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The new third edition of Peter Wainwright's Pro Apache attempts to cover pretty much everything any level of Apache user might want to know. It insightfully covers all aspects of running apache in an impressive level of detail. Not only does the book explain how to get it running on Linux, but also on other Unix variants and Windows. Not only does it cover all common aspects of apache's running configuration, but also details how to build Apache from the ground up in the first place. Not only does it explain the current standards of Apache 2.0, but also the 1.3 platform. Maybe the scope of the manual is too ambitious to be a truly useful tool in terms of useful depth of knowledge in each area? Weighing in at a chunk 850+ pages, there's plenty of room for all the detail you're likely to need.

Pulling random questions out of an imaginary hat I was typically able to find a more than adequate answer at each level of technical ability in the briefest time, with only a few misses. As mentioned above, the book does attempt a pretty impressive range of topics, so a few things are bound to be a little thin on the ground. The most notable area is the use of the various modules, where, while the most useful and critical are paid all due care and attention, others are occasionally skimmed over, a little too briefly. It is a potentially unfair criticism though, as it's hardly the author job to reproduce third party documentation in every detail.

The pros keep greatly outweighing any cons however, with a great pro often found missing elsewhere being a really substantial configuration and installation section starting off the book, going all the way back to selecting appropriate hardware specs for the intended server load and application. Also in the introductory stages are some really down to earth discussions of what Apache is, where it came from and how it fits in to the rest of the jolly big interweb, via a side step into tcp/ip functionality and good networking fundamentals.

The overall level of assumed knowledge does tend to vary somewhat throughout the book, with some very newbie friendly descriptions in the earlier stages being sidelined towards the end for a lot more of the heavyweight talk. As long as the reader is aware of their own levels of knowledge, they should easily be able to decide for themselves which sections are likely to be talking their language, rather than mismatching somewhat.

Once the dust has settled, the book certainly comes out with a score heavily in its favour. Information shared in it is nearly always heavily backed up with solid explanations, and is likely to be of huge benefit to anyone involved in Apache at any level.