Topic: how to install perl modules for easy restore?

[joemetro2000]

Hi,

I am new to the sme/esmith server although I've
been playing with it for about a year now.

I have some web database programs that use
various perl modules not installed natively
on the sme server.  I am using sme server 6.5rc1
and will upgrade in the future when the version
becomes final.

I wanted to know the best way to install these
perl modules so I can restore quickly when the
next release is final:

a. Should I install them in the core distribution
   because I have multiple programs using the same
   perl modules?  I don't like this idea because
   each module adds a security risk doing this
   but if it is the only way to get my programs
   to work I would do it.

b. Can I put them into one single IBAY that is
   accessible from other IBAY web programs?
   This would allow me to use the easy
   backup and restore method of the server.

c. Is there some other way that I am not thinking
   of that would allow and easy restore?

I have searched the site and 3 guides in the doc
section but don't see anything related to this
topic.

Thanks for your help,

--JOe

[CharlieBrady]

a. Should I install them in the core distribution
   because I have multiple programs using the same
   perl modules?  I don't like this idea because
   each module adds a security risk doing this
   but if it is the only way to get my programs
   to work I would do it.

What security risk do the modules add?

My advice has always been to set up an i-bay containing all of your add-on software packages - preferably in RPM format. Install the software from those RPMs. If you need to do a system restore, this i-bay will be in your backup. If you need to do a system restore, after the restore this i-bay will be back in place. You can then install all your add-on software from this i-bay.

[joemetro2000]

Thanks for the reply.  This is one of those tactical
decisions that will save me a lot of work down the
road.  I think I'll take your advice and learn how
to create rpms out of the perl modules so I can
install quickly or share programs more easily.
I like the idea of storing the rpms or
modules into ibays so that they are backed up.

Regards,


--JOe

[CharlieBrady]

I think I'll take your advice and learn how
to create rpms out of the perl modules so I can
install quickly or share programs more easily.

There are some good collections on-line (including mine), and cpan2rpm does a good job of building them automatically from cpan.

[joemetro2000]

Wow, thanks for that mention of cpan2rpm software.
That is going to make my life much easier.

It looks great.

Are your modules you mention off the www.contibs.org
site?

Thanks again,

--JOe