Blog Question for Week 6

(i) Describe THREE typical functions performed by the Apache HTTP Web Server?

Apache is a poweful and a widely used World Wide Web server. The three typical functions that are performed by the Apache Web Server are:

1. The sharing of files from personal computer over the internet. Basically if the user has Apache installed on thier desktop it allows them to put arbitrary files into the Apache's document root which enables them to be shared.
   
2. The Preview and test code of the web application that is being developed by a programmer. When developing a web application the programmer uses a version of Apache which is locally stored to be able to preview and test code the application when it is being developed.


3. The Organization of error messages. Basically the Apache Web server sorts out the arrangement of error messages.
   

(ii) Compare the Similarities and differences between the terms 'Static' and Dynamic' Web Sites

The term 'Static' means that the information or code which produces the website does not change. it has been skilled to function as a printed document and to be transferred onto the web.

The term 'Dynamic' means that the data or content can change 'dynamically'. the content is provided from either a database management or a CMS which is knwn as Content Management System, so when the data is updated, the text and images which are on the page can also be updated.

Without 'Static' and 'Dynamic' Websites there would be no such thing as the 'World Wide Web'.

SIMILARITIES

The similarities between the terms 'Static' and 'Dynamic web sites are:

1. Static and Dynamic web sites both control and store website information from around the world.
2. Both websites control the amount of clients.
3. Both translate URL into file names and program names and keep a running log file.

DIFFERENCES

The differences between both 'Static' and 'Dynamic' Websites are:

1. 'Static' pages end with either [.html or .htm] whereas 'Dynamic' webpages end with either [.stm or .asp or .php].
2. Static pages send the same response to every request 'Dynamic' pages however modify the response on the server to recommend personlization based on the foundation of cookies and information that it can get from the visitor.
3. 'Dynamic' pages are more complex compared to 'Static' pages as 'Static' pages have non complex web addresses.
4. 'Dynamic' pages tend to store the user's personal data, whereas 'Static' pages do not. With dynamic pages the user will be able to notice that their data is stored as when they visit the previous website thier name will show up.

References:

Functions of Apache HTTP Webserver

http://httpd.apache.org/ [Viewed: 15/11/08]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_HTTP_Server [Viewed: 15/11/08]

Similiraties and differences between 'Static' and 'Dynamic' pages

http://websiteowner.info/articles/pages/pagetypes.asp [Viewed: 17/11/08]

http://www.infinitimixedmedia.com/content/view/127/44/ [Viewed: 17/11/08]