Ubuntu Tips n Tricks: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

[HowtoForge] Newsletter 03/31/2011

HowtoForge Newsletter 03/31/2011
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*** Version 1.1 of the ISPConfig 3 Manual ***
=============================================

The first update of the ISPConfig 3 Manual is available in PDF format (version 1.1 for ISPConfig >= 3.0.3.1; Date: 12/12/2010).

On more than 300 pages, it covers the concept behind ISPConfig (admin, resellers, clients), explains how to install and update ISPConfig 3, includes a reference for all forms and form fields in ISPConfig together with examples of valid inputs, and provides tutorials for the most common tasks in ISPConfig 3. It also lines out how to make your server more secure and comes with a troubleshooting section at the end.

Version 1.1 for ISPConfig >= 3.0.3.1 (Date: 12/12/2010)
Author: Falko Timme
305 pages

The manual can be downloaded from these two links:

http://www.ispconfig.org/ispconfig-3/ispconfig-3-manual/
http://www.howtoforge.com/download-the-ispconfig-3-manual
********************************************************************

New HOWTOs:
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* Paravirtualization With Xen 4.0 On Debian Squeeze (AMD64)
* Enabling Compiz Fusion On A Debian Squeeze Desktop (Nvidia GeForce 8200)
* How To Install Managing News On Ubuntu
* The Perfect Server - OpenSUSE 11.4 x86_64 [ISPConfig 2]
* Set Up OpenVPN Server With Authentication Against OpenLDAP On Debian 6.0 (Squeeze)
* Virtual Users With Postfix, Dovecot, MySQL, RoundCube, iRedAdmin On Debian 6.0 (Squeeze)
* How To Set Up Kippo SSH Honeypot On CentOS 5.5

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Paravirtualization With Xen 4.0 On Debian Squeeze (AMD64)
=========================================================

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to install Xen 4.0 on a Debian Squeeze (6.0) system (AMD64) and create paravirtualized guests. Xen lets you create guest operating systems (*nix operating systems like Linux and FreeBSD), so called "virtual machines" or domUs, under a host operating system (dom0). Using Xen you can separate your applications into different virtual machines that are totally independent from each other (e.g. a virtual machine for a mail server, a virtual machine for a high-traffic web site, another virtual machine that serves your customers' web sites, a virtual machine for DNS, etc.), but still use the same hardware. This saves money, and what is even more important, it's more secure. If the virtual machine of your DNS server gets hacked, it has no effect on your other virtual machines. Plus, you can move virtual machines from one Xen server to the next one.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/paravirtualization-with-xen-4.0-on-debian-squeeze-amd64

Enabling Compiz Fusion On A Debian Squeeze Desktop (Nvidia GeForce 8200)
========================================================================

This tutorial shows how you can enable Compiz Fusion on a Debian Squeeze desktop (the system must have a 3D-capable graphics card - I'm using an Nvidia GeForce 8200 here). With Compiz Fusion you can use beautiful 3D effects like wobbly windows or a desktop cube on your desktop.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/enabling-compiz-fusion-on-a-debian-squeeze-desktop-nvidia-geforce-8200

How To Install Managing News On Ubuntu
======================================

Managing News is an RSS/Atom based news tracker with search, republishing and mapping. This tutorial shows how to install Managing News on an Ubuntu server.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/how-to-install-managing-news-on-ubuntu

The Perfect Server - OpenSUSE 11.4 x86_64 [ISPConfig 2]
=======================================================

This is a detailed description about how to set up an OpenSUSE 11.4 server (x86_64) that offers all services needed by ISPs and hosters: Apache web server (SSL-capable), Postfix mail server with SMTP-AUTH and TLS, BIND DNS server, Proftpd FTP server, MySQL server, Dovecot POP3/IMAP, Quota, Firewall, etc. In the end you should have a system that works reliably, and if you like you can install the free webhosting control panel ISPConfig 2 (i.e., ISPConfig runs on it out of the box).

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect-server-opensuse-11.4-x86_64-ispconfig-2

Set Up OpenVPN Server With Authentication Against OpenLDAP On Debian 6.0 (Squeeze)
==================================================================================

OpenVPN, or Open Virtual Private Network, is a tool for creating networking "tunnels" between and among groups of computers that are not on the same local network. This is useful if you have services on a local network and need to access them remotely but don't want these services to be publicly accessible. By integrating with OpenSSL, OpenVPN can encrypt all VPN traffic to provide a secure connection between machines.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/set-up-openvpn-server-with-authentication-against-openldap-on-debian-6.0-squeeze

Virtual Users With Postfix, Dovecot, MySQL, RoundCube, iRedAdmin On Debian 6.0 (Squeeze)
========================================================================================

This document describes how to install a Postfix and Dovecot mail server that is based on virtual users and domains, i.e. users and domains that are in a MySQL database. If you prefer to install such a mail server step by step, you can refer to the ISPmail tutorials at workaround.org. Also the Big Picture would help you to easily understand the mail server structure. I believe you at least need one day to have a working mail server that way. If you use the iRedMail script, you only need one minute to get the mail server up and running, and you will have more features (compared to the ISPmail tutorials).

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/virtual-users-with-postfix-dovecot-mysql-roundcube-iredadmin-on-debian-6-squeeze

How To Set Up Kippo SSH Honeypot On CentOS 5.5
==============================================

Kippo is a medium interaction SSH honeypot designed to log brute force attacks and, most importantly, the entire shell interaction performed by the attacker. Kippo is inspired, but not based on Kojoney. This tutorial shows how you can compile and install Kippo on a CentOS 5.5 server.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/how-to-set-up-kippo-ssh-honeypot-on-centos-5.5

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Fedora 15 vs. Ubuntu 11.04: The Battle for Linux Desktop Supremacy

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 03:23 AM PDT

In a few weeks from now, latest versions from two of the finest Linux distributions will be unleashed, bringing along some major changes to the traditional desktop. Ubuntu 11.04 is expected to be released this coming April 28, while Fedora 15 will be out on May 24, 2011. The two will battle it out for Linux desktop supremacy.

What makes these editions special is the fact that both distributions will be offering two completely new user interfaces. Here is a detailed look at how these two veteran distros stack up against each other.

The Desktop:

Since the dark ages of Linux desktop, both Fedora and Ubuntu have sported the overly familiar GNOME 2 look. It goes without saying that the simple, clean and fast desktop environment enjoys a heavy fan base in the Linux world. However as time went on, many people agreed that GNOME was in need of something fresh, something completely new. Hence, developers started working on a totally revamped user interface, now known as GNOME 3 or GNOME shell. This newly designed shell interface was also supposed to be the default desktop environment for Ubuntu 11.04.

GNOME 3

Due to philosophical differences between Canonical and the GNOME team, Ubuntu ditched GNOME 3 and started working on their own desktop environment called Unity. Since this announcement, Unity has received some heavy criticism from the Linux community. GNOME 3 too has had its share of bad feedback following some major UI decisions like removing minimize and maximize buttons. Despite these early apprehensions, both projects have managed to bring a much-needed burst of freshness to the stagnating Linux desktop.

Unity

But how does this whole GNOME 3 vs. Unity battle affect Ubuntu and Fedora users?

Well, Ubuntu team is working assiduously to prove that their decision to stick with Unity was the right one. On the other hand, GNOME team is making sure it remains the most widely used desktop environment. Hence, the release of Ubuntu 11.04 and Fedora 15 will be the perfect platform to decide which desktop environment wins.

Here's a quick comparison of features offered by GNOME 3 and Unity:

Music Players:

Fedora will be sticking with Rhythmbox, while Ubuntu will be using Banshee as the default music player. The decision, however, hasn't gone down well with many FOSS supporters as Banshee brings along mono libraries to the Ubuntu code pool. Nevertheless, Ubuntu users will be happy to see many new features like Amazon Mp3 store, Audiobooks support and metadata fix up giving Banshee an edge over Rhythmbox.

Software management:

Natty will include an updated version of Ubuntu Software Center allowing users to rate and review applications. Fedora on the other hand will stick with the traditional Add/Remove Software.

Performance:

Both Fedora and Ubuntu will be using the latest kernel bringing along a lot of performance improvements. Behind the scenes, Fedora will now replace Upstart and SystemV with Systemd that provides a slightly faster bootup (especially on SSDs). In the graphics department, people have raised concerns over GNOME's use of Mutter, which had compatibility issues with many graphic cards; however, Ubuntu's decision to go with Compiz has been readily welcomed by users.

Security:

This is an area where Fedora will beat Ubuntu hands down. Fedora 15 will come with an optional dynamic firewall daemon based on dbus. Moreover, Fedora already includes SELinux thus making it one of the most secure user-oriented distros around.

Unique features in Ubuntu 11.04:

* Revamped UbuntuOne: Natty will include Ubuntu One with a revamped user interface making it more easy-to-use.
* More indicator applets: GNOME's traditional panel applets won't be supported thus making way for more indicator applets.
* 100 papercuts project: This is a great initiative by the Canonical team that aims to fix small usability bugs, which often go unnoticed.
* 2D unity: Ubuntu is also developing a Qt-based 2D desktop for low-end graphic cards so that users with older PCs won't have any problems upgrading.

Unique features in Fedora 15:

* Improved Power Management: Fedora 15 will include PowerTOP 2.x containing a daemon that tunes system settings dynamically to balance the power consumption and performance.
* Indic Typing Booster: Indic typing booster is a predictive input method for ibus platform that provides word completion for Indic languages. This will enable users to create content in their native language with enhanced speed, accuracy and ease.

* Robotics suite: This is a collection of software that will allow users to try out robotics in a simulation environment.

Common Features:

Though Natty and Lovelock have taken different directions, there are some great new features they'll both offer.

* Firefox 4: Both Ubuntu and Fedora will ship with the latest and greatest version of Firefox that is Firefox 4. The open source browser comes with a boatload of new features that make browsing better, secure and faster.

* Libreoffice: Openoffice will be replaced by its fork Libreoffice thus putting a smile back on the faces of all FOSS supporters.

* KDE 4.6: Fedora users who prefer KDE as well as Kubuntu fanatics will get their hands on the latest version of KDE freshly baked from the oven.

Conclusion:

Despite some radical decisions made by GNOME and Canonical, there are some positive expectations from the Linux community. Along with the much-needed freshness to the Linux desktop, these changes bring along a fresh set of challenges for the Linux community. Moreover, the conspicuous yet exaggerated creative differences among the different teams fosters a healthy competition, thus making Linux desktop ready for the bigger challenges. Though Fedora and Ubuntu have taken contrasting approaches, they'll both offer the new-to-Linux user two high quality choices.

This article was written by Abhishek, a TechSource contributor and longtime FOSS advocate.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

How to Create an Android Tablet that Can Beat the iPad

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 04:41 AM PDT

We can't deny the fact that the iPad is currently the best tablet computer available. Although a good number of leading manufacturers have already come up with their own tablets, it seems like it is hard to topple Apple's baby.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb may have significantly boosted many of the iPad-competitors' chance of succeeding, but a lot of skeptics don't think that it is compelling enough to attract a wide range of consumers. And now that Apple has stepped up its game by releasing the more refined and still drool-worthy iPad 2 with equally drool-worthy applications such as GarageBand and iMovie, Android-based tablets are struggling to keep up.

Is it possible to beat the iPad? How do we create an iPad-slaying Android-based tablet computer?

Anything is possible, and the iPad can be easily beaten. To do it, manufacturers must work closely with Android/Google developers to create and focus on essential features that the iPad is currently lacking and make a tablet computer that can truly serve as a laptop or netbook replacement. So what are these features?

In terms of hardware, some of the latest Android tablets such as the Motorola Xoom and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tabs are already equipped with several key features like built-in SD card slot, micro USB port, and HDMI port, which are all absent on the iPad. Of course there is always room for innovation, and Android tablets must continually strive to stay ahead of the game.

One of the keys to beating the iPad is software -a software that is polished and is tightly integrated with the hardware. Despite the fact that Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) is loaded with exciting features, it does not offer a more fluid user experience when compared to Apple's iOS. Let us hope future software update aimed at refining Android 3.0 will come sooner rather than later.

Now, let us talk about apps. The iPad may already have plenty of applications and is way ahead of Android in terms of number, it is never too late. Developers still have time to create some useful apps that should be pre-installed on every Android tablet. Some of the handy applications that should be included for free are office suite, image editor, and audio/video editors, among others. If possible, they should take advantage of the popularity of Google Chrome web browser by supporting it on the Android platform. Imagine running a full-featured Chrome browser on your tablet with support for apps, extensions, and themes.

I believe Android tablets will eventually win the war against Apple's iPad, but some of the things I've mentioned above are keys to achieving victory the faster way.

What do you think?

Monday, March 28, 2011

Which do you think is the best Relational Database Management System for Linux?

Posted: 28 Mar 2011 08:51 AM PDT

Which do you think is the best Relational Database Management System for Linux? - After featuring here some of the best Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) for Linux (5 of the Best Relational Database Management System for Linux, 5 (More) Relational Database Management System for Linux), it is time once again to ask for our readers' participation.

So for those of you who have used a few of the RDBMS that we have previously mentioned, you may cast your votes below:

If you have something to add, please do so via comment.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Sad Day at Linux Today

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 08:26 PM PDT

If you are a frequent visitor of the popular Linux news aggregator site Linux Today, you may have noticed the lack of updates during the last few days. Upon checking it this morning, it already has a couple of posts and one of which is an "Editor's Note". It has been my favorite section of the site but I noticed something different this time. –Linux Today's long-standing Senior Managing Editor, Carla Schroder, did not write the post.

In her place is Michael Hall, a former Managing Editor of LT. Hall informed everyone that Carla no longer works for the site and for its parent company, but gave no further comments as to why she was laid off. However, he provided us a link to a recent post by Carla at LXer.

Although I don't know the whole story or any of the internal details, I think that Schroder's absence will be a big loss to Linux Today. She already has a lot of followers including myself, and her posts always resulted in interesting discussions. I am also grateful for her for featuring some of my articles at LT, which really helped take this site to a whole new level. I'm certain that through the years she has also given a lot of other small sites or blogs a chance to shine.

Niki Kovacs, a 43-year old IT professional living in South France, commented, "I'm sorry Carla Schroder wasn't given a chance to say goodbye here, among the community she's been part of for years. This is not only a shame, but most likely a sign that something's terribly wrong with Linux Today."

As Schroder says, "a rising tide lifts all boats, and the more successful any individual site is the better for all of us". So despite all these issues, I hope Linux Today will continue to post relevant, updated, and interesting news feeds for all of us.

I wish Carla all the best. I know that her talents as a writer and as an all-around Linux geek will take her to new heights and bring her more success in the future. See you at LXer :)

[HowtoForge] Newsletter 03/24/2011

HowtoForge Newsletter 03/24/2011
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*** HowtoForge Now Has Its own Facebook Page ***
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http://www.facebook.com/howtoforge

*********************************************
*********************************************

*** Version 1.1 of the ISPConfig 3 Manual ***
=============================================

The first update of the ISPConfig 3 Manual is available in PDF format (version 1.1 for ISPConfig >= 3.0.3.1; Date: 12/12/2010).

Version 1.1 for ISPConfig >= 3.0.3.1 (Date: 12/12/2010)
Author: Falko Timme
305 pages

The manual can be downloaded from these two links:

http://www.ispconfig.org/ispconfig-3/ispconfig-3-manual/
http://www.howtoforge.com/download-the-ispconfig-3-manual
********************************************************************

New HOWTOs:
===========

* Installing Firefox 4.0 (.deb Package) On Ubuntu 10.10
* Make Browsers Cache Static Files With mod_expire On Lighttpd (Debian Squeeze)
* Extending Perfect Server - Debian Squeeze [ISPConfig 3]
* Setting Up SFTP In A Hurry For File Uploads Using OpenSSH
* How To Install Apache-Solr And Use It With Drupal And ISPConfig (OpenSUSE/Debian)
* How To Install And Use MyDLP
* Installing Debian Squeeze (6.0) domU On CentOS 5.5 x86_64 dom0

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Installing Firefox 4.0 (.deb Package) On Ubuntu 10.10
=====================================================

In this short guide I will show you how you can install the new Mozilla Firefox 4.0 browser (released March 22, 2011) on an Ubuntu 10.10 desktop. Fortunately, there's a Launchpad PPA repository that has Firefox 4.0 .deb packages, so we can easily install it through Ubuntu's package manager.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/installing-firefox-4.0-deb-package-on-ubuntu-10.10

Make Browsers Cache Static Files With mod_expire On Lighttpd (Debian Squeeze)
=============================================================================

This tutorial explains how you can configure Lighttpd to set the Expires HTTP header and the max-age directive of the Cache-Control HTTP header of static files (such as images, CSS and Javascript files) to a date in the future so that these files will be cached by your visitors' browsers. This saves bandwidth and makes your web site appear faster (if a user visits your site for a second time, static files will be fetched from the browser cache). This tutorial was written for Debian Squeeze.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/make-browsers-cache-static-files-with-mod_expire-on-lighttpd-debian-squeeze

Extending Perfect Server - Debian Squeeze [ISPConfig 3]
=======================================================

The following tutorial will extend the "Perfect Server.... " for ISPConfig 3 with BIND & Courier installed in Debian Squeeze. It explains how to change default ports (ssh, ispconfig, webmin), how to install some useful applications (webmin, roundcube, atop, htop, multitail, tiger etc), how to update awstats periodically (more than once a day) or whenever you want, how to create clients' data backups (periodically) accessible under their folder and finally it explains how to tweak your system for performance (mysqltuner, tuning-primer) or security (custom firewall rules, (D)Dos Deflate, fail2ban modified).

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/extending-perfect-server-debian-squeeze-ispconfig-3

Setting Up SFTP In A Hurry For File Uploads Using OpenSSH
=========================================================

Secure file transfer gets too little attention, perhaps because it is too easy. For secure file transfer without the need of special programs or clients, nothing more is needed than to have the OpenSSH server installed and running. It has a built-in SFTP subsystem that is available to any account that can log in. In other words, for basic SFTP access, nothing needs to be done other than have an account accessible via SSH.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/setting-up-sftp-in-a-hurry-for-file-uploads

How To Install Apache-Solr And Use It With Drupal And ISPConfig (OpenSUSE/Debian)
=================================================================================

Solr is the popular, blazing fast open source enterprise search platform from the Apache Lucene project. Its major features include powerful full-text search, hit highlighting, faceted search, dynamic clustering, database integration, and rich document (e.g., Word, PDF) handling. I use this on OpenSUSE and Debian (minor tweaks on Debian, just paths to correct but it's almost the same). Packages from 4 of March 2011.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/how-to-install-apache-solr-and-use-it-with-drupal-and-ispconfig-opensuse-debian

How To Install And Use MyDLP
============================

This document can be used as a guide to installation of MyDLP Appliance. It also describes the basic usage. MyDLP is an easy, simple and open DLP (data loss prevention) solution, licensed under GPLv3. MyDLP 1.0 is released on 10 November 2010. MyDLP Appliance is a distribution based on Ubuntu Server. The distribution comes as a easy to deploy key solution. Protecting customer records, securing confidential files, data flow enforcements... they are all achievable within 30 minutes.

You can find the document here:
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http://www.howtoforge.com/how-to-install-and-use-mydlp

Installing Debian Squeeze (6.0) domU On CentOS 5.5 x86_64 dom0
==============================================================

This tutorial shows how to create a Debian Squeeze (6.0) domU on dom0 running CentOS 5.5 x86_64.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/installing-debian-squeeze-6.0-domu-on-centos-5.5-x86_64-dom0

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Email: info@howtoforge.com
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

New Samsung Galaxy Tab Android Tablets Ready to Stop the iPad 2 Madness

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 03:17 AM PDT

Samsung recently unleashed not one but two Android tablet computers that have the potential to derail the iPad 2 train. The two new tablets, simply called Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 are loaded with exciting features that could give Apple a run for its money.

At 8.6 millimeters (.33 inches) thin, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 are considered as the world's thinnest mobile tablets beating the iPad 2 by just a hairline in terms of slimness. They are also very light, weighing only around 470 grams and 595 grams respectively.

Like the highly publicized Motorola Xoom, the new Galaxy Tabs runs Android 3.0 Honeycomb. However, its user interface is heavily customized using Samsung's TouchWiz UX, which aims to enhance the home screen by adding certain functionalities like the Mini Apps Tray and Live Panel. It is worth noting that Samsung has utilized the TouchWiz UI on some of its smartphones that include the slick i9000 Galaxy S.

In addition to the tweaked user interface, the Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 are pre-installed with Readers Hub and Music Hub, enabling users to easily access more than 2.2 million books, 2,000 newspaper in 49 languages, 2,300 magazines in 22 languages, and over 13 million songs. They also come with Samsung's Social Hub that could aggregate email, contacts, calendar, instant messaging (IM), and social networks into a unified interface.

Looking at the hardware specifications, the latest Galaxy Tabs are fully equipped with features that could easily compete with or probably beat some of the latest Android-powered tablet PCs. Both are equipped with 1GHz dual-core processors (possibly NVIDIA Tegra 2), a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and 2-megapixel front camera, and will be available in 16GB or 32GB configurations. The camera at the back has a built-in LED flash and can record high-definition (HD) videos at 1080p. Although the two Galaxy Tabs have different screen sizes, their display resolutions are similar at 1280 x 800.

To get you all pumped up, here is a video of the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1:

As seen on the video above, the suggested retail prices of the new Galaxy Tabs are as follows:

8.9 (WiFi):

16GB - $469
32GB - $569

10.1 (WiFi):

16GB - $499
32GB - $599

Unlike the Motorola Xoom, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 are priced aggressively that those of you are planning to buy the iPad 2 should now think twice. In addition, the new Galaxy tabs have essential features that are absent on the Apple tablet such as microSD slot and Adobe Flash support, so I think their prices are really worth it.

Without doubt, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 are among the top Android tablet computers released to date and would likely stop the iPad 2 madness.

What do you think?

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Load Balancing your JBoss App Servers with Apache

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:27 AM PDT

If you have your web application deployed on an application server and you need it to be online with a good uptime you should know that applications servers are not always very reliable. That's why it is a good idea to run two or more application servers and load balance them so that you can share the load, thereby reducing the dependence on one server and also handling the load better.

A single instance of the Apache web server can handle a large number of simple requests for files to be served quite well. However, a single instance of an application server such as JBoss can handle far fewer requests for applications to be run. There's a big difference between just handing someone a piece of data and having to work out something complicated to answer a question. So we'll use the Apache web server as a load balancer between two instances of JBoss, running the same application.

I'll assume that you have three servers; real server or virtual servers are fine. You will need to run your JBoss instances on two of these servers. You can alternatively run both instances of JBoss on the same server. However, make sure that they are both operating on different ports and not the same one. The default port on which JBoss run is 8080. Once both of your instances are up and running run a simple test to make sure things are running fine on both server. Launch your web browser and go to http://host:8080. I'll assume that the IP addresses of the two JBoss servers are 192.168.0.10 and 192.168.0.20.

Now we'll setup Apache. You can use the standard installation of Apache that shipped with your Linux distribution, or install it using a standard binary. We will be using a specific Apache module, mod_jk, to do the load balancing. This module does not usually ship with a copy of Apache and would need to be downloaded and setup separately. Installing mod_jk is pretty straightforward:

1. Download the module from http://apache.inetbridge.net//tomcat/tomcat-connectors/jk/binaries/.

2. Copy the .so file into /usr/lib/apache2/modules/mod_jk.so. This location may differ from distribution to distribution.

3. Now execute the following "# echo LoadModule jk_module /usr/lib/apache2/modules/mod_jk.so" > /etc/apache2/mods-available/jk.load".

4. And "# touch /etc/apache2/mods-available/jk.conf".

5. And "# touch /etc/apache2/workers.conf".

6. "# a2enmod jk".

There you go. mod_jk should now be all setup. Just make sure you don't receive any errors while executing any of the steps shown above. I'll assume you have the web server running on 192.168.0.1:80. so our setup looks something like the following:

Apache Web Server: 192.168.0.1:80 - lb1

JBoss App Server 1: 192.168.0.10:8080 - app1

JBoss App Server 2: 192.168.0.20:8080 - app2

Next create the file /etc/apache2/workers.conf in the lb1 machine. Enter the following content into it:

# Defining the workers list:
worker.list=loadbalancer,status
# first worker properties, we use the AJB13 connection type:
worker.worker1.type=ajp13
worker.worker1.connection_pool_size=20
worker.worker1.host=app1-host
worker.worker1.port=8080
worker.worker1.lbfactor=1
# second worker properties, we use the AJB13 connection type:
worker.worker2.type=ajp13
worker.worker2.connection_pool_size=20
worker.worker2.host=app2-host
worker.worker2.port=8080
worker.worker2.lbfactor=1
# No we set the load balancing config
worker.loadbalancer.type=lb
worker.loadbalancer.sticky_session=true
worker.loadbalancer.balance_workers=worker1,worker2
worker.status.type=status

Replace 'app1' and 'app2' with the names of your app server machines. Next up edit or create the file '/etc/apache2/mods-available/jk.conf' to look like this:

<IfModule mod_jk.c>
# The Jk shared mem location
JkShmFile /var/log/apache2/mod_jk.shm

# Jk logs
JkLogFile /var/log/apache2/mod_jk.log
# Jk loglevel
JkLogLevel info
# Jk logformat
JkLogStampFormat "[%a %b %d %H:%M:%S %Y] "

# Our workers config
JkWorkersFile /etc/apache2/workers.conf

# The most important:
# We will send eveything (/*) to our loadbalancer (set in JkWorkersFile)
JkMount /* loadbalancer
</IfModule>

Restart your Apache web server with the command "# service httpd restart" or whatever works for your distribution. Now if you hit "192.168.0.1" or lb1 in your web browser you should be able to see the results from one or the other app server. You should put in unique pages on each server to make sure it is the case. We have chosen two app servers in this case. However, this is not a limitation. You can choose to have more servers if you like.

Sukrit Dhandhania wrote this article for TechSource

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