There are a couple of really fast ways to bump up the performance of your Apache Web server, right out of the gate.

Number of Server Processes

Apache is a reasonably fast server. It can saturate a 10 Mb/s line using only a low end Pentium under normal conditions. But it is possible to tweak a little more performance out of it. Here are some things to try:

• In the file http.conf, change the value of MaxRequestsPerChild to 10000
• Add +FollowSymlinks to all your directory sections

Available RAM

Admittedly, this is a no-brainer.

Adding RAM to your machine can have a major effect. RAM is thousands of times faster than even the best hard disk. Because of this, the Linux system uses RAM to cache recently opened files. Apache will then be able to service requests faster. So even without altering any Apache config directives, after you add more RAM to your Linux box, it will be faster.

We have just scratched the surface for using the Apache web server to distribute information via web browsers. If you want to know more take a look at the excellent documentation that comes with Apache. How far you go is limited only by your imagination and time. Putting together a couple of small web servers in your company is an excellent way to learn the technology.

Rob Reilly is a senior technology consultant, whose work includes Linux, business integration, innovation training and occasional hot rodding excursions. He frequently writes and speaks about these and other topics. He has 16 years experience in the high technology, manufacturing and the utilities industries. He is always on the lookout for stories and projects that focus on Linux, business and the cutting edge. Send him a note or visit http://home.cfl.rr.com/rreilly.

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