In this issue

Apache Site: www.apache.org
Release: 1.3.1 (Released 22^nd July 1998) (local download sites)
Beta: None

Apache 1.3.1 is the current stable release. Users of Apache 1.2.6 and earlier should look at upgrading to this version, which provides additional features and has been subject to extensive testing.

The bugs listed below now include a link to the entry in the Apache bug database where the problem is being tracked. These entries are called "PR"s (Problem Reports). Some bugs do not correspond to problem reports if they are found by developers.

Patches for bugs in Apache 1.3.1 will be made available in the apply_to_1.3.1 subdirectory of the patches directory on the Apache site. Some new features and other unofficial patches are available in the 1.3 patches directory. For details of all previously reported bugs, see the Apache bug database and known bugs pages. Many common configuration questions are answered in the Apache FAQ.

The mod_status module, which provides an HTML page showing the current status of the Apache server, is now a "base" module. That is, it will be included in any binary builds and will be included in a build from source unless the Configuration file is modified. Previously mod_status was not a base module because it had a performance impact on the server. Now the module can be turned on or off with the new ExtendedStatus directive, which defaults to off. So unless the directive is changed, having mod_status in the binary does not have a performance impact (other than the larger executable size).

If a CGI program run on an EBCDIC system provides output in ASCII, Apache will now notice and log an error message.

When Apache exits, it will remove the file containing the parent server's PID (usually logs/httpd.pid). This will prevent scripts which use the contents of the file from possibly signalling the wrong process, if Apache is not running. See PR#2947.

The next release of Apache will compile and run on Mac OS X (Rhapsody).

IBM vice president of Internet Technology John Patrick, Yahoo, Inc. co-founder David Filo, author and critic Bruce Sterling, and Internet entrepreneur John Gilmore will be featured as keynote speakers at the forthcoming ApacheCon 98 conference to be held October 14-16 at the San Francisco Hilton and Towers.

Produced by C2Net Software and sponsored in part by IBM, Covalent Technologies, CNET Builder.com, Netcraft Ltd and Critical Path, ApacheCon '98 is the first-ever conference specifically created for the users and developers of the Apache web server. Four concurrent tracks of conference sessions will address various topics relevant to the Apache community and will include case studies showcasing how the Apache web server has been successfully deployed to achieve business and technical goals for Internet, intranet, extranet and e-commerce applications. ApacheCon '98 attendees will learn new ways to fine-tune the Apache web server and the latest information on how to keep their web-based systems secure. Conference attendees will also be able to meet with the Apache Group members and top web designers and systems engineers from around the world.

Forbes Magazine recently described the Apache web server as "a technical marvel that commands more than 50% of the booming market for web server software." The Apache Group was identified in the same article as, "an example of the informality that rules the freeware world." Forbes recognized the Apache web server model of open-source software development as a methodology that is more efficient at improving software products than the typical single-source approach. Such collaborative models of programming promise to play a critical role in shaping development and use of computer software in every facet of the computer industry and in businesses throughout the world.

The reduced registration fee of $995 is still available until 22^nd September. After that it goes to the standard rate of $1295 and rooms in the hotel currently set aside for ApacheCon attendees but not reserved will become available to the general public.

For more information about ApacheCon 98, see www.apachecon.com.