Change the default Directory Index in Apache Server

Last Updated on Friday, 17 September 2010 05:31 Written by A.Jesin Sunday, 22 August 2010 11:03

For years after the internet became widespread, technology changed tremendously. From snail pace dial-up to lighting fast broadband and static bland web pages to dynamically changing websites with over the top eye-candy everything changed within the blink of an eye. But what we see throughout most of these websites is that the home page is named as index.html or index.php/.asp

It seems web programmers got so accustomed to old fashion ways of file names. One more thing to note, if you divide your website into several categories using directories e.g. http://website.com/category1 , category2 …. and have items within each category like http://website.com/category1/item1 , item2 ….. you would expect item1 to be displayed if a user enters http://website.com/category1/ Read More…

Disable Directory Listing in Apache Web Server

Last Updated on Friday, 11 February 2011 08:47 Written by A.Jesin Sunday, 22 August 2010 10:22

Tutorial to disable directory listing in Apache Web Server using .htaccess file and Options directive. Securing your web server is very important that the security of other computers on the network, because you can make other computers invisible on the internet using the “stealth mode” feature available on many firewalls. But the same cannot be done on the web server as it is meant for the complete public access. And the “public” might include beginner level users trying to curiously explore every nook and corner of you website and advanced hackers intentionally trying to find vulnerabilities on your website. And directory listing can be a boon for such people to start looking for juicy information. Read More…

Running PHP code in HTML files

Last Updated on Saturday, 18 September 2010 02:32 Written by A.Jesin Saturday, 21 August 2010 10:33

PHP can be useful when used in conjunction with html. Even if you don’t plan create full blown dynamic pages certain functions like server side includes can help you repeat the code less for commonly used things like menus and advertisements. But it can be irritating to end the file with a .php extension just because you’ve added a snippet of PHP code. Also some people say that pages with a .html extension rank more in search engines when compared to .php. I don’t know how far its true and I’ll leave it in your hands to experiment.

In this article I’ll focus on the things needed to be done for html to be parsed by the server. (More about this word later) Read More…

Creating custom error pages in Apache Web Server

Last Updated on Thursday, 10 February 2011 11:16 Written by A.Jesin Friday, 20 August 2010 10:31

Create custom 404 error pages in Apache using .htaccess errordocument directive. Web Designing can be fun and interesting. Using the current cutting edge of web programming courtesy HTML5, CSS3 and jquery a beginner can easily create mind blowing web templates that look cool and refreshing. But all the hours of work to decorate the face of your site is wasted if the user encounters a bland looking error page containing technical jargon that leaves him/her scratching the head. So custom error pages are the order of the day!!! Read More…