Glossary

Definitions

Access Control

The restriction of access to network realms. In an Apache context usually the restriction of access to certain URLs.
See: Authentication, Authorization, and Access Control

Algorithm

An unambiguous formula or set of rules for solving a problem in a finite number of steps. Algorithms for encryption are usually called Ciphers.

APache eXtension Tool (apxs)

A perl script that aids in compiling → module sources into Dynamic Shared Objects (→ DSOs) and helps install them in the Apache Web server.
See: Manual Page: apxs

Authentication

The positive identification of a network entity such as a server, a client, or a user.
See: Authentication, Authorization, and Access Control

Certificate

A data record used for authenticating network entities such as a server or a client. A certificate contains X.509 information pieces about its owner (called the subject) and the signing → Certification Authority (called the issuer), plus the owner's → public key and the signature made by the CA. Network entities verify these signatures using CA certificates.
See: SSL/TLS Encryption

Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

An unsigned → certificate for submission to a → Certification Authority, which signs it with the → Private Key of their CA Certificate. Once the CSR is signed, it becomes a real certificate.
See: SSL/TLS Encryption

Certification Authority (CA)

A trusted third party whose purpose is to sign certificates for network entities it has authent