how to secure a web site ?

Hello,
I have to develop a web site with PHP which access and information traffic
must be secured.
My feeling is that SSL protocole represents the best approach.
But, some points are really obscured.
What's is the most appropriate version of apache if my requirements are :
stability and security
- apache 1.3.xxx + mod_SSL
- apache2 + mod SSL

Is there anybody who had ever success to install and to put online this kind
of configuration ?

Any help is welcomed
Thanks
Fx