To control directory indexes using an `.htaccess` file, you can use the `Options` directive along with the `Indexes` keyword. Here's an example of how you can do it:
1. Create or edit the `.htaccess` file in the directory where you want to control the indexes.
2. Add the following lines to the file:
```apache
Options -Indexes
```
The `Options` directive is used to set various options for the directory, and the `-Indexes` option specifically disables directory indexing.
3. Save the `.htaccess` file.
Once you've made these changes, the directory will no longer display a list of files when accessed through a web browser. Instead, it will return a "403 Forbidden" error.
Note that to use `.htaccess` files, you need to ensure that the `AllowOverride` directive is set to `All` or `Indexes` for the appropriate directory in the Apache configuration file 
If it's set to `None`, the `.htaccess` file will be ignored.
It's also worth mentioning that modifying server configurations like this requires appropriate access and permissions. If you don't have the necessary access, you may need to contact your hosting provider or system administrator for assistance.
