Topic: Learning Server Management

[DragonDon]

Greetings all!

Ok, so being new to SME Server specifically (and Linux somewhat), I find that there is a general lack of decent documentation.

This is NOT to criticize what has been done, only what is missing, or at least a reference where to find more info.

I checked in on a few IRC channels and did some Googling and the problem is that there are 4 distinct components that make up SME(Linux, Red Hat, CentOS and SME)  and for someone relatively new to Linux, it is pretty hard to track down who and where to ask questions.

The server documentation is very spartan, to say the least.

So, what I am looking for is the best resources to read/learn for the various components that make up SME.

For example.  I find it ultimately annoying that in order to do any CLI work, I only know of how to reboot the server into 'single user mode'.  Then in order to make any changes in the webgui, I have to reboot again into normal mode.  So the question is, is this something I should be asking the SME forums, the CentOS guys, the Red Hat guys or some generic Linux people?  (pretty much anyone who is not in an SME forum has told me 'we don't know what they may have done to the OS, go ask them...').  I have received a suggestion to read 'linux in a nutshell', which is fine and I have started it, but will it answer my specific question?

I did some research on adding a terminal to the webgui but the brief reading I did stated that there was a LOT of work to be done to make it work.  That didn't seem like a good path to follow.

So, where to go from here?  I don't need a 'this is linux, these are distros, and this is how to download it' type of resources.  I need the stuff that 'gets right into it' and tells me how to manage my 7.5.1 SME Server and make changes without a lot of fuss.

[janet]

DragonDon

Have you clicked on the Manual link at the top of these forums and read the Manual from start to finish ?

To me, most/many of your basic server management questions would seem to be answered if you read the Manual.

You can access the command line via ssh (use the Putty application on a workstation connected to the server network).
You can access the web GUI (ie server manager) via a web browser on a networked workstation.
You do not need to reboot the server into different modes to do this.
From a ssh session you can access a text style server manager also by issuing the command
console

You have asked some very broad based generic questions, it would be better that you read the Manual, try doing what you want, and then asking here if and when you get stuck or do not understand the procedure being described.
You will need to enable access in server manager prior to being able to access services remotely or via ssh, as these are disabled by default.
You can initially access server manager (at the server console) by logging in as admin and selecting from the menu

Most online Linux tutorials will advise the appropriate CL commands to use, but sme does do quite a few things differently, particularly regarding the configuration files.
Read up on the templating process and do not change conf files manually.
See the Developers Manual, also linked to from the Manual link page.
Also see some "plain english" tutorials on the Howto link page (at top of forums) see http://wiki.contribs.org/Category:Howto
eg http://wiki.contribs.org/DB_Variables_Configuration
and
http://wiki.contribs.org/Db_command_tutorial
and
http://wiki.contribs.org/Template_Tutorial
and
http://wiki.contribs.org/Useful_Commands
and
http://wiki.contribs.org/SSH_Public-Private_Keys
and more ...

[DragonDon]

Hi Mary,

Thanks for your response.

I am going through the manual right now and see what I missed.  Although I will be confident to state that in my experience (and it's not inconsiderable) the problem with most 'manuals' is that they are written by the people who make the software and not by the people who use it.  The people who make the software make a LOT of assumptions and skip many things that are 'blindly put in by their own mind' without realizing they skipped a word here or a step there.

I have enabled SSH and can SSH into it but there is no CLI.  I get the exact same "server console" as if I was logged into the console at the machine (i.e. the 1-8 options).  There is no command prompt.

That being said, I am slowly starting to understand how things are done and perhaps the CLI will become less and less necessary.

Thanks again for your response and we'll see what more I can do.

I don't suppose you know of a place where people talk about 'configuring' the SME server for guidlines (i.e. typical setups for various uses)?  Outside of this forum specifically that is.

[Stefano]

I have enabled SSH and can SSH into it but there is no CLI.  I get the exact same "server console" as if I was logged into the console at the machine (i.e. the 1-8 options).  There is no command prompt.

login as root, not admin (password is the same)

That being said, I am slowly starting to understand how things are done and perhaps the CLI will become less and less necessary.

for a "normal" use, you should not need to use CLI

I don't suppose you know of a place where people talk about 'configuring' the SME server for guidlines (i.e. typical setups for various uses)?  Outside of this forum specifically that is.

this is the right place.. but first read carefully (and twice) user and admin manual

[DragonDon]

Just as I saw your response, guess what part of the manual I just read

Thanks everyone for your patience.  I am not normally know of such....but not like that wasn't obvious   I'll get there....eventually...lol

So far the SME community has been the most supportive, not to mention patience <G>) that I have found!

[janet]

DragonDon

I don't suppose you know of a place where people talk about 'configuring' the SME server for guidlines (i.e. typical setups for various uses)?

As has been said the forum(s) is/are the correct place, but only after you have fully done your homework (read everything that is available to read on the contribs.org website at least twice).
The manual covers the basic setup configurations.
SME Server is meant to be an easy to setup & use system, for basic requirements (which is everything most small business users would want), the server is configured correctly at install time.
You can safely change the configuration in the server console (log in as admin), or adjust & enable services in server manager.
For most/many situations you do not need to make changes outside of server manager, ie all the appropriate ports are opened, firewall tweaked, services enabled & disabled etc, when you make a selection in server manager.

Please read first before asking more questions as it is apparent you are asking before reading.

I referred you to some other links for more advanced configuration, if your situation is unusual or has specific (non default) requirements.

I suggest you work with the extensive setup options that are in server manager & get familiar & competent with using SME Server, BEFORE making custom changes.