On Tue, 3 Dec 2002, M. Yu wrote: >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 :-) X11 is a network protocol. You do not EVER need to install an X server on any server machine *ever*. You can run our X based configuration utilities just fine from an ssh shell with display to a remote X server. -- Mike A. Harris ftp://people.redhat.com/mharris OS Systems Engineer - XFree86 maintainer - Red Hat -- Psyche-list mailing list Psyche-list@redhat.com https://listman.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/psyche-list
