Can I bypass a web host's mod_php with a separate, private PHP running as CGI?
Background, host won't upgrade its mod_php. I may need 5.2.9 bugfixes, depending. They won't mind if I do it, but won't help. They're nonprofit. The question is whether it's possible. I have shell access, but not root; assume no sysadmin help or opposition. I have gcc from shell. OS is RHEL of some flavor. Their Apache offers mod_cgi. I'd rig a copy of PHP 5.2.9 to run as pure CGI. I'm fine with the slowdown. I may be adventuresome and try 5.3.0 RC. This host expressed terror at a minor upgrade, PHP 5.2.6 to 5.2.9, which it termed a "MAJOR system change" - their SHOUTCAPS, not mine. User disruption was the worry claimed. Yet they routinely do mass notices/reboots for kernel upgrades, MX change, etc. Go figure. So I reckon best to use a custom PHP behind their Apache 2. Then I can leave them alone. There are other motivations, like PECL modules which they wouldn't install for lack of manpower, they said.
