Configuration and change management with Bcfg2
Connections
A database lets you retrieve configuration information from more data sources. For example, you could automatically generate the DHCP, DNS, and NIS configuration data from a source such as a directory service. The example in Listing 5 shows how TCheetah on Debian configures the network interfaces in /etc/network/interfaces on the basis of data from a PostgreSQL database.
Listing 5
TCheetah-Configured network/interfaces
Services
Configurations do not just apply to file entries. System services must be configured to reflect the runlevels. The Service generator reads the administrative information in Svcmgr/services.xml to discover how to configure, say, the NTP service.
To do so, the server references the service referred to as <service name= 'ntpd' /> in the matching bundle.
Then, services.xml is used to specify whether or not the client should start the service:
<Services priority='0'> <Service name='ntpd' status='on' /> </Services>
The generator converts these details to tangible configurations and sends them to the client, which then applies distribution-specific methods to enable or disable the service.
Packages
Bcfg2 does not replace the package manager, but it can have the effect of shifting more control from the package manager to the system administrator, who can use Bcfg2 to specify which version of which individual package the tool installs. XML files manage information about the available packages and synchronize the details with the installation server package selection. Multiple installation servers allow administrators to assign different priorities – for example, for security updates.
The Bcfg2 client compares global and local package versions and upgrades or downgrades accordingly. Administrators can freeze special versions by assigning them the highest priority.
Other generators configure directories, symlinks, and many other element types. Some more experienced administrators will appreciate the ability to use plugins to bind Python functions to the generators provided with the Bcfg2 distribution.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.