Apache Webserver - SuEXEC Activation

I have a dedicated Virtual Linux server running Fedora 7 and Apache 2.2.8. I'm having difficultly getting my PHP scripts to run commands like mkdir() as well as shell_exec commands. After doing some research I suspect my problem is due to Apache running as Apache, which it does by default and as such doesn't have permission to make a directory in the public_html folder. The Apache suEXEC option puts a wrapper around the Apache process, allowing Apache to run as the user who owns the PHP script. I'm hoping this will solve the problem. I need someone who can configure suEXEC for Apache or tell me how to do it. ## Deliverables I've searched many forums regarding this problem and most recommend running the "configure" script for Apache, with the suEXEC options to activate suEXEC. I understand though, that Apache 2.x no longer uses this method and instead uses the "autoconf" and "libtool" linux commands to create "configure" scripts. I will need this to be done or use an existing "configure" script that is tried and tested.