Since my webmail went AWOL, I have wondered about upgrading... but I have a couple of questions before I start downloading the 7.0Pre2 ISO.
1) If I download the ISO for pre2, can I use it to upgrade the server?
2) Will my data be safe if I choose to do so? I have added an extra disk for storage, will I have to re-format it?
3) I have a website running, that uses the MySQL server. Will my tables be safe?
4) I have printers plugged in, shared, configured and everything, along with a couple of I-bays, will they be safe?
5) Will my user accounts remain the same?
1) The dev team is working hard to make upgrades from STOCK 6x to 7 final work properly. They have had some problems but the goal is to make the final version work. I would not convert a production server at this point but you may try a test server and help locate any bugs.
2) Keeping original data in tact is one of the main goals. WARNING: the extra disk must be removed BEFORE you try to upgrade or it may be ERASED. Remove it, upgrade the system then re-mount it after.
3) Mysql has been a difficult one. Many changes from mysql3 to mysql4 that had to be overcome. It failed at first, then it was fixed but now by the post above, it might be broken again. One again, do not upgrade a production server at this point.
4) The goal is to make the upgrade process work and keep everything in tact. IF the dev team is not able to do this, they will publish warnings.
5) Again, the goal is to keep everything the same including user accounts.
NOTE 1:Almost any added contrib to SME6 WILL NOT upgrade and may cause other things to fail. ALL NON STOCK ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE TRYING TO UPGRADE.
NOTE 2: The change from SME6 to SME7 is quite drastic. It is from a RH7.3 base to a CentOS4.2 (RHEL4) base. Redhat does not even offer an upgrade from RH7, 8 or 9 to RHEL4. They are miles apart and quite different. Here is part of their FAQ.
Q17. I am already using Red Hat Enterprise Linux 2.1 or 3, how easy is it to upgrade to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4, do I have to buy something else?
A. First of all, your subscription to Red Hat Enterprise Linux includes Red Hat Network access to any currently supported version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux at no additional charge. Access to the new release does not expire so you can upgrade at any time that suits you (provided you still have a valid subscription). If you are deploying additional machines and would like to use something other than the current version you also have the ability to deploy older releases (e.g. Enterprise Linux 2.1 or 3).
Although upgrades are supported by the Red Hat Enterprise Linux family on x86 processors, you are likely to have a more consistent experience by backing up your data and then installing the new release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux over your previous Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation. This recommended reinstallation method helps to ensure the best system stability possible. Also, please keep in mind that upgrades from Red Hat Linux 7.x, 8.0, and 9 are not supported, so a fresh install is necessary when upgrading from these releases to Red Hat Enterprise Linux.The dev team has taken on something that Red Hat did/would/could not. My Fedora is off to them!!!
Paul
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