With a new article (an exceprt from the new APress book Pro Apache), DevShed has a new posting for anyone out there just getting started with Apache.

This chapter is an introduction to both Apache and the concepts that underlie it; that is, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and the basics of networking and the Internet. It's aimed at those totally new to Apache and Web servers in general. This chapter is introductory in nature, so if you’re familiar with system administration or are well read on Internet subjects, you might want to skip ahead to Chapter 2.

In this chapter, I'll also discuss the most important criteria to consider when choosing server hardware. Although it's quite easy to install Apache manually, you’ll also look at dedicated server solutions for those looking for ready-made solutions with vendor support. Finally, I'll round off the chapter by presenting some of the graphical configuration tools available for Apache installations.

It seems to cover the topics pretty well, going over how the HTTP requests work, how that fits with the TCP/IP model that the internet is based on, netmasks, routing, monitoring a network and even a little info on network interfaces.