The Webserver tab is divided into three main sections: Apache Control, Apache Logs, and WebCheck. Before many of the functions in this tab can be used, you must be an administrator and authenticate by clicking the Lock icon at the bottom, where it says "Click the lock to make changes".
Apache Control
- Start/Stop Apache - Starts and stops the apache webserver built into Mac OS X
- Restart Apache - This is an easy way to force apache to read its configuration directives after they've been changed. If "Restart Gracefully" is checked, apache will wait until active requests have completed
- Check Config - This button runs a syntax check on apache's configuration files and returns either "Syntax OK" or "Syntax Failed". If the check fails, you must determine why and fix it before apache can be (re)started.
Apache Logs display all requests and errrors that apache encounters. Choose a logfile from the menu, then press the Display button to open it in Console for viewing.
WebCheck is one of the keys to Weblock's operation. WebCheck MUST be run before any options in Files & Protection will take effect.
What does WebCheck do?
WebCheck reconfigures apache's configuration files to allow access control files to be used. These files are contained within web folders and allow Weblock to configure access control options without the need for authentication or restarting apache each time. The exact changes made by WebCheck are:
Line | Before | After | File |
380 | AllowOverride None | AllowOverride All | /etc/httpd/httpd.conf |
402 | AllowOverride None | AllowOverride All | /etc/httpd/httpd.conf |
3 | AllowOverride None | AllowOverride All | /etc/httpd/users/username.conf |
WebCheck gracefully restarts apache after making these changes.
Finally, the status text at the bottom of the window reflects the current status of apache regardless of what tab you are viewing.