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
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
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.