Managing SLES with YaST


The Yet another Setup Tool (YaST) utility is the central management console of a SLES installation. YaST is available in a graphical version (yast2), shown in Figure 6.7, and a command-line version (yast). Each of these utilities relies on the same modular system for managing installed components of SLES. Although the look and feel of these modules may change between the graphical and console-based utilities, the functionality of these modules is identical across either version.

Figure 6.7. The Yet another Setup Tool (YaST) utility.


YaST management modules are divided into seven categoriesSoftware, Hardware, System, Network Devices, Network Services, Security and Users, and Miscellaneous. Modules found within each category can be selected from within the YaST utility itself or initiated directly from the command line. To specifically execute a particular module upon starting YaST, the following command line should be used:

 yast <module name> 

TIP

To retrieve a list of all available YaST modules, use yast l.


Modules used for initial configuration of many of the Novell OES components are also found in YaST. These components are all represented in the graphical environment with an icon containing a red "N" for Novell. Although many of these modules are found in the Network Services category, the actual category where each module is found depends on the module in question.

WARNING

The functionality of the OES modules is mainly the installation and basic setup of each service. Most services require additional setup within a management utility such as iManager. Using YaST modules to configure OES services will often revert the component back to the newly installed state!

Detailed setup and configuration instructions within iManager, or other component-specific utilities, are covered in service-specific sections throughout this book.


The following section will briefly describe each management module available through YaST.

Software

The Software category of YaST contains modules used to update and install code onto the SLES server. The following list describes each module found in this section.

  • Online Update The Online Update utility can be used to launch the Red-Carpet OES update service. This service connects to the Novell update server which provides patches and updates to SLES and OES components. More information on Red-Carpet is available later in this chapter.

  • Install and Remove Software This module is used to perform package maintenance. Software packages can be installed or removed individually or through package groups. Although packages can be installed manually outside of YaST, package dependencies are resolved automatically when using this module.

  • Change Source of Installation Through the use of this module, additional installation sources can be configured. This allows for easily changing the installation from CD media-based to a network-based installation source. This module can also be used to add additional software for different versions of SUSE Linuxsuch as SUSE Linux Professional.

    WARNING

    Use extreme care when adding non-SLES products as additional installation sources. Installing small utilities or programs is usually not harmful, but updating critical system components, such as glibc, can have catastrophic effects! In particular, performing a system update with the non-SLES source configured will almost certainly result in an unusable server. To avoid these types of problems, be sure to disable the non-SLES source immediately after installing the required program.


  • Installation into Directory This module is used to install SLES9 into a specified directory.

  • Patch CD Update This module is used to apply service update patch CDs onto the current SLES9 installation.

  • System Update Using this module, a SLES installation can be updated to a newer version. This is typically used for an update from SLES8 to SLES9.

  • UML Installation User Mode Linux is a virtual Linux machine installation that can be run within the current Linux session. This module provides for the installation of SLES9 in a virtual machine.

  • YOU Server Configuration The YaST Online Update patch server can be run locally for distributing patches across the local area network. This module allows for the configuration of a local YOU server.

Hardware

The Hardware category of YaST is used to manage hardware devices physically attached to the server. If new hardware is detected during initialization, these modules may be launched for configuration of the new hardware. These modules can also be used to manually change the configuration of existing hardware, and add hardware not automatically detected.

  • CD-ROM Drives CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives are assigned to Linux devices using this module.

  • Disk Controllers Modules required for using installed disk controllers are configured using this module. Specific kernel modules and startup parameters are also configured within this utility.

  • Graphics Card and Monitor This module is used to configure the graphic card and monitor for the graphical environment. The sax2 utility will be launched by this module to perform changes.

  • Hardware Information This module can be used to query the hardware components recognized on the server. The details of these components can then be saved to a file for later review.

  • IDE DMA Mode This module is used to enable DMA mode for IDE devices. DMA mode may increase performance, but may also be incompatible with some IDE devices.

  • Joystick This module is used for configuring a joystick input device.

  • Printer This module is used to configure printers for use by the local server. These printers can be local printers, remote printers via CUPS, or one of several less common printer configurations. If you are using CUPS for print support, accessing the CUPS web administration interface is another option for printer management. This interface can be accessed via a web browser and the http://localhost:631 address.

  • Select Mouse Model This module is used to modify the mouse configuration for the graphical environment.

  • Sound This module is used to configure a sound card for the current installation.

System

The System category of YaST contains modules used to adjust the configuration of the SLES installation itself.

  • /etc/sysconfig Editor The /etc/sysconfig directory contains local configuration files for many different components of a SLES server. This module can be used to adjust various parameters for those components. These same adjustments can be made by manually editing configuration files found in /etc/sysconfig.

  • Boot Loader Configuration This module is used to modify the configuration of the GRand Unified Bootloader (GRUB). One common purpose for adjusting this is to pass additional parameters to the kernel when starting SLES.

  • Choose Language This module is used to select the active language for the SLES server.

  • Create a Boot, Rescue, or Module Floppy This module can be used to create one of several different types of floppy disk configurations. One common use is to create a Rescue Floppy Disk that can be used to boot the server for emergency troubleshooting purposes.

  • Date and Time This module is used to adjust the date, time, and time zone information of the SLES installation.

  • High Availability This module is used to enable a heartbeat server, which is used to ensure high availability of the SLES server.

  • LVM The Logic Volume Manager module is used to create logical volume groups, and volumes within those groups.

  • NSS This OES module is used to install the Novell Storage Services kernel modules and software, and to configure the NSS Admin object in eDirectory.

  • Novell Cluster Services (NCS) This OES module is used to install NCS software and to configure a new or existing cluster. When the cluster is configured, the current server is added as a node in the cluster.

  • Partitioner This module is a graphical interface to the fdisk partition management utility. It is also used to enable RAID, LVM, and create encrypted CRYPT files.

  • Power Management This module is used to modify ACPI settings and power-saving configurations of the SLES installation. For server installations, the power settings should be left on the Performance setting.

  • Powertweak Configuration This module is used to adjust low-level Linux settings to increase performance. Manually adjusting these parameters can cause extensive damage to the SLES installation and should only be performed by experts familiar with each specific setting.

  • Profile Manager This module is intended to be used in environments where Linux is started in multiple physical configurations such as when running on a laptop. Each configuration can be stored as a profile and managed through this module. Profile management is typically not used on a server.

  • Restore System This module is used to restore system files from a backup archive created through the "System Backup" YaST module.

  • Runlevel Editor This module is used to determine which system daemons are running during each runlevel. In expert mode, this utility can also adjust the system default runlevel, and interact with each daemon process.

  • SMS This OES module is used to install and configure Novell Storage Management Services.

  • Select Keyboard Layout This module can be used to adjust the keyboard layout to match the layout of an international keyboard or some other custom layout.

  • System Backup The System Backup module can be used to automate basic system backup functionality. This utility can perform various types of backups based on customized backup profiles. These backups can then be restored using the "Restore System" YaST module. For advanced backup features, such as incremental backups, third-party backup utilities are required.

Network Devices

The Network Devices category of YaST is used to adjust network device settings such as network interface cards and modems.

  • DSL This module is used to configure DSL devices connected to the server.

  • Fax This module is used to configure an ISDN Fax device connected to the server. Multiple users can use this fax system, provided they all have unique fax numbers.

  • ISDN This module is used to configure ISDN devices connected to the server.

  • Modem This module is used to configure internal or external modems connected to the server.

  • Network Card This module is used to configure network interface cards (NICs) connected to the server. Among other things, this module can be used to configure a NIC for DHCP or static IP address assignment, set a default route for the NIC, and to configure the machine's host and domain name information.

    NOTE

    OES requires a static IP address for the SLES server. If adding OES to an existing server, ensure a static IP address is in place (rather than DHCP) using this module prior to installing OES.


  • Phone Answering Machine This module is used to configure a phone answering-machine system for one or more users on the SLES server.

Network Services

The Network Services category of YaST is used to adjust advanced networking services that may be in use on the SLES machine. These networking services are not required for operation of SLES, but may be in use depending on your configuration. Also, some of these services can be replaced through the installation of OES.

  • DHCP Server This module is used to configure the DHCP server that is available with SLES.

  • DNS Server This module is used to configure the DNS server that is available with SLES.

  • DNS and Host Name This module is used to modify the local configuration of DNS name servers and specify the value for the local host and domain names.

    NOTE

    OES requires a properly registered DNS and Host Name for the local SLES server. Ensure this configuration is in place using this module, or another server providing DNS services, prior to configuring OES components.


  • HTTP Server This module is used to modify the configuration of the Apache 2 web server. Apache is used extensively with various OES components, and care must be given when adjusting its default configuration.

  • Host Names This module provides an interface into the /etc/hosts file where known hosts can be configured.

  • Kerberos Client This module is used to enable Kerberos authentication for local accounts through PAM.

  • LDAP Client This module is used to enable LDAP authentication for local user accounts. The LUM component of OES provides this functionality. When using LUM, manual adjustment of LDAP authentication should not be performed.

  • LDAP Server This module is used to configure the OpenLDAP server. When using OES, OpenLDAP is not normally used as LDAP functionality is provided by eDirectory.

  • Mail Transfer Agent This module is used to configure PostFix for sending and receiving mail.

  • NCP Server This OES module is used to install the NCP Server libraries and configure default NCP volumes.

  • NFS Client This module is used to manage remote NFS mounts which are added to /etc/fstab.

  • NFS Server This module is used to start and configure the local NFS server. This module also provides an interface into editing the local /etc/exports file.

  • NIS Client This module is used for enabling NIS lookup of local user accounts. When using the LUM component of OES, this option should not be enabled.

  • NIS Server This module is used to configure the local SLES machine to be a server in an NIS domain.

  • NTP Client This module is used to configure Network Time Protocol (NTP) services for the local machine. NTP synchronizes the local clock with a network time server. Many components of OES rely on an accurate system clock. As such, NTP is required with OES. For more information on NTP, see the online OES documentation.

  • NetStorage This OES module is used to install NetStorage and configure its integration with iFolder 2.x.

  • Network Services (inetd) This module provides an interface into managing network services protected by the eXtended InterNET services Daemon (xinetd).

  • Novell Health Monitoring This OES module is used to install and configure Health Monitoring Services on the local server.

  • Novell QuickFinder This OES module is used to install QuickFinder, and add the QuickFinder user to the shadow user group. This is necessary to allow users to authenticate to the QuickFinder server with specific user rights.

  • Novell Samba This OES module is used to configure LDAP authentication for Samba users to eDirectory.

  • Proxy This module is used to configure an HTTP or FTP proxy that might be required for Internet access.

  • Remote Administration This module enables remote VNC connections to the local X server for remote graphical administration of SLES.

  • Routing This module provides an interface into the local routing tables. Using this interface, the default route can be modified, additional routes can be added, and IP forwarding can be enabled.

  • SLP Browser This module provides a browser interface into the SLP services advertised by the local SLP daemon.

  • Samba Client This module is used to configure the local machine as a Samba client to another Samba server. After installing OES, this module should not be used.

  • Samba Server This module is used to manage local services that are shared to SMB/CIFS clients.

  • TFTP Server This module is used to enable the Trivial FTP server. The TFTP server is protected behind xinetd by default. Using this module, the root directory used by TFTP can be modified.

  • Virtual Office This OES module is used to install Virtual Office and configure Virtual Office[nd]specific objects within eDirectory.

  • WOL The Wake-On-LAN module allows for remotely waking up another computer on demand.

  • eDirectory This OES module is used to configure or reinitialize the eDirectory database.

  • eGuide This OES module is used to install and configure the eGuide application.

  • iFolder 2.x This OES module is used to configure the iFolder 2.x service. Configuration parameters include the server IP address, DNS name, and directory for iFolder data. iFolder administration users are also added in this module.

  • iManager This OES module is used to install and configure the iManager server and install iManager plug-ins.

  • iPrint This OES module is used to install iPrint and configure iPrint server settings.

Security and Users

The Security and Users category of YaST is used to configure local users and groups, and essential security settings of the SLES installation. If the LUM component of OES is installed, user management should be performed via iManager.

  • CA Management This module is used to manage the certificate authority on SLES.

  • Edit and Create Groups This module is used to create local user groups. After you install OES, if the LUM component is in use, you should do group administration via iManager.

  • Edit and Create Users This module is used to create local user accounts. After installing OES, if the LUM component is in use, user account administration should be done via iManager.

  • Firewall This module is used to provide a graphical interface into the iptables firewall configuration. Use caution when you manipulate the firewall, as incorrect settings can lock users out of SLES and OES services.

  • Import Common Server Certificate This module is used for importing a common server certificate that is used by various YaST modules. Certificates can be imported from a floppy disk or directly from the hard disk.

  • Linux User Management This OES module is used to configure Linux User Management. Linuxconfig and workstation contexts, as well as LDAP proxy settings, are configured using this module. PAM-aware services can also be LUM-enabled or disabled using this module.

  • Security Settings This module is used to enforce password security settings for local accounts. These settings include such things as password encryption method, password length, and password expiration intervals.

  • VPN This module is used to configure IPSec-based Virtual Private Networking (VPN). This module utilizes the FreeS/WAN package to provide this functionality.

Misc

The Misc category of YaST contains a number of modules that do not fit in the other, well-defined categories of YaST.

  • AutoInstallation This module is used to create an automatic installation profile that can be used for subsequent SLES installations. Automatic installations are highly configurable and are commonly used to facilitate the installation of a large amount of SLES servers.

  • CD Creator This module is used to create installation directories or CD ISO images of a customized version of SLES.

  • Installation Server This module is used to provide network installation sources for versions of SUSE Linux. Using this module, network installation sources can be configured and advertised over SLP. Client installations can then be performed from those sources rather than the CD media.

  • Load Vendor Driver CD This module is used to install drivers provided by a third-party.

  • Post a Support Query This module is used to send a support query to the SUSE Support Portal. Support can also be accessed by visiting http://support.novell.com.

  • View Start-up Log This module is used to view the /var/log/boot.msg startup log.

  • View System Log This module is used to view the /var/log/messages system log file. Several other log files under /var/log and various files found in the /proc directory structure can also be viewed using this module.

SuSEconfig

When using YaST to perform administrative tasks such as package management or network service configuration, changes made within YaST are either written directly to the appropriate configuration files or to files in the /etc/sysconfig directory.

Files within the /etc/sysconfig directory contain variables used to configure the behavior of many SLES services. These variables are sometimes used directly from these files, but often must be used to adjust configuration files specific to the respective service. To synchronize application configuration files with the information contained in /etc/sysconfig, the SuSEconfig utility is launched every time YaST operations have been completed.

SuSEconfig acts as an intermediate layer between YaST and several application-specific configuration files. When run, SuSEconfig parses all variables defined in /etc/sysconfig and modifies the appropriate application-specific configuration files. This action takes place after every YaST operation to ensure that these two sets of configuration files remain in sync.

WARNING

If application configuration files are manually edited outside of YaST, subsequent YaST operations will launch SuSEconfig and manually edited changes can be lost. To avoid this problem, use YaST whenever adjusting installed applications and services.


Manual edits of files within /etc/sysconfig also may not change the behavior of applications or services. Depending on the application, the configuration changes may need to be synchronized with additional configuration files. To avoid this situation, manually run the SuSEconfig program after adjusting files in /etc/sysconfig.



    NovellR Open Enterprise Server Administrator's Handbook SUSE LINUX Edition
    Novell Open Enterprise Server Administrators Handbook, SUSE LINUX Edition
    ISBN: 067232749X
    EAN: 2147483647
    Year: 2005
    Pages: 178

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