Apache Web Server For Beginners

Master Apache HTTP Server: Install, Configure Virtual Hosts, Enhance Security, and Optimize Performance

What you'll learn

Install and configure Apache Web Server on CentOS with automatic startup and proper firewall settings

Understand Apache's directory structure, manage configuration files, and create your first web page

Set up name-based and port-based virtual hosts to host multiple websites on a single Apache server

Enhance server security by implementing TLS/SSL certificates, authentication, access control, and DoS attack mitigation

Requirements

Basic Computer Skills: Comfortable using a computer and navigating the operating system

Access to a Computer with Internet Connection: You'll need to download and install software during the course

No Prior Experience Required: Designed for beginners, no previous knowledge of Apache or web servers is necessary

Description

Discover the power and versatility of the Apache Web Server in our comprehensive course, "Apache Web Server For Beginners." This course is designed to take you from the fundamentals to advanced concepts of managing the Apache HTTP Server, also known as Apache HTTPD. Whether you're a newcomer to web servers or looking to solidify your knowledge, this course offers a structured approach to mastering the Apache Server.We begin with the essentials, introducing you to the world of web servers and the critical role the Apache HTTP server plays in hosting websites. You'll learn how to install Apache on CentOS 7.4 and configure it to start automatically upon system boot. We'll guide you through setting up your firewall to ensure your Apache Server is secure and accessible.Understanding the directory structure is crucial for effective server management. We'll delve into the Apache directory layout and the primary configuration files. You'll create your first web page and understand where and how Apache HTTPD stores your website files.The course then moves on to virtual hosts, a powerful feature that allows you to host multiple websites on a single Apache Web Server. You'll set up both name-based and port-based virtual hosts, giving you the flexibility to manage various domains and subdomains.In the section on aliases and redirects, you'll learn how to configure URL aliases and set up redirects, enhancing the navigation and user experience of your websites. Logging is another vital aspect we'll cover extensively. You'll explore error logs, access logs, and custom logs, and learn how to implement log rotation to maintain optimal performance of your Apache HTTP Server.Security is a paramount concern for any web administrator. We'll teach you the basics of securing your Apache Server, including setting up free TLS/SSL certificates, configuring basic and digest authentication, and implementing access control. You'll also learn how to use .htaccess files from both the administrator and user perspectives, install and configure antivirus software, and mitigate DoS attacks using mod_evasive.Finally, we'll focus on performance and troubleshooting. You'll understand how to optimize Apache HTTPD using Multi-Processing Modules (MPMs) and adjust the httpd.conf file for better efficiency. We'll show you how to analyze access logs to troubleshoot issues and introduce you to Apachetop, a tool for real-time monitoring of your Web Server traffic.By the end of this course, you'll have a solid foundation in using the Apache HTTP Server. You'll be equipped with the skills to install, configure, secure, and optimize an Apache Web Server, preparing you to handle real-world web hosting scenarios confidently. Join us and take the first step toward becoming an Apache expert!

Overview

Section 1: Essentials

Lecture 1 Introduction to web server

Lecture 2 Essentials

Section 2: Getting started with Apache

Lecture 3 Install Apache on CentOS 7.4

Lecture 4 Enable Apache to automatically start when system boot

Lecture 5 Configure the firewall service

Lecture 6 Where is Apache?

Section 3: Directory structure

Lecture 7 Apache directory structure

Lecture 8 Configuration file

Lecture 9 Create your first page

Section 4: Virtual hosts

Lecture 10 Setting up the virtual host - name based

Lecture 11 Setting up the virtual host - port based

Section 5: Using aliases and redirecting

Lecture 12 Configuring an alias for a url

Lecture 13 Redirects

Section 6: Logging

Lecture 14 The error log

Lecture 15 The access log

Lecture 16 Custom log

Lecture 17 Log rotation

Section 7: Security

Lecture 18 Basic Security - Part 1

Lecture 19 Basic Security - Part 2

Lecture 20 Set up TLS/SSl for free

Lecture 21 Basic authentication

Lecture 22 Digest authentication

Lecture 23 Access Control

Lecture 24 .htaccess (Administrator Side)

Lecture 25 .htaccess (User Side)

Lecture 26 Authentication ( notes )

Lecture 27 Install and Configure antivirus

Lecture 28 Mitigate dos attacks - mod_evasive

Section 8: Apache Performance and Troubelshooting

Lecture 29 Apache Multi-Processing Modules (MPMs)

Lecture 30 Adjusting httpd.conf - Part 1

Lecture 31 Adjusting httpd.conf - Part 2

Lecture 32 Troubleshoot Apache (Analyz Access Log) - Part 1

Lecture 33 Troubleshoot Apache (Analyze Access Log) - Part 2

Lecture 34 Use Apachetop to monitor web server traffic

Aspiring Web Administrators: Individuals looking to start a career in web server management and administration,IT Professionals and System Administrators: Current IT staff seeking to expand their skills with Apache Web Server setup, configuration, and maintenance,Web Developers: Developers who want to understand server-side operations to better deploy and manage their websites,Students and Educators: Computer science or IT students needing practical knowledge of web servers for academic projects and coursework,Freelancers and Entrepreneurs: Freelancers managing their own web hosting environments,Small Business Owners: Owners who manage their own websites and require a reliable and secure web server solution without relying on third-party hosting services,Tech Enthusiasts and Hobbyists: Individuals passionate about technology who want to learn more about web servers and enhance their technical skills,DevOps Practitioners: Professionals involved in DevOps looking to integrate Apache Web Server into their deployment pipelines and optimize server performance