[TAG] SVN authentication

[Ben Okopnik]

Hi, Henry -

On Sat, Mar 19, 2011 at 11:53:01AM +1100, Henry Grebler wrote:
> 
> Ben wrote:
> 
> -->In any case, it's all serviceable at this point - at least as far as all
> -->the testing I've done indicates. The only thing that's left is setting
> -->up the rsync server and the FTP server... and that's just going to have
> 
> rsync server? I must have missed something. I don't recall hearing
> anything about an rsync server.

Those are two of the ways, aside from HTTP, in which we make our
archives available to our mirrors (and anyone else who wants them.)

http://linuxgazette.net/ftpfiles/

Normally, we would have all of the above available via rsync as well -
but we don't, at the moment.

> Look, it's not intended as a criticism. And what keeps running around
> in my brain (for more than just this reason) is the old saw, "When
> you're up to your ass (arse) in alligators (crocodiles), it's easy to
> forget that the initial objective was to drain the swamp."

The original objective was to set up LG so that we can provide all the
services we used to. 'rsync' has been a problem for quite a while,
because our previous hosting arrangement turned out to have a policy
*prohibiting* rsync along with any other daemons. Therefore, bye-bye
former hosting arrangement.

> I guess if you had the time to spec out everything you want, you'd
> pretty much have cracked most of your problems.

Actually, I've listed all that's left. Setting everything up was a
pretty major undertaking, but it's almost done. /Viva Linux!/

> Since you have ssh access, you don't actually need an rsync server.

I'm afraid you're operating from a false perspective, Henry; the purpose
of rsync in this case is not to give _us_ access - it's to provide
access for the world.

> You can do whatever you need with simple rsync over ssh. I'm also not
> clear why you need an rsync server and an ftp server. Don't they do
> about the same thing (with different amounts of security)? And doesn't
> rsync do everything ftp does, only as well or better?

FTP is what some people use to download our archives - and it's there
for the same reason as rsync. No security issue obtains, since it's all
anonymous access.
 
> What I think I'm missing is what was it in what existed previously
> that you feel is unsatisfactory? What problems are you trying to
> solve?
                                                  vvvvvvvvvv
Nothing. Which is why I'm trying to bring up this new system up to speed. 
                                                  ^^^^^^^^^^
:)

> My next thought goes along these lines. It seems that you have had a
> change of venue forced upon you.

Nope. I saw a net gain to rehosting LG, and put in the effort to get it
done.

> I would advise caution; and recommend a two-step approach. (Especially
> because, as I understand it, there is no fall-back.) Having been
> forced to move, simply aim for replication. Make improvement a
> subsequent objective. That approach buys you time. Act in haste,
> repent at leisure.

It's done. The bridge is long burned, the ashes and the remains of the
main span have fallen into the fast-flowing river below and been swept
downstream. Furthermore, the fires are out - there isn't even any
residual heat left.  Birds have built nests in the charred remains;
winter has come and gone, and a new generation of hatchlings is cracking
the shells peering out at the world, and uttering hungry cries.

The point you're talking about, in other words, is long past. :)

> You said something about having to get the next edition of LG out. If
> you start messing with the (production) environment at such a crucial
> time, you might end up with paradise;

Nonono. The production environment needed to be brought into working
order; thus, the desperate need for SVN. Now that it's up, the
production environment _is_ in working order.

> 	O, that way madness lies; let me shun that;
> 	No more of that.
> 		- King Lear.

...

``
  Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm
  Invades us to the skin: so 'tis to thee;
  But where the greater malady is fix'd,
  The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'ldst shun a bear;
  But if thy flight lay toward the raging sea,
  Thou'ldst meet the bear i' the mouth.
''

The raging sea is stilled, and the only remaining bears are quite small
and rather inoffensive. :)
 
> Of course, I've probably missed something crucial.

Minor details, is all. :)


-- 
* Ben Okopnik * Editor-in-Chief, Linux Gazette * http://LinuxGazette.NET *