The best part about Apache is that you can custom build it to include exactly what you need. The defaultconfiguration is a good one, but its far-too-general nature is, by definition, not the best choice for the majority of installations. With a host of plug-in modules available for free over the Internet, customizing Apache to its fullest extent is not only fast and easy, but well worth the time spent.
Building a customized Apache from source is easy, with a little planning. By using only the modules you need, you can build a web server that is fast, streamlined, and simple to maintain. The majority of building Apache is in the planning. Deciding which of the 3 dozen modules you need is where the difficulty lies. Hopefully, this article will push you to investigate the standard modules, and look into the additional modules that are available.