Linux Professional: Apache Web Server

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