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. 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). So, what about you guys, where do you stand? Do think running X on servers is the way to go? Informed opinions only, please cat flames/rants > /dev/null :-) Marlon Yu -- Psyche-list mailing list Psyche-list@redhat.com https://listman.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/psyche-list
