[gentoo-user] Re: rsync internal mirror configuration

[James <wireless@tampabay.rr.com>]

Dave Nebinger <dnebinger <at> joat.com> writes:


Thanks for the scripts and help!

> > I'll take this under consideration. My purpose in extending automated
> > updates, is to be able to manage a large number of embedded gentoo
> > devices in the future.  Roll-back and Recovery mechanism will be
> > added later. Besides Gentoo needs to leave the laboratory
> > (purvey of experts) and enter the world of normal humanoids. That will
> > force the Gentoo community to make Gentoo a commodity technology for
> > the world's normal folks.....gentoo's destiny in my opinion.

> Oh, I'd tend to disagree.  Source-based distributions IMHO would be a huge
> pain in the neck for those responsible for a large number of systems.  Twer
> it up to me I'd be using a binary-based distro such as suse or redhat; let
> them work out the kinks so I wouldn't have to.

> I prefer running gentoo because I have total control over the box.  Downtime
> at home simply means I can't surf or receive email; it also means that I
> have some good old down and dirty work ahead to get the box back up, which I
> enjoy.  It's also a hassle that only I have to deal with, not a whole floor
> of workers sitting idle waiting for the problem to be resolved.

> But to be an admin over an office full of gentoo systems?  Not sure I'd like
> that or that they would pay me what it would take to keep it functional.
> Unless, of course, all systems were exactly the same (hardware and software
> installations) and the users had minimal permissions to the systems (i.e.
> they could only write files to their home directories and nowhere else on
> the system, including /tmp & /var/tmp).

Well, I do not think we disagree at all. I'm ramping up to support 5-15
gentoo user systems, to get some experience. My real goal is to learn
gentoo at a deeper level. When I roll out a new TCP/IP based data-logger
(hopefully this fall) it'll take sensor inputs and control a few outputs. 
No humans will use the devices for anything other than interfacing 
sensors and collecting data. 

The experience I gain form helping kids/adults use Gentoo, will help me
manage thousands of dataloggers across public and private networks. 
Besides if I screw it up, no big deal. They can always use a winblows
box until I get it fixed. Strict user control semantics will be
used to limit what they can screw up.

I'm also using jffnms to update and manage all sorts of routers and 
industrial contols embedded devices. After some
time, I'm sure I'll roll my own solution, but for now, managing Gentoo
user systems and customizing JFFNMS for router and other snmp devices
is enough of to keep me busy.

Thanks again for all of your help!

sincerely,
James Horton




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