Apache Web Server for Linux

Course Specifications
Course number: 077506
Software Version Number: 1

Course Description

Overview: This is a three-day course that provides an overview of Apache Web Server. It is designed to be instructor-led while facilitated at a pace that is comfortable for the group, using a classroom-delivery learning model with structured and unstructured hands-on activities.This course addresses the evolution of Apache Web Server technology and market dominance, as well as how to build, install, and configure Apache. Web-related issues such as authentication, dynamic Web content, and virtual hosting/administration are included, as are Apache system performance issues (e.g., logging systems, firewalls, and proxies).

Prerequisites: To ensure your success, we recommend you first take the following Element K courses or have equivalent knowledge:

Linux Professional: System Administration
Network+ Certification:

Delivery Method:

Hardware/Software Requirements: You will need:

Red Hat Linux 7.1 Workstation software and compatible hardware for a classroom server.
Apache Web Server software (downloaded from Apache) on disk or classroom network.
Software manuals and software specification information should be available for students.
Student computers should feature at a minimum: the Pentium I class processor, minimum 32 MB RAM (64 or more is recommended), minimum 2.5 GB hard drive (minimum 1.2 GB of unpartitioned disk space), CD-ROM drive (machine should be bootable from the CD-ROM), Red Hat-supported network interface adapter (e.g., 3Com 905x), compatible serial or bus mouse, and color monitor.
Hardware manuals and hardware specification information should be available for students.

Performance-Based Objectives
Lesson objectives help students become comfortable with the course, and also provide a means to evaluate learning. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the evolution of Apache Web Server to its current architecture.
Install and configure Apache Web Server to run in a Linux environment.
Configure Apache Web Server for basic user name/password authentication, user access restriction, and security with the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). List Apache Web Server features and advantages.
Configure the Apache Web Server Common Gateway Interface (CGI).
Configure and administer Apache Web Server for virtual hosting.
Use directives to control processes and improve Apache Web Server performance.
Use methods to monitor Apache Web Server transfer logs, error logs, and server information.
Define firewall solutions for network security.
Configure and use the Apache Web Server proxy.

Course Content

Lesson 1: Introduction to Apache Web Server
          Topic 1A: Apache Web Server Evolution
                   Task 1A-1: Copying the Apache Web Server Source File
          Topic 1B: Apache Architecture and Features
          Topic 1C: Apache's Role in the Internet

Lesson 2: Installation and Configuration
          Topic 2A: Build and Install Apache Web Server
                   Task 2A-1: Uncompressing Apache Files
                   Task 2A-2: Installing Apache Using APACI
                   Task 2A-3: Installing Apache Using the Original Method
          Topic 2B: Verify Initial Configuration
                   Task 2B-1: Verifying and Editing the Configuration
          Topic 2C: Start, Stop, and Status the Apache Server Process
                   Task 2C-1: Starting and Stopping Apache Using the apachectl Script
                   Task 2C-2: Starting and Stopping Apache Using the httpd Executable
          Topic 2D: Configure Apache Core Modules

Lesson 3: Security
          Topic 3A: Basic Security with Apache
          Topic 3B: Host-based Authentication
          Topic 3C: User-based Authentication
                   Task 3C-1: Create User-based Authentication
          Topic 3D: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
                   Task 3D-1: Using mod_ssl

Lesson 4: Delivering Dynamic Web Content
          Topic 4A: Apache's Role in the Dynamic Web
                   Task 4A-1: Develop a Dynamic Web Model
          Topic 4B: Server Side Includes (SSIs)
                   Task 4B-1: Define Time Last Modified with SSI
          Topic 4C: Configure Apache Web Server to Support CGI
                   Task 4C-1: Verifying Apache's support for CGI
          Topic 4D: Write CGI Programs
                   Task 4D-1: CGI Script
          Topic 4E: CGI Alternative Technologies

Lesson 5: Virtual Hosts, Redirection, and Indexing
          Topic 5A: Virtual Hosting with Apache
          Topic 5B: Virtual Host Configuration
                   Task 5B-1: Create a Name-based Virtual Host
          Topic 5C: Redirection
                   Task 5C-1: Use Directory Aliasing
          Topic 5D: Directory Indexing
                   Task 5D-1: Implement FancyIndexing

Lesson 6: Proxy Servers and Firewalls
          Topic 6A: Apache Proxy
          Topic 6B: Configuring Proxy Services
                   Task 6B-1: Configure the Browser
          Topic 6C: Firewalls and Apache
          Topic 6D: Firewall Architecture Models

Lesson 7: Monitoring Apache Web Server
          Topic 7A: Error Logs
                   Task 7A-1: Check Error Log File Permissions
                   Task 7A-2: View the Error Log
                   Task 7A-3: Redirect Output to Alternative Location
          Topic 7B: Logging HTTP Access
                   Task 7B-1: Create a Transfer Log
                   Task 7B-2: Create a Custom Log
          Topic 7C: Web Server Status and Server Information
                   Task 7C-1: Enabling Server Status and Extended Server Status
                   Task 7C-2: Enabling Server Information
          Topic 7D: User Tracking

Lesson 8: Improving Performance
          Topic 8A: Improve System Performance
                   Task 8A-1: Wilderness Exchange
          Topic 8B: Apache Performance Strategies
          Topic 8C: Process Improvements and Directives
                   Task 8C-1: Limiting Client Requests
          Topic 8D: Proxy Caching
Appendix A: Starting and Stopping
    Apache Start/Stop Commands
    Options Permitted with Binary