Turn FastCGI On or Off for Apache in Webuzo

What is FastCGI?

Apache is a web server. It sends web pages to visitors. When a page is written in PHP, Apache must hand it to PHP to build it. There are different ways to do that hand-off. FastCGI is one of them.

Think of a kitchen. With a slow method, the cook starts from nothing for every order. With FastCGI, a few cooks stay ready and take orders one after another. This is usually faster and uses less memory when many people visit.

Why switch it on or off?

• On: faster pages and a lower load on busy sites.
• Off: useful if an old app does not work with it, or when you test a problem.

Steps

1. Log in to the Webuzo admin panel. The address and root login are in your welcome email.
2. Type Apache or FastCGI in the search box.
3. Open the Apache settings page. The wording differs by Webuzo version, so use the search results as a guide.
4. Find the FastCGI option.
5. To turn it on, switch the toggle to Enable or tick the box.
6. To turn it off, switch it to Disable or clear the box.
7. Click Save or Submit.
8. Wait while Webuzo rebuilds the configuration and restarts Apache.

Check it worked

1. Open two or three of your sites. Click through some pages.
2. Log in to the admin area of any app, such as WordPress.
3. Look for blank pages or error messages.

If something breaks

1. Go back to the same page.
2. Set the option to what it was before.
3. Save and wait for Apache to restart.
4. If the sites do not come back, open a support ticket.

Quick recap

• FastCGI is a faster way for Apache to run PHP.
• Toggle it in the Apache settings in Webuzo admin.

  

• Apache restarts, so back up and pick a quiet time.
• Test your sites and undo if needed.