Web service processes on Linux: What is the name of the daemon (service process) commonly used by the Apache web server on UNIX/Linux systems?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: httpd

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The Apache HTTP Server is one of the most widely deployed web servers. On UNIX/Linux, it runs as a daemon process that listens on TCP port 80 (HTTP) and optionally 443 (HTTPS). Recognizing its service name is essential for starting, stopping, and troubleshooting web services.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • An Apache installation is present on a UNIX-like system.
  • Service management may be via systemd (systemctl) or legacy init scripts (service).
  • The conventional daemon name is used.


Concept / Approach:

The Apache daemon is traditionally named httpd (HTTP daemon). Distributions package it under names like httpd (RHEL/CentOS) or apache2 (Debian/Ubuntu), but the underlying process binary is typically httpd. Administrators manage it with systemctl start httpd or service httpd start, depending on the init system.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Install the Apache package provided by your distribution.Start the daemon (for example, systemctl start httpd) and enable it to start on boot.Verify the process with ps aux | grep httpd or pgrep httpd.Open the default site in a browser (http://localhost/) to confirm it is serving content.Configure virtual hosts and TLS certificates as needed.


Verification / Alternative check:

Check listening sockets with ss -lntp | grep :80 or journalctl -u httpd for logs and errors. Confirm firewall rules allow inbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

a: apached is not the standard daemon name.

c: html is a document format, not a daemon.

d: shttp is not the default Apache service name.

e: Not applicable since httpd is correct.



Common Pitfalls:

Confusing package names with service names (apache2 vs httpd), ignoring SELinux contexts on content directories, and forgetting to open ports 80/443 in the firewall.



Final Answer:

httpd

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