How To Check Apache Running On Amazon Linux

Devilwatt

2 min read

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30-01-2025

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Running a web server on Amazon Linux requires constant monitoring to ensure everything's working smoothly. A crucial part of this is verifying that your Apache HTTP Server is up and running. This guide will walk you through several methods to check Apache's status on your Amazon Linux instance.

Method 1: Using the systemctl Command

The most straightforward and recommended way to check Apache's status is using the systemctl command. This command interacts with systemd, the init system used by Amazon Linux.

Steps:

1. Open your terminal: Connect to your Amazon Linux instance via SSH or a similar method.

2. Check Apache's status: Execute the following command:

   sudo systemctl status httpd
   

   (Note: httpd is the name of the Apache service on Amazon Linux.)

3. Interpret the output: The output will show you whether httpd is active (running) or inactive (stopped). Look for a line similar to "active (running)" to confirm Apache is running. If it's inactive, you'll need to start it using sudo systemctl start httpd.

Understanding systemctl Output

The output from systemctl status httpd provides detailed information about the Apache service, including:

• Active: Indicates whether the service is running.
• Loaded: Shows if the service is properly configured and loaded by systemd.
• Main PID: Displays the main process ID of the Apache service.
• CGroup: Shows the resource control group for the service.

Method 2: Checking Apache's Port

Apache typically listens on port 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS). You can use the netstat or ss command to verify if Apache is listening on these ports.

Steps:

1. Use netstat (older systems):

   sudo netstat -tulnp | grep :80
   

   This command will list all TCP and UDP ports in listening mode, filtering for those listening on port 80. You should see a line indicating the Apache process listening on this port.

2. Use ss (newer systems, recommended):

   sudo ss -tulnp | grep :80
   

   ss is generally preferred over netstat because it's faster and more efficient. Similar to netstat, look for a line indicating Apache is listening on port 80 (and optionally port 443).

Method 3: Accessing Your Website

The simplest test is to try accessing your website. If you can access your website successfully, it's a strong indication that Apache is running and configured correctly.

Steps:

1. Open a web browser: On your local machine.

2. Enter your website's public IP address or domain name: In the browser's address bar.

3. Check for successful access: If you see your website's content, Apache is likely running correctly. However, this method only verifies the external accessibility of your website, not necessarily the internal status of the Apache service.

Troubleshooting Apache Issues on Amazon Linux

If you find Apache is not running, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Restart Apache: Use sudo systemctl restart httpd to restart the service.
• Check Apache logs: Examine the Apache error logs located in /var/log/httpd/error_log for clues about any problems.
• Verify Apache configuration: Ensure your Apache configuration files are correct. Incorrect configurations can prevent Apache from starting.
• Check firewall rules: Make sure your Amazon Linux firewall (e.g., firewalld) allows traffic on ports 80 and 443.

By using these methods, you can effectively monitor the status of your Apache web server on your Amazon Linux instance and quickly address any issues that may arise. Remember to always prioritize security best practices when managing your server.