I have just enabled these. What are they? Using mod_rewrite gives your links a cleaner URL that makes more sense to viewers.
Before configuring mod_rewrite a link would be similar to: http://www.kristilecain.com/wordpress/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=3300
Looking at that link, there is no clue what the picture is, or even which album it’s in. You may want to have a way to keep better track of links if you are using them in email, forum posts, or blog entries.
After the link looks like this: http://www.kristilecain.com/wordpress/gallery2/v/NewHomePlans_etc/knollwood2-smaller.jpg.html
Getting mod_rewrites to work correctly can be tricky. There is a page here that lists a bit of info on the subject.
Apparently the Gallery admin tool to configure mod_rewrite is not very smart. There is a bug that sometimes does not correctly detect that mod_rewrite is installed correctly and running. If this happens to you, and you KNOW that your installation is installed correctly, you can override the testing agent.
Once the module is installed, you will have to configure it. If configuration fails, edit the 2 files that are listed (.htaccess) and put them in place. Chmod both files to 666. Then, check the box for BOTH tests and Save. This will allow you to activate the module, and rewrites may indeed work.
This works for me on this site, but on another site trying this approach did not work out. I am still looking for a solution to that one.
