[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Evergreen O/S

[John Schmidt]

On Monday 10 December 2007, Edward Corrado wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I just received a new server to install Evergreen on for testing
> purposes. Typically, I've stayed away from Debian-based distros, but it
> seems Evergreen is mostly being developed (and installed) on
> Debian-based distros (or Gentoo), so I'm thinking about going with one
> of them. All things being equal, my choice probably would be RHEL, which
> we have a site license for, or at least I think we do. However, I have
> no problem trying a Debian based distro if it will cause me less
> troubles with Evergreen.
>
> I noticed install instructions for Debian Etch x32 ans Ubuntu. Does
> anyone have a reason why I should use one over the other, or is it just
> personal preference? Also, is their a reason not to use x64?
>
> Is anyone using RHEL for Evergreen? If so, any problems I should know
> about if I decide to go that route?
>
> Edward

Edward and others,

I have developed an installation shell script that does the complete install 
and configuration of Evergreen for a debian based system (Lenny/Sid combo).  
I haven't adapted my install script for a pure Etch install, but plan to do 
that.    It takes about 10 minutes to do a complete install.  The only user 
interactions are typing returns for the various prompts and setting up a 
certificate.  Where possible, the install script tries to use debian 
packages.  Right now, I only compile 3 perl packages and the OpenSRF-0.9 and 
Evergreen-1.2.1.0 src code.  Everything else is obtained from pre-compiled 
packages.  I plan on developing debian packages for both OpenSRF and 
Evergreen.  I do not use Bill Erickson's Makefile script.

Right now the script has some things hardcoded in it such as passwords, and a 
few other minor things.  However, I would be happy to share this installation 
script with others so I can work out any details/kinks such that it may be 
useful to a broader range of people.

I found that the biggest obstacle to a successful install was getting all 
dependencies installed. 

If there is enough interest I could be persuaded ($$$  :) ) to develop a 
script for non-debian based systems.  

The script is licensed under gpl 2.

In addition to the above script, I have another script that I use to set up a 
chroot environment for Evergreen testing.  This environment allowed me to 
test my install script without interfering with my normal environment.  It 
would make an ideal environment for testing Evergreen.  I will set up an Etch 
chroot and figure out the dependency differences for that version in the next 
day or so.  

I am a very big fan of Debian.  I have found Debian to have the vast majority 
of software that one could possibly use.  In addition, they have a suite of 
tools for managing their packages and their stable release is rock solid.  
The biggest issues have centered around their installer.  However, with the 
release of Etch, the installer issues have dramatically improved and are a 
non-issue.  I have no experience with Ubuntu and do not know how complete 
their repository is with regards to Evergreen.        

John Schmidt
jas at xmission.com