The post, part of a series on monitoring Apache performance, focuses on collecting key Apache metrics using the status module (mod_status) and the server access log. It provides detailed instructions on enabling and configuring mod_status, emphasizing the importance of saving configuration backups before making changes. The post also explains how to enable ExtendedStatus for additional metrics, though it may slightly impact performance under heavy load. Furthermore, it covers customizing access logs with variables for more relevant data and introduces open-source tools like Apachetop and Atop for real-time command-line monitoring. While these tools provide immediate insights, the post suggests using more comprehensive systems like Datadog for visualizing metrics, analyzing trends, and setting alerts, with a promise of integration details in the next installment of the series.