Linux Bash

Apache Web Server

Apache on Linux is a powerful, open-source HTTP server that delivers web content efficiently and securely. It’s highly customizable, supporting modules for SSL, caching, load balancing, and scripting (PHP/Python). Key features include virtual hosting, .htaccess control, and robust security (e.g., mod_security). Optimized for performance via MPM tuning (prefork/worker/event), it’s widely used in LAMP stacks. Apache integrates seamlessly with Linux tools (systemd, SELinux) and supports HTTP/2, reverse proxying, and Let’s Encrypt SSL. Ideal for both small sites and enterprise deployments. 🚀

Posted on

April 2025

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Disabling directory listing (`Options -Indexes`)

apache options indexes directory listing web server security htaccess

Disabling directory listing on Apache web servers enhances security by preventing information leakage. By default, directories without index files reveal their contents, posing security risks. Setting `Options -Indexes` in `.htaccess` or Apache configuration files blocks this, leading to a '403 Forbidden' error for such directory accesses. This adjustment is crucial for compliance and security enhancement.

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April 2025

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Restricting access by IP (`Require ip`)

linux bash ip address restrictions apache require ip iptables network security

In this article, learn how to enhance network security by restricting access based on IP addresses using Linux Bash in Apache and iptables. Discover how to configure Apache’s `Require ip` directive and iptables rules to permit or deny access, ensuring your server's safety against unauthorized IPs. Additionally, maintain up-to-date allowed IP lists and monitor the efficacy of these measures to keep your network secure.

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April 2025

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Setting up basic authentication (`.htpasswd`)

htpasswd apache basic authentication linux web security

Learn to secure web content using basic authentication with `.htpasswd` on a Linux server with Apache. This guide covers the installation of Apache, creation of the `.htpasswd` file, Apache configuration, and testing to ensure content is restricted to authorized users. Ideal for protecting less sensitive data in smaller apps or specific website areas.

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April 2025

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Securing Apache with `mod_security`

mod_security apache linux web security configuration

Learn to secure your Apache server on Linux with `mod_security`, an open-source web application firewall that provides intrusion detection and prevention. This guide covers installation and configuration steps, including setting up OWASP Core Rule Set for comprehensive protection against common threats like SQL injection and XSS, and discusses maintaining an effective security posture by regularly updating the rules and monitoring Apache logs.

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April 2025

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Disabling server signature (`ServerTokens`, `ServerSignature`)

servertokens serversignature apache cybersecurity configuration

Discover how to enhance your server's security by disabling the server signature in Apache. This guide explains utilizing `ServerTokens` and `ServerSignature` directives to hide server version details, reducing potential security risks by limiting identifiable information available to potential attackers. Learn step-by-step configurations for a safer web environment.

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April 2025

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Redirecting HTTP to HTTPS (SSL enforcement)

https ssl enforcement linux bash apache nginx

This guide details the steps to enforce SSL by redirecting HTTP traffic to HTTPS on Linux servers, using Bash scripting and configuration for Apache or Nginx. It highlights the importance of HTTPS for security, the process of obtaining SSL certificates, and the technical setup for maintaining secure web communications.

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April 2025

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Setting up custom error pages (404, 403, 500)

apache bash custom error pages linux web server

Learn how to enhance user experience on your Apache server by setting up custom error pages for common issues like 404, 403, and 500 errors using Bash commands. This guide covers creating HTML error documents and configuring Apache to use them, helping you keep your site professional and helpful even in error scenarios.

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April 2025

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Configuring ServerName and ServerAlias

apache servername serveralias configuration virtualhost

This guide explains how to configure `ServerName` and `ServerAlias` in Apache, essential for directing domain traffic accurately on a web server. It covers accessing and editing configuration files, setting primary and alternative domain names, and troubleshooting common issues to ensure the Apache server responds appropriately to various domain requests.

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April 2025

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Changing the default Apache port (80 → 8080)

apache port change configuration firewall linux

Learn how to change Apache's default port from 80 to 8080 on Linux, enhancing flexibility for handling multiple websites, firewall configurations, and restrictive network policies. This guide details Apache installation, configuration adjustments, firewall rule modifications, and testing the new setup to ensure effective management of network traffic and security.

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April 2025

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Enabling/disabling modules (`a2enmod`, `a2dismod`)

apache2 a2enmod a2dismod linux modules

Learn how to manage Apache modules on Linux using `a2enmod` and `a2dismod`. These commands help enable and disable Apache2 modules, optimizing server performance, security, and dependency management by creating or removing symbolic links. Proper usage ensures a streamlined, efficient web server.

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April 2025

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Enabling/disabling sites (`a2ensite`, `a2dissite`)

apache a2ensite a2dissite linux web server management

Learn vital Apache server management skills on Linux with `a2ensite` and `a2dissite` tools. These commands aid in enabling and disabling websites by managing symbolic links between Apache's configuration directories. Mastering these can streamline web management tasks, optimize server functions, and ensure efficient site availability management.

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April 2025

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Setting up a default virtual host

linux apache virtual host configuration web server

Learn to set up a default virtual host on a Linux server using Bash and Apache, allowing efficient management of multiple domains from a single IP. This guide covers essential steps from installing Apache to configuring and reloading the server for effective web requests handling.

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April 2025

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Configuring virtual hosts (IP-based)

ipbased virtual hosting linux server apache ssltls certificates network configuration

This tutorial demonstrates configuring IP-based virtual hosts on a Linux server using Apache. Suitable for segregating websites on a single server with unique IP addresses, this setup enhances security and performance, crucial for servers needing to isolate SSL/TLS certificates or operate without name resolution. The guide covers setting up IP addresses, configuring Apache, and managing virtual host files to facilitate multiple secure websites on one server.

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April 2025

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Configuring virtual hosts (name-based)

linux apache virtual hosts namebased configuration

This guide explains setting up name-based virtual hosts on Linux using Apache, allowing multiple websites to operate from a single IP address. Steps include editing Apache configuration files, configuring and enabling new virtual hosts, and restarting Apache for changes to take effect. Troubleshooting tips and further resources are also provided, ensuring effective web hosting management.

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April 2025

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Understanding `httpd.conf` vs `apache2.conf`

apache httpdconf apache2conf configuration best practices

This article compares two Apache server configuration files: `httpd.conf` and `apache2.conf`. While both are critical, `httpd.conf` is mainly used in Red-Hat-based systems and has become streamlined for user-specific changes, whereas `apache2.conf` is primarily for Debian-based systems, containing global settings and uses `Include` directives for manageability. The article emphasizes best practices such as proper backups, using `Include` for custom settings, and maintaining robust security measures in configurations.

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April 2025

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Setting up Apache with Docker

apache docker containerization configuration deployment

This guide demonstrates how to integrate Apache web servers with Docker for improved scalability and security. It covers installation of Docker, pulling Apache's official Docker image, setting up a Docker container, configuring the Apache server, and methods for serving content, providing a step-by-step process to streamline deployment and enhance server management.

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April 2025

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Installing Apache with Python (mod_wsgi)

apache mod_wsgi python linux installation

Learn to set up Apache with Python via mod_wsgi on Linux with this step-by-step guide. The tutorial covers system updates, Apache and Python installations, mod_wsgi configuration, and testing your setup to host Python web applications efficiently.

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April 2025

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Installing Apache with PHP support (`libapache2-mod-php`)

apache php libapache2modphp linux installation

Discover how to install Apache with PHP support using `libapache2-mod-php` on Linux. This beginner-friendly guide covers system updates, Apache installation, PHP integration, and securing your setup to enable a smooth and secure environment for hosting dynamic web content. Follow simple, detailed steps for a hassle-free Apache PHP server configuration.

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Posted on

April 2025

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Difference between `prefork`, `worker`, and `event` MPMs

apache mpms prefork worker event scalability configuration

Choosing the right Multi-Processing Module (MPM) for Apache HTTP Server—Prefork, Worker, or Event—affects performance and scalability. Prefork is simple and stable, ideal for non-thread-safe applications but less scalable. Worker uses threads, offering better efficiency and scalability. Event, an advanced version of Worker, supports high concurrency and efficient keep-alive connection handling, ideal for high-traffic sites. Each MPM serves different server needs and environments.

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April 2025

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Understanding Apache directory structure (`/etc/apache2`, `/var/www`)

apache etcapache2 varwww configuration web server

Understanding the Apache directory structure is crucial for managing web servers on Linux. The `/etc/apache2` directory is the central hub for configuration, containing files like `apache2.conf` for global settings, and subdirectories like `sites-available` and `mods-available` for managing virtual hosts and modules. The `/var/www` directory is the default location for web content, where file permissions and security are vital. This knowledge aids in optimizing Apache's performance and security.

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April 2025

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Checking Apache version and build details

apache linux bash version check server configuration web server

Learn how to check Apache's version and build details on a Linux system using Bash commands. This guide covers initial checks, output interpretation, and reasons why knowing this information is critical for security, compatibility, and performance optimization. Detailed commands for various distributions are provided to facilitate easy access to this essential server management information.

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April 2025

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Enabling Apache on system boot (`systemctl`)

apache systemctl systemd linux boot

Learn how to configure Apache to automatically start on Linux system boot using `systemctl`, part of the `systemd` service manager. After installing Apache, enable it for startup with specific `systemctl` commands tailored to your Linux distribution, ensuring your web server operates seamlessly post-boot.

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April 2025

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Installing Apache from source (compilation)

apache compilation customization configuration installation

This article provides a detailed guide to installing Apache HTTP Server from source, emphasizing advanced customization and performance benefits. It covers system preparation, code download, configuration, compilation, and server startup, ideal for users seeking granular control over their web server's functionality.

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April 2025

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Installing Apache on CentOS/RHEL (`yum/dnf`)

apache centosrhel yumdnf httpd firewall

Learn to install Apache on CentOS/RHEL using `yum` (CentOS 7) or `dnf` (CentOS 8, RHEL 8+). The guide includes steps for system updates, installation, service initiation, and firewall configuration, ensuring a robust setup for web hosting.

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Posted on

April 2025

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Installing Apache on Ubuntu/Debian (`apt`)

apache ubuntudebian apt installation web server

Learn to install and manage Apache on Ubuntu/Debian using the `apt` tool. This guide reviews package updating, Apache2 installation, installation verification, firewall configuration, Apache process management, and advanced configuration for a secure and efficient server setup.

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