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Configuration Tools for BSD?

Posted by Cliff on from the useful-admin-tools dept.

david@ecsd.com asks: "I've been using Linux for quite some time now and I've been thinking about giving one of the BSD's a whirl on my box at home. I've come to really like Linuxconf and have been wondering if there's anything like that for the BSD's or even if anyone has ported it to BSD. I really, really hate having to delve through 100s configuration text files to find the right one to edit."

4 of 12 comments (clear)

  1. Although it may seem to suck at first... by Dast · · Score: 4

    I highly suggest hitting the conf files by hand--you'll learn a hell of a lot more in the process. Trust me, knowing how to monkey with a system with only vi is a highly useful skill.

    For the most part, *bsd systems (freebsd and openbsd anyway) are pretty sane about how they handle configuration (maybe with the exception of the freebsd rc.firewall, which required damn near a total rewrite for easy ipnat over dhcp, while openbsd needed only like 3 lines in two config files). I'll admit they do things differently than most linux distros, slackware being an exception.

    Don't let the initial scaryness of *bsd to scare you away; if you've ever installed debian, slackware, or a custom redhat, you should have no problem at all with an install. I installed both openbsd and freebsd via ftp over dhcp without a hitch. Configuring both did require a bit of vi, but nothing terribly difficult. The freebsd manual is well written and helpful (if a bit outdated in a section or two, but still good). I will admit, however, that the bsd community doesn't take well to newbies, and a "dumb" question will get you flamed in a heartbeat. Always make sure to read the manual and faq, and in the case of openbsd, the source as well (especially if you are trying to figure out why your ethernet driver is acting silly and there are no bugs reported on it ;).

    But like I said, don't let the scaryness drive you away; once you are comfortable with editing conf files by hand there is little you can't do on any type of system, linux or bsd. While I've used linux for a long time, and will continue to, bsd does rock the house, and should be given a chance. (Sorry to you netbsd folks, I've just never tried it; nothing personal--I'm sure it is great.) Try one out, you won't be disapointed.

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  2. Webmin by Elvii · · Score: 3

    While I prefer to edit by hand myself, Webmin says it supports Freebsd, openBSD, BSDI, possibly others, I just took a quick look at their supported os list. Might wanna post a positive/negative review here depending on your opinion of it, so people like me might consider it when needing to admin lots of boxen. :)



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    1. Re:Webmin by sjwillis · · Score: 2

      I use webmin at several different sites, my experience with it is under RH only, but it is an excellent tool. Most of the machines i admin have no monitor and have telnet disabled. since most windows users don't have an ssh client installed on their machines, it's nice to be able to open up a browser on any winbox and be able to do just about everything linuxconf does.
      if it supports bsd as well as it does RH, it would be a great tool for you.
      jim
      jim

  3. System install program by eap · · Score: 2

    You probably already know this, but running /stand/sysinstall will let you configure many things, including your network.