Using apache rewrite modules without .htaccess file

Question

hey guys,

I have just completed this tutorial (and afew others) on how to use mod_rewrite with apache: http://www.workingwith.me.uk/articles/scripting/mod_rewrite

however they all focus on using the .htaccess file to rewrite URLs

my question is, how can you use this rewrite engine module from the apache.conf / httpd.conf files or from within the '/etc/apache2/sites-enabled' directory... ? examples of any additional syntax on how to do this would be useful.

I have root access to my system so I would prefer to avoid using .htaccess files if at all possible. my system is Ubuntu-Server 10.04 please help