Running a Big Web Site (Apache: The Definitive Guide, 3rd Edition)

In this chapter we try to bring together the major issues that should concern the webmaster in charge of a big site. Of course, the bigger the site, the more diverse the issues that have to be thought about, so we do not at all claim to cover every possible problem. What follows is a bare minimum, most of which just refers to topics that have already been covered elsewhere in this book.

12.1. Machine Setup

Each machine should be set up with the following:

The current, stable versions of the operating system and all the supporting software, such as Apache, database manager, scripting language, etc. It is obviously essential that all machines on the site should be running the same versions of all these products.

Currently working TCP/IP layer with all up-to-date patches.

The correct time: since elements of the HTTP protocol use the time of day — it is worth using Unix's xntpd (http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~ntp/), Win32's ntpdate (http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~ntp/ntp_spool/html/ntpdate.html), or Tardis (http://www.kaska.demon.co.uk) to make sure your machines keep accurate time.

Chapter 12. Running a Big Web Site

Contents:

12.1. Machine Setup