HTTP Server 2.0 and outlines important changes.

If you need to migrate a version 1.3 configuration file to the new format, refer to Section 14.2.

14.1.1. Features of Apache HTTP Server 2.0

The arrival of Apache HTTP Server 2.0 brings with it a number of new features. Among them are the

following:

New Apache API   The Apache HTTP Server has a new, more powerful set of Application Pro 

graming Interfaces (APIs) for modules.

Caution

Modules built for Apache HTTP Server 1.3 will not work without being ported to the new API. If

you are unsure whether or not a particular module has been ported, consult with the package

maintainer before upgrading.

Filtering   Modules for Apache HTTP Server 2.0 have the ability to act as content filters. See

Section 14.2.4 for more on how filtering works.

IPv6 Support   Apache HTTP Server 2.0 supports next generation IP addressing.

Simplified Directives   A number of confusing directives have been removed while others have

been simplified. See Section 14.5 for more information about specific directives.

Multilingual Error Responses   When using Server Side Include (SSI) documents, customizable

error response pages can be delivered in multiple languages.

Multiprotocol Support   Apache HTTP Server 2.0 has the ability to serve multiple protocols.