How to Create a Custom Apache Build

Apache is an open-source server model that has become the de facto standard for providing World Wide Web services over the Internet. In most cases, the precompiled version of Apache that comes with your system or that you download will have the most common options enabled. However, in some cases you may want to compile Apache with other options to meet your specific needs. Follow the steps below to create a custom Apache build.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Download the latest source code distribution of Apache server. This can be obtained from http://httpd.apache.org. The file will be a compressed tape archive with a name similar to httpd-2.2.4.tar.gz.
2. Move the source code distribution file to your home directory of the UNIX server that will host your new Apache installation. Ensure that there is sufficient space in your home directory to store the file.
3. Type the following command to uncompress the code distribution file. Once you uncompress it, unpack it with the subsequent command:
   gunzip httpd-2.2.4.tar.gz; tar –xvf httpd-2.2.4.tar
   
4. Type the following command to change to the build directory:
   cd httpd-2.2.4
   
5. Type the command ./configure with the custom options you wish to include. Some of the common ones are:
   ./configure –-prefix=/my/directory
   ./configure –-disable=
   Combine multiple options into one configure command:
   ./configure –-prefix=/my/directory –-enable-ssl
   A complete listing of custom options is located in the README file or at the following site: http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/install.html#configure
   
6. Compile and install the software by typing the command:
   make
   
7. Switch to the root account by typing the command:
   su
   Type the root password at the prompt.
   
8. Install the software by typing the command:
   make install
   Your custom-built Apache server is ready for use.
   

Tips & Warnings

• In-depth explanations of all configuration options are available in the README file or at Apache’s web site. Follow the links on Apache’s site for the configure command.
• Make sure to familiarize yourself with all the commands and options before your begin the work.
• Do not change the default configuration options by disabling features that are typically enabled unless you are absolutely certain of your requirement.
• Before performing the task, make sure the code distribution file that you downloaded has not been tampered. Compare the MD5 checksum to the one on Apache’s web site by typing the command: md5sum httpd-2.2.4.tar.gz