If you are not experienced with using or editing the htaccess file it would be best to find someone who is. I have used and edited many Joomla htaccess file. There are numerous features and security issues that depend on this file. Not just with Joomla but most database driven type sites. I am not aware of all the things a htaccess file can accomplish but, I do know a few important ones. The newest version of Joomla contains an advanced htaccess file that includes some security features to help against unwanted access to files on your server.

The most popular use of the htaccess file is for SEF URLs , short for search engine friendly universial resourse locator. I am of the opinion that sef urls are not all they are said to be. I have mentioned or questioned this in the past. My point is, if a popular high ranking Joomla site does not use them, why are they still number one in the search engines? My answer would be, your search engine ranking as nothing to do with search engine friendly urls. Like I also mention in this another article, there are hundreds of SEO experts that will have a different opinion and I can respect that!

This method is not going to work for everyone. You will have to know what your server administrator has set-up. Keep a copy of your htaccess file before you start making changes. If it doesn't work you simply put the old htaccess file back. Your site will go back to the same as before you started making changes. It is important to work on your htaccess file from a hosting panel that is not on the same IP address. If you are working on your htaccess file from your sites IP address your site may disappear on you. This can be very stressful if you didn't expect it or have never done this type of work before. If you site disappears you need to get your last copy of the htaccess file uploaded to over-ride the one that isn't working.