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-GNU/Linux Post-Installation Checklist
-!!!GNU/Linux Post-Installation Checklist
-!!Defying Murphy's Laws
-! Algologic Research 8 Solutions
-
-
- algolog (at) hd1.vsnl.net.in
-
-
-
-__Revision History__Revision 1.02001-06-12Revised by: Initial release using docbook sgml.
-
-
-
-
-
- This document provides a checklist for steps you should take
-immediately after installing GNU/Linux. These steps will save you
-a lot of bother if you encounter any problems later on. This
-document also includes a shell script for automating the post
-installation process.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----; __Table of Contents__; 1. Introduction: ; 1.1. Copyright Information; 1.2. Disclaimer; 1.3. Feedback; 2. Post-Installation Steps; 3. Shell script: ; 3.1. The script...
-!!!1. Introduction
-
- You have just completed installing your own Linux system. You
-have just made an upgrade to your existing Linux system. You are
-happy with the first few checkouts and usage experience. You
-want to make sure you will enjoy this system in spite of any
-damage which may occur later because of any unexpected "faux
-pas".
-
-
-
-
- It is a good idea to keep a snapshot of the new system, so that
-you can be assured that in the event of any misfortune with your
-Linux installation, you can always recover without any permanent
-damage. This checklist will help you with precautionary steps
-you must take, as soon as you complete installation of Linux. It
-is a sequel to the GNU/Linux
-pre-installation checklist, and a companion to the official
-Linux Installation HOWTO.
-This checklist also contains a Section 3 which will
-automate the process of making a snapshot of your system.
-
-
-----
-!!1.1. Copyright Information
-
- This document is copyrighted (c) 2001
-Algologic Research 8 Solutions
-and is distributed under the terms of the Linux Documentation Project
-(LDP) license, stated below.
-
-
-
-
- Unless otherwise stated, Linux HOWTO documents are
-copyrighted by their respective authors. Linux HOWTO documents may
-be reproduced and distributed in whole or in part, in any medium
-physical or electronic, as long as this copyright notice is
-retained on all copies. Commercial redistribution is allowed and
-encouraged; however, the author would like to be notified of any
-such distributions.
-
-
-
-
- All translations, derivative works, or aggregate works
-incorporating any Linux HOWTO documents must be covered under this
-copyright notice. That is, you may not produce a derivative work
-from a HOWTO and impose additional restrictions on its
-distribution. Exceptions to these rules may be granted under
-certain conditions; please contact the Linux HOWTO coordinator at
-the address given below.
-
-
-
-
- In short, we wish to promote dissemination of this
-information through as many channels as possible. However, we do
-wish to retain copyright on the HOWTO documents, and would like to
-be notified of any plans to redistribute the HOWTOs.
-
-
-
-
- If you have any questions, please contact
-`linux-howto@metalab.unc.edub
-
-
-----
-!!1.2. Disclaimer
-
- No liability for the contents of this documents can be accepted.
-Use the concepts, examples and other content at your own risk.
-As this is a new edition of this document, there may be errors
-and inaccuracies, that may of course be damaging to your system.
-Proceed with caution, and although this is highly unlikely,
-the author(s) do not take any responsibility for that.
-
-
-
-
- All copyrights are held by their respective owners, unless
-specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this document
-should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark
-or service mark.
-
-
-
-
- Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen
-as endorsements.
-
-
-
-
- You are strongly recommended to make a backup of your system
-before major installation and continue to do so at regular intervals.
-
-
-----
-!!1.3. Feedback
-
- This document and the Section 3 are
-continuously updated. Make sure you are referring to the
-latest version of this document, by visiting the
-Linux
-post-install site frequently.
-Email `algolog@hd1.vsnl.net.inb with your
-feedback and suggestions.
-
-
-
-
-__Note: __ We do NOT answer general queries on Linux. If you want
-professional (PAID) help with Linux -- ask Algologic. You may
-also visit our home page : Algologic Research 8 Solutions.
-
-
-----
-!!!2. Post-Installation Steps
-
-To enjoy your new Linux installation forever without any worries, it is
-important to take a few simple precautions. You must do these as soon
-as you complete installing Linux on your machine for the first time.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-#
-
-Create a
-boot
-diskette and a ''rescue diskette''.
-Utilities for creating these diskettes are available along with
-your Linux distribution.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-If you are the paranoid type (like me), you
-can make two copies of each of these diskettes. Diskettes are
-notorious for failing when they are most needed.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-''Test out your boot diskette''.
-Make sure you can boot into Linux using the boot diskette. Remember
-Murphy's Laws may strike at you just when you least expect.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-Checkout thoroughly your new system. Try all major packages.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-Try out the X windows system, and the desktop, and
-the windows manager, if you have installed these.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-Try out the connection to your LAN, and to the Internet.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-Create at least one "non-root" account, for
-testing and debugging your installation. Perform ALL the above
-checkouts once again, using the non-root account you created.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-Join a local Linux Users Group (LUG). You must
-find out if there is a LUG close by. If there is none, start an
-informal LUG yourself, in your neighbourhood, your campus, your city,
-or your town.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-Join one or more
-mailing
-lists for Linux updates and news. There are literally hundreds of
-them.
-
-
-#
-#
-
- Register yourself and your machine in the worldwide
-Linux Users Counter.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-''And finally...''Download the
-Section 3 and run it. Make a safe copy (on a removable
-medium) of the directory: /root/postinfo which
-the script will create. You may also like to make a printout of the
-summary report /root/postinfo/summary created by
-the shell script.
-
-
-#
-#
-
-You must run this shell script: as soon as you have
-installed Linux for the first time, and after every major revision or
-upgrade to your Linux system. You can also set up the script as a
-cron job, so that it runs itself periodically and automatically. This
-will avoid you a lost of hassles later, in case something gets messed
-up later.
-
-
-#----
-!!!3. Shell script
-
-The shell script (shivalik Ver. 1.) is a convenient way to make
-backups of essential files and information. After downloading the
-script:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*
-
-Make sure that you have logged in as "root"
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Save the script in a directory with "root" permissions,
-say /root/myscript
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Change to that directory i.e. __cd /root/myscript__
-use gunzip to unzip the script i.e __gunzip ./shivalik.gz__
-
-
-*
-*
-
-
-
-__IMPORTANT: __You must read the warning given at the end of the
-script. Proceed with the next steps, only if you agree to the
-conditions specified in the warning...
-
-
-
-
-*
-*
-
-To execute the script: You must make the script executable (by root
-only) __chmod 700 ./shivalik__
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Verify that the paths of the various files which are to be saved, are
-correct and conform to your installation.
-
-
-*
-*
-
-You can execute the script correctly only if you are "root" (many
-of the files being saved need root permissions).
-
-
-*
-
- Now you can execute (run) the above script (remember you must be
-"root", to do this) -- type __./shivalik__
-
-
-
- The script is profusely documented. It does not modify (or
-delete) any of your files or directories. It creates a
-well-protected backup of some essential files and information.
-The entire script is available for you to browse and understand
-its working. Feel free to go through the script and add any
-additional features, or files which you wish to be backed up.
-You may also send your feedback to the author of this
-script (`algolog@hd1.vsnl.net.inb).
-
-
-
- Remember, the __shivalik__ script is not a tool
-for complete backup and recovery. Ideally, the best thing to do
-would be to make a verbatim copy of your entire Linux
-installation along with all files and directories. This is not
-always possible, necessary, or advisable. The next best thing
-would be to take a backup of the most essential information and
-files. The __shivalik__ script achieves this for
-you. The script creates a directory called
-/root/postinfo/, and stores all essential
-information (and files) there. To be absolutely prepared for any
-eventuality, you must copy the entire
-/root/postinfo/ on a removable medium, as
-soon as the script is executed.
-
-
-
-''Recovery and Repair:'' In the
-event of any problems later, you can reconstruct the
-damaged files by copying the files you have backed up in the
-/root/postinfo/ directory. It is as simple
-as that.
-
-
-
- The structure of the /root/postinfo/ directory,
-and files found within, will be as follows:
-
-
-
-
-
-; /root/postinfo/summary:
-
-Contains a summary report of the status of your system (memory,
-partitions, mount points, disk usage). This file also has the list of
-files which have been saved. It also contains admin info like date
-and time of backup, shivalik version number etc.
-
-; /root/postinfo/postinfo.tar.gz:
-
-Contains a copy of the earlier postinfo (if any). This is a fall
-back to a fall back!
-
-; /root/postinfo/snapshot.gz:
-
-Contains a gzipped structured listing of ''ALL''
-files and directories of your Linux system (the directories "tree").
-You can unzip this file and use any plain text editor to know the
-location of any file. Of course, you cannot retrieve the contents of
-that file unless you had saved it explicitly elsewhere.
-
-; /root/postinfo/shivalik:
-
-This is a copy of the shivalik script which was used for making the
-post install backup. At the time of recovery after an incident, you
-can always examine this script to know how the backup was done
-earlier. You will always have a consistent copy of the script and the
-files created by the script.
-
-; /root/postinfo/etcfiles/:
-
-This ''subdirectory'' contains a copy of many
-essential files from the /etc/ directory of your
-Linux installation. It also contains copies of the various
-configuration files stored in the /etc/
-directory.
-
-; /root/postinfo/otherfiles/:
-
-This ''subdirectory'' contains a copy of some
-essential files (those which are not in the
-/etc/ directory) of your Linux installation. If
-you want, you can add any other files
here, and get it saved
-automatically with others.
-
-----
-!!3.1. The script...
-
-
-#-----------------------------------------------
-# shivalik \(Ver. 1.\)
-#Please read the WARNING section of this script first
-#This script collects post installation information
-#this can also be run occasionally to collect all useful
-#information about your Linux installation, in one place
-#The output will be written to /root/postinfo/
-#a summary report will be written in /root/postinfo/summary
-#For usage and related information, please consult:
-#http://algolog.tripod.com/postlnx.htm
-# ----------------------------------------------
-clear
-echo
-echo "-----------------------------------------------------------"
-echo This is the output of Partha\'s shivalik script \(Ver.1.\)
-echo You must be \"root\", for this script to work correctly
-echo You must also read and accept the terms and warnings given
-echo in the WARNINGS section of this script
-echo "-----------------------------------------------------------"
-echo
-echo "### STEP 0 ### Preparation work"
-echo First we create the /root/postinfo/ directory if does not exist already
-test ! -d /root/postinfo 88 mkdir /root/postinfo
-echo Saving current version of all postinfo files
-echo But first we delete the earlier version i.e. current-1 version
-test -e /root/postinfo/oldpostinfo* 88 rm /root/postinfo/oldpostinfo.tar.gz
-#the oldpostinfo file is made temporarily in /root
-#it will be moved to /root/postinfo
-tar -zcvf /root/oldpostinfo.tar.gz /root/postinfo/*
-#check if above tar succeeded
-if
-test -s /root/oldpostinfo.tar.gz
-then
-echo old postinfo saved in /root/oldpostinfo.tar.gz
-ls -l /root/oldpostinfo*
-else
-echo Could not save oldpostinfo
-echo Abandoning shivalik script
-exit
-fi
-#now delete all the current postinfofiles
-rm -rf /root/postinfo/*
-#and start a new summary file
-echo shivalik \(Ver. 1.\) b /root/postinfo/summary
-echo -n "Report created on: " bb /root/postinfo/summary
-date -R bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo And now, move the oldpostinfo file to /root/postinfo/ directory
-mv /root/oldpostinfo.tar.gz /root/postinfo
-#
-#copy the shivalik script
-echo charity begins at home
-echo We make a copy of the shivalik script
-echo We make a copy of the shivalik script bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo in /root/postinfo/ bb /root/postinfo/summary
-cp ./shivalik /root/postinfo/shivalik
-#taking stock
-echo
-echo Contents of /root/postinfo at the end of STEP-
-ls -AlR /root/postinfo
-echo End of "### STEP 0 ###
-echo
-#
-#
-echo
-echo "### STEP 1 ### Make a snapshot of the system"
-echo bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo "### STEP 1 ### A snapshot of all the files and directories" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo The first step is to take stock of your computer contents
-echo This is going to take several minutes
-echo So, go and fetch your coffee mug !
-ls -AlRH / bb /root/postinfo/snapshot
-rm -f /root/postinfo/snapshot.gz
-gzip /root/postinfo/snapshot
-echo snapshot created
-echo An exhaustive listing of all files has been made and bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo stored in /root/postinfo/snapshot.gz bb /root/postinfo/summary
-ls -l /root/postinfo/snapshot.gz bb /root/postinfo/summary
-# taking stock at the end of this step
-echo
-echo Contents of /root/postinfo at the end of this STEP
-ls -l /root/postinfo
-echo End of "### STEP 1 ###
-echo
-#
-#
-echo
-echo "### STEP 2 ### Vital statistics"
-echo bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo "### STEP 2 ### Vital statistics" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo Collecting vital statistics
-echo .....about memory
-echo "---- cat /proc/meminfo ---------" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-cat /proc/meminfo bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo .....about partitions and mountpoints
-echo "---- cat /proc/partitions---------" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-cat /proc/partitions bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo .....about diskspace used
-echo "---- df ---------" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-df bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo .....about modules
-echo "---- cat /proc/modules ---------" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-cat /proc/modules bb /root/postinfo/summary
-# taking stock at the end of this step
-echo
-echo Contents of /root/postinfo at the end of STEP-2
-ls -AlR /root/postinfo
-echo End of "### STEP 2 ###
-echo
-#
-#
-echo
-echo "### STEP 3 ### Now we save some important files from /etc "
-echo This section may need some customising, depending on the
-echo installation you have done, and the distribution you have used,
-echo and the options you have chosen during installation.
-echo bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo "### STEP 3 ### Now we save some important files from /etc" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-test ! -d /root/postinfo/etcfiles 88 mkdir /root/postinfo/etcfiles
-echo ..... saving XF86Config -- your XWindows config file
-cp /etc/XF86Config /root/postinfo/etcfiles
-echo "cp /etc/XF86Config /root/postinfo/" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo ..... saving /etc/fstab file
-cp /etc/fstab /root/postinfo/etcfiles
-echo "cp /etc/fstab /root/postinfo/" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo ..... saving /etc/profile file
-cp /etc/profile /root/postinfo/etcfiles
-echo "cp /etc/profile /root/postinfo/" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo ..... saving /etc/profile.local file
-cp /etc/profile.local /root/postinfo/etcfiles
-echo "cp /etc/profile.local /root/postinfo/" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo ".... saving /etc/*conf files"
-cp /etc/*conf /root/postinfo/etcfiles
-echo ".... saving /etc/*config files"
-cp /etc/*config /root/postinfo/etcfiles
-echo the following files from /etc have been copied to /root/postinfo/etcfiles bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo "/etc/*conf" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo "/etc/*config" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-# taking stock at the end of this step
-echo
-echo Contents of /root/postinfo at the end of this STEP-3
-ls -AlR /root/postinfo
-echo End of "### STEP 3 ###
-echo
-#
-#
-echo
-echo "### STEP 4 ### Now we save some other important files"
-echo This section may need some customising, depending on the
-echo installation you have done, and the distribution you have used,
-echo and the options you have chosen for the installation
-echo The following stuff is designed for !SuSe 7.1
-echo "### STEP 4 ### Now we save some other important files" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo in /root/postinfo/otherfiles bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo You can add any other files to backed up, here
-test ! -d /root/postinfo/otherfiles 88 mkdir /root/postinfo/otherfiles
-ls -l /root/postinfo/
-echo ..... saving /etc/init.d/boot.local --
-cp /etc/init.d/boot.local /root/postinfo/otherfiles
-echo "cp /etc/init.d/boot.local /root/postinfo/otherfiles" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo ..... saving /etc/init.d/halt.local --
-cp /etc/init.d/halt.local /root/postinfo/otherfiles
-echo "cp /etc/init.d/halt.local /root/postinfo/otherfiles" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-# taking stock at the end of this step
-echo
-echo Contents of /root/postinfo at the end of this STEP-4
-ls -AlR /root/postinfo
-echo End of "### STEP 4 ###
-echo
-echo
-echo "### STEP 999 ### Wrap up, clean up"
-echo bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo "### STEP 999 ### Wrap up, clean up, sum up" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo summing up, cleaning up
-# for security reasons we make /root/postinfo inaccessible to
-# and invisible to non-root
-chmod 700 /root/postinfo
-chmod 700 /root/postinfo/etcfiles
-chmod 700 /root/postinfo/otherfiles
-chmod 700 /root/postinfo/*
-chmod 700 /root/postinfo/etcfiles/*
-chmod 700 /root/postinfo/otherfiles/*
-echo This is the contents of /root/postinfo bb /root/postinfo/summary
-ls -AlR /root/postinfo bb /root/postinfo/summary
-echo "###### THE END #####" bb /root/postinfo/summary
-# taking stock at the end of this step
-echo
-echo Contents of /root/postinfo at the end of this STEP-999
-ls -AlR /root/postinfo
-echo End of "### STEP 999 ###"
-echo
-echo "###### THE END #####"
-echo IMPORTANT: You must now copy all the files in /root/postinfo
-echo to a safe location, preferably on a different drive or on
-echo a removable backup medium.
-echo " "
-echo You will find a summary report of this procedure, in
-echo /root/postinfo/summary
-echo You will find the earlier version of summary \(if any\)
-echo inside /root/postinfo/oldpostinfo.tar.gz
-echo " "
-#
-echo "
-#---------------------------------------------------------
-# WARNING WARNING WARNING
-# shivalik (ver. 1.)
-# This script is being made accessible to you without any
-# warranties or assurances about its performance or
-# usability for any purpose. Be informed that you are using
-# this script out of your own initiative and willingness,
-# and at your own risk and peril.
-# You will find the latest version of this script, and related
-# information at: http://algolog.tripod.com/postlnx.htm
-# Copyrights and all rights reserved by:
-# Dr. S. Parthasarathy (algolog@hd1.vsnl.net
.in)
-#--------------------------------------------------------
-"
+Describe [HowToPostInstallationChecklist]
here.