title: How to use functions that are beyond your PHP version?
body: <p>I use shared hosting with Hostgator. My version of php is 5.2.17 and that does not include <strong>mod_rewrite</strong>. Is there any way that I could link to or use mod_rewrite anyway? Here is some more info:</p>
  
  <p><strong>Why do you need mod_rewrite?</strong><br />
  I want to try out an open source classifieds system called '<a href="http://open-classifieds.com/" rel="nofollow">Open Source Classifieds</a>' and mod_rewrite is one of the install dependencies. (<em>incidentally the only dependency that I am missing</em>). BTW if you know of any alternative opensoure classifieds systems out there that I could use instead, do tell.</p>
  
  <p><strong>Why don't you just upgrade php?</strong><br />
  Well, because I can't. I have shared hosting and tech support confirmed that this is not possible. One option  would be to upgrade to dedicated hosting which costs a lot more than I am willing to pay just yet..</p>