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Peer Review

Apache Web Server Tutorial

Reviewed:

Mar 15, 2007 by Information Technology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Content Quality: 3.0 stars
Effectiveness: 2.5 stars
Ease of Use: 3.0 stars
Overview:

This is a three-part series on the Apache Web server, written in 2001. Part 1 explains the concept of web server and the way it communicates. Part 2 discussed dynamic shared object support and server configuration. Part 3 continues with server configuration and addresses virtual hosting.
Type of Material:

Although the material refers to itself as a tutorial, it is more of an introductory lecture on the technical side.
Recommended Uses:

This material could be used as technical notes after the server has been introduced. It could also be used as preliminary reading before choosing the server.
Technical Requirements:

Computer with a javascript enabled browser and connection to the Internet. A printer would be useful.
Identify Major Learning Goals:

After finishing this material, the student should be able to describe how a web server communicates, understand the functions of the dynamic objects as they existed in 2001 and have a understanding of the complication involved in configuring an Apache Web server.
Target Student Population:

Undergraduate/graduate computer science major or a continuing education student.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Prior knowledge of the following will help the student to gain an understanding of the material: Client-server;Web servers;TCP/IP;Ports;Dynamic Shared Objects<Understanding of security issues;Virtual Host;Protocols;Network card function.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

The explanations in Part 1 attempt to remain generalized, with an explanation of the function of the various associated files. Part 2 shows how the modules load and provides a short explanation of each object with useful advice. Part 3 finishes up with more in depth technical configuration instructions. There is a link to an early version (1.3) of Apache virtual host documentation. Helpful hits are scattered through out the sections in the form of "notes". The tone of the information is informal, which helps to make it more readable.
Concerns:

Some of the material is dated. The material assumes an intermediate level of knowledge. To that end, it goes into the technical explanations with minimal introductions. In part 3, the server names used in the examples have been turned into links that go to sites of negligible vale or to broken pages. The site could be more in-depth so that is has a practical use.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

The site has a wealth of technical material more up-to-date that might lend itself to other lectures in a course that includes servers and operating systems.
Concerns:

The material is served up on busy web pages that could distract the student with links to how-tos, articles and more, not necessarily related to Apache servers. The material was written in 2001 for the versions of the server current at that time. The material does make some references to those versions when explaining differences. There is no glossary nor visuals to support the explanations. The instructor will need to go through the material to filter out expired information.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

he information is divided up logically into sections, with easily identifiable section titles.
Concerns:

There is no table of contents linking to various sections for just-in-time referencing. There are limited links between sections and no links back to the main section of the material.
Other Issues and Comments:

The ratings have been lowered due to the age of the material. This site is adequate for correct learners.
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