There is a gnarly spider that has lived outside my office window since I moved into my new place. I have named him Spartacus.  No catches today.  God willing, tomorrow we feast.

Leopard has introduced a few changes in the default paths for Apache configuration. As a reference for setting up Apache, I have decided to post a simple tutorial on modifying the config, which details the new locations. For this tutorial I will demonstrate how to enable mod_rewrite, the Apache URL rewriting engine.

NOTE: This post assumes the stock install of Apache that ships with OS X Leopard. The version I am using is Apache 2.2.8.

To enable mod_rewrite for the parent Apache config, open Terminal. Using sudo, open httpd.conf with vi or your favorite text editor:

Uncomment the following line:

In addition to the above httpd.conf config in /private/etc/apache2/, there is a separate users directory which contains unique config files for each user on the machine. Therefore, we must enable mod_rewrite in both /private/etc/apache2/httpd.conf and /private/etc/apache2/users/[user].conf.bak for any sites under Sites/. This process is detailed for my user ‘markb’ below.

Create a backup of the user config:

Next, open markb.conf in vi or any text editor:

Change the first to lines to the following:

Restart Apache:

Now, you can test the rewrite engine and exploit friendly URLs by creating an .htaccess file in any directory under Sites/.

Last week I drove across two state lines to pick up my new friend, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy.  His noble and independent nature was apparent from the start; I aptly named after Paul Newman’s title role in Cool Hand Luke.  He is 11 weeks old now and in training him I cannot speak more highly of the breed’s intelligence, energy and loyal if sometimes slightly stubborn temperament.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were developed along the Chesapeake Bay primarily for retrieving fowl in water.  They are excellent swimmers and have a distinct, curly waterproof coat and stunning yellow eyes.  Luke’s fur is light blonde to dark brown in color; he snores and is afraid of any body of water larger than his dog bowl.  He likes long walks and lying on cool tile.  I think we are a great fit.