On Tue, Dec 03, 2002 at 09:22:22PM +0800, M. Yu wrote: > > > Hello list, > > I was recently installing RedHat 8.0 in my office PC and noticed that it now > comes with a package group labeled "Server Configuration Tools". Clicking > on Details show that the set contain RPMs that RH put together to provide > GUI front ends to configuration tools (others are config tools in > themselves) - they are named redhat-config-<something>.rpm. It seems to me > that RH is now leaning towards using a GUI-based system. Brings me memories > of when I had access to a Sun Netra-I running Solaris/SunOS, and x86 > machines running WinNT/2K.
The user can opt for that, or, as any non-X-fanatic-for-the-server-sysadmin would do, opt to fine-tune the installation by deselecting the offending packages (in this case, X and other not-to-be-used stuff). The user can still opt to install a minimalist system (though this ain't seem to be the default). The user isn't barred from jettisoning the bloat during the installation proper. > Anyway, I think this goes against keeping server installations as lean as > possible. Personally, I install and run servers using text mode only (most > are headless machines with VERY low end video cards - most of my linux > routers/firewalls/VPN gateways are even using ISA cards!!!). To me, running > X on a server is not only illogical but a waste of precious resources and > introducing a potential security risk. I also think that using text mode > forces one to actually see/learn what is being done instead of hiding it > behind GUI front-ends. Then again, I know RH is just trying to make it easy > for new hostmasters (I'll refrain from calling them sysads) to use/configure > these machines. In the end though, IMHO, it'll only introduce more > incompetent hostmasters who call themselves sysadmins as soon as they learn > the intricacies of the concept of point-and-click. And when the proverbial > sh*t hits the fan, i.e. X wouldn't load, they're stuck there staring at the > screen feverishly typing in MS-DOS commands like HELP and wondering why > typing a command followed by "/?" doesn't show a syntax/help screen (ok a > bit harsh, but you get the point). I hope that scenario doesn't happen - it still takes enough hackerly skill and wits to administer a POSIX system. I still have doubts that this would happen on a large scale for some adage reasons - the community, as well as the documentation available would heavily recommend that unnecessary services should not be turned on by default - thus encouraging a sufficient or otherwise minimalistic system configuration depending on a system's usage. [unlike some other system out there...] Reasons - for the sake of security, for the sake of performance, and perhaps other reasons conceivable. This form of education is fortunately widespread, and is propagated by existing documentation, and by the more experienced members of the tribe of sysadmins. Maybe in the beginning these newbie admins (though I think that sysadmin posts aren't bequethed usually to beginners - rather, it is given to those who have more experience) would opt to install X on their servers (I know of some), but as they learn the intricacies of the system, and perhaps incurring some mistakes along the way (blowing away the partition table, screwing up the root account, etc...), coupled with community and documentation advice, these admins would cease and desist from practicing unsafe practices with their boxes. > So, what about you guys, where do you stand? Do think running X on servers > is the way to go? Depends on your preferred usage, and depends as well on how do you define a server or what does your server do. If I'll be looking for a fairly secure system and squeeze every inch of performance from it, X would be out of the installation plan. -- Paolo Alexis Falcone [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Philippine Linux Users Group. Web site and archives at http://plug.linux.org.ph To leave: send "unsubscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fully Searchable Archives With Friendly Web Interface at http://marc.free.net.ph To subscribe to the Linux Newbies' List: send "subscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
