[thelist] htaccess to turn on php

[robert]

Hello
I've just joined a project as web designer with hosting with a  
japanese company. I have discovered that the server they are using  
requires .htaccess file in order to use php (yes for an entire site).  
is this a normal arrangement?

I've done a number of projects and each and every one has php ready  
to go with zero setup. (the only exception using .php5 in order to  
use php 5.)

-robert