Apache2 Web Server

Apache is the most virulent web server on the internet and is the front man for 80% of web http (and https) requests. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Apple’s Safari go to Apache on behalf of their web surfers.

All in all the Apache web server

• serves out HTML web pages, images (eg PNG), style sheets, JAVASCRIPT
• handles requests for secure communication (https on port 443)
• interpretes PHP and Perl (CGI scripts) that produce web content
• facilitates downloads of PDFs, executables, compressed and zipped files
• accedes to B2B requests via XML and Web Services protocols (eg REST)
• acts as the front man for content managers like WordPress and Joomla
• fronts project tools, bug trackers, version controllers, directory servers

Apache in Machine Instances and IT Environments

The Apache web server is a part of every IT environment which makes it part of the core installation on every machine instance. Apache on the Application Run Environment pumps out web requests, on the project tools environment it fronts AtTask, dot project, bug trackers (like bugzilla), version controllers (subversion and git).

Apache fronts up continuous integration services provided by the likes of Hudson and Jenkins. These services are grouped under the flagship CI server environment.

No Apache httpd.conf in Ubuntu 14.04 (Trusty Tahr)

Ubuntu have discontinued the httpd.conf file in Ubuntu Server 14.04 (Trusty Tahr). If your automated apache install and configure scripts fail when you upgrade to Ubuntu 14.04 then you’ll need to move the Apache directives into one of the below 5 locations.

Apache’s Configuration Files and Folders

Apache’s configuration (for most intents and purposes) will be confined to the below 5 files and folder locations. This list does not include Apache’s SSL configuration suite for the https secure layer.

1. the /etc/apache2/apache2.conf main config file plus the …
2. conf-available directory (symlinked by conf-enabled)
3. mods-available directory (symlinked by mods-enabled)
4. sites-available directory (symlinked by sites-enabled)
5. the envvars, magic and ports.conf configuration files

Automated Apache2 Setup Scripts

The automated scripts when completed setting up Apache welcome your achievement (easy at it is) with a log of the date and time.