[ale] Fedora and RHN?

[walter Sams]

Not dead yet,hopefully, they seem to be talking to a company about
acquisition and reorganization,  I have asked the consultant we are
working with for more information and documentation on this topic.

Walter Sams


On Fri, 2003-11-07 at 11:53, James P. Kinney III wrote:
> On Fri, 2003-11-07 at 11:30, walter Sams wrote:
> > Geoffery,
> > 
> >  I am using OpenOffice 1.1 for an office suite, hylafax for faxing and a
> > Linux program Called APPGEN for accounting.  
> 
> APPGEN is dead. They shut their doors just a few weeks ago. Many
> distributors and customers are _really_ _pissed_.
> 
> Accpac can support a hosted version of things (it runs on windows) to
> use a linux client with a browser. I've been wrangling with them for
> about a year now to get a Linux server system. The database can run on
> Linux, but the application code layer is a windows product.
> 
> I use sql-ledger for accounting and have my database setup so that
> OpenOffice can access the customer and AP tables for sending letters
> when needed. Eventually, I'll get the autobill script finished :)
> 
> There are various CRM apps that different levels of functionality, ease
> of use, learning curve, etc. Compiere is at the top of the pile in terms
> of what it does. It is HUGE, does everything (makes coffee and can lay
> carpet, I think), runs on an Oracle database, uses a java client.
> BrowserCRM is much tamer. There is also Nola (free and NolaPro -
> non-free).  POS app is BananaPOS.  There are also a few others I have
> found on freshmeat. I use sql-ledger extensively and am working on some
> custom modifications to suit my needs. It can import from Quickbooks
> fairly well. In fact, it can import from basically any CSV/text file
> with a bit of modification. 
> 
> A migration FROM RedHat to anything else is not a big rush project as it
> will still be around for a while longer. The best migration path would
> be to setup a new machine and new apps and learn how to use them there
> then migrate old data over when ready and repurpose the old server. 
> 
> I'm dickering with Fedora (dying CD drive is holding me up). It looks
> like a very well designed RedHat 10. 
> 
> > I will check with my accpac
> > vendor to see what would be needed to switch.  They may have to help. 
> > mail routing is handles with programs which came with the rh
> > distribution.  I have a VISOR (palm pilot wannabe) which currently is
> > not configured, I would like it to be.
> > 
> > I like the idea of the safety net.  
> > 
> > I will drop you a note after I speak with the accpac person
> > 
> > This is looking more like I need a written plan and not something that I
> > just "do"
> > 
> > Thank you
> > Walter Sams
> > 
> > 
> > On Fri, 2003-11-07 at 09:52, Geoffrey wrote:
> > > walter Sams wrote:
> > > > Thank you for yoru reply, looks like you actually have an idea as to 
> > > > what needs to be done.
> > > 
> > > Yeah, BTDT..  The dual boot upgrade/install is the way I generally 
> > > update my existing boxes.  My primary box was upgraded in this fashion 
> > > from SuSE 8.1 to SuSE 8.2.  I've just installed SuSE 9.0 on my laptop, 
> > > thus it's a tri-boot with SuSE 9.0, RH 7.3 and the Xtremely Potent 
> > > variant of the Microsoft virus.
> > > 
> > > > <Once I am configured properly do I then uninstall RH?
> > > 
> > > Yes.  The reason for retaining the RH is so that if, for what ever 
> > > reason, you can't get the new install to 100% mimic your work 
> > > environment, you have an easy fall back.  It's not that I would expect 
> > > that to happen, just that you want your net under you when you're on the 
> > > high wire.  Just as you do backups.  Not that you expect to use them, 
> > > but just in case...
> > > 
> > > <snip>
> > > 
> > > >> If this is a production env, then that's not a likely solution.
> > > >> What kind of down time can you afford?
> > > 
> > > > I run a heating and airconditioning contracting business
> > > > and could probably do without my computers for a couple of days
> > > > if needed.
> > > 
> > > It shouldn't take that long, but again, it's dependent on how much 
> > > unique stuff you've got on the various boxes.  I've got all kinds of 
> > > stuff hanging off my primary box (wacom tablet, usb scanner, modem, palm 
> > > sync cradle, capture/tv card/camera, usb camera, networking, dual head, 
> > > wireless keyboard/mouse..). I've done the dual boot upgrade in less than 
> > > 1/2 a day.
> > > 
> > > <snip>
> > > 
> > > >> What are the boxes used for?
> > > 
> > > 
> > > > The main server handles the accounting package and office suite
> > > > and is the data storage location for all programs, the fax server
> > > > handles the faxing and email (interoffice with only 1
> > > > outside internet connection), clients can all run the accounting,
> > > > office suite and evolution.
> > > 
> > > Okay, specifically, what are the packages? It can make a difference if 
> > > they are rpm based, or vendor provided installtions.
> > > 
> > > >> The clients would likely be pretty quick, as long as you're not
> > > >> using them for too esoteric stuff.  What kind of downtime can you
> > > >> afford?
> > > >> 
> > > >> The dual boot is a reasonable conversion solution, if you've got
> > > >> the disk space and can afford the downtime.  If you don't have the
> > > >> spare disk space, you can purchase an extra drive, do the first
> > > >> install on it, and then move the old drive to the next box,
> > > >> install, and on down the line.<Sounds like the mandrake tech who
> > > >> said that it was just a simple upgrade might not have known what he
> > > >> was talking about?
> > > > 
> > > > It looks like I need to look into this futher to determine everything
> > > >  that needs to be done before actually installing anything.
> > > 
> > > Yes, you most certainly want to identify the specific packages and then 
> > > have them ready for the installation.  You'll also need to be absolutely 
> > > sure you back everything up.
> > > 
> > > > 
> > > > Do you have SWAG as to how long something like this would take, I
> > > > might need to plan on having a shut down of my office.
> > > > 
> > > > (SWAG= some wild ass guess)
> > > 
> > > It's highly dependent on the packages.  For example, the accounting 
> > > package.  You'll need to be sure that you've got the data backed up and 
> > > that there is a solution for migrating the existing data to the new install.
> > > 
> > > I would say you could likely complete it in a weekend, maybe faster.
> > 
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