Setting-up apache & php

[Eric Dunbar]

> First, to find any modules you need, I suggest you do a search of the apt
> archive. I use apt-get on the command line to do this, and I've never used
> synaptic, which does the same sort of thing in the gui. This is what I do:
> 
> #apt-get update                    ---> make sure your sources are uptodate
> #apt-cache search php4 | less      ---> enables you to choose modules
> #apt-get install libapache2-mod-php4  ----> installs latest php4
>                                       -----> same for any other modules
> #a2enmod php4                        ----> "enables" php4 for apache2
>                                      ----> do this for any apache2 modules
> #/etc/init.d/apache2 reload          ----> loads apache modules

Or, use Synaptic instead. Find it in GNOME under System:System
Settings. It's a GUI front end to apt-get that's infinitely more
logical and easy to use than fighting with the CLUI to do things!

To "update" (apt-get update) click on Reload. To search, click on the
Search button and look at the easy to browse list of packages that is
the result of a search. Likewise, to install a package or multiple
packages, click on the little square beside a package's name and
select Mark for Installation from the list. To REMOVE a package once
it's installed, click on the same square and select Mark for Removal.

The one thing that is actually quicker (though, arguably still not
easier for most people since it involves CLUI) to do with apt-get is
upgrade all your installed packages. apt-get update (a really silly
requirment IMNSHO... should happen automatically when you upgrade all)
followed by apt-get upgrade.

Eric.