If you’re running web services on a Linux server, monitoring Apache’s logs is essential for troubleshooting and performance tuning. Apache, by default, generates two primary log files: the access log and the error log. In this article, I’ll show you my favorite command-line ways to view, tail, search, and archive Apache logs, all from your…

When you’re running a Linux server hosting web sites with Apache, seeing the dreaded “Failed to start Apache” error can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure where to begin troubleshooting. In this article, I’ll walk through a systematic way to debug and resolve Apache startup issues using only the command line. 1. Check the Status…

When running an Apache web server, one of your most important tools for monitoring and troubleshooting is the access log. The Apache access log provides a granular record of every client request your web server handles, including the request method, path, HTTP status code, user agent, and more. In this article, I’ll show you how…

Ensuring your websites remain secure with a valid SSL certificate is essential for modern web hosting. However, manually renewing and installing SSL certificates can become a tedious and error-prone process, especially if you manage multiple Apache servers. Luckily, with the right command-line tools and a little automation, you can set up seamless renewals and installations,…

When administering Apache web servers, it’s common to tweak configuration files to update virtual hosts, enable new modules, or adjust security policies. However, applying these changes can be nerve-wracking if you’re worried about interrupting service for your users. Fortunately, Apache provides several ways to reload configuration without causing downtime. In this article, I’ll walk you…

As a software engineer managing Linux servers with Apache, one of the most critical responsibilities is ensuring the safety and recoverability of your web site’s data. Automated backups are not only a best practice but essential for disaster recovery and business continuity. In this article, I’ll walk you through a straightforward method to automate website…