The Apache Web server is configured primarily through the use of Apache directives, which are commands with values assigned to them in the apache2/conf/httpd.conf file. Apache reads this file at startup (and periodically thereafter) and runs according to the specified values.
The Apache configuration file is a simple text file containing all of the directives necessary to configure the Web server and any additional modules that might be loaded. These directives and modules are well documented on the Apache Web site, making it relatively easy to configure and manage your server.
However, when manually editing the httpd.conf file, it is easy to introduce errors by incorrectly typing the name of a directive or omitting other necessary components of the syntax. A single typographical error or incorrect syntax can cause problems for your server and interrupt the services you provide. In addition, if you are managing several installations of Apache, keeping all of their httpd.conf files synchronized can waste time and cause additional problems.
Apache Manager, the Web-based administration tool included with NetWare, offers a simple GUI alternative to the httpd.conf file, making it easier to manage Apache. You can also use the Multiple Server Administration mode to manage multiple installations of Apache running on multiple servers in your network. In addition, because Apache Manager is a Java application, it is platform independent.