The goal of the SSL is to validate that the internet address of the Apache server is validated and secure. The existence of the SSL certificate on the apache server causes the 'lock' on the patrons web browser to turn on and encrypts all communication between the patron and your office.

Before you can get an SSL certificate, you will need a static address for your router and a 'nice' domain name like 'tickets.yourvenue.org' that points to your firewall. Both of these are supplied by your webhosting company. The steps you will need to follow to set up an SSL and get web pages working are in the following sections.