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Software for Tracking System Configuration Changes?

Posted by Cliff on from the journals-good-enough-for-an-uber-rollback dept.

DingleyDon asks: "I am currently administering a growing Unix environment and am interested in better documenting changes such as upgrades, software installs, configuration changes, etc. to the hardware and software on those servers from a SysAdmin's point of view. Obviously, this could be done with something as simple as a text file stored on each system, or a spreadsheet, or any other number of ways. But what I envision is a database app (web-enabled) where I can easily keep all of this information in a centralized location and query on the history of any given server. Is there any such package out there? (free=even better!) What do other SysAdmins use to document changes made to their environment?"

2 of 22 comments (clear)

  1. CVS by peripatetic_bum · · Score: 4, Informative

    Linux journal just did an article where the guy talks about using CVS to track all changes on his computer

    here is the link

    http://linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=5976

    --

    Sigs are dangerous coy things

  2. Tripwire is VERY good at this by roachmotel3 · · Score: 3, Informative

    You should really look into tripwire for this -- the open source version is awesome, but the commercial version kicks much bootay. They have a central console, which, much like quicken requires you to "Reconcile" any difference between what's on the server and what you show as the last good state (like if your checkbook doesn't match the bank statement). VERY cool stuff -- check out http://www.tripwire.com. (Specifically, Tripwire for Servers and Tripwire Manager)

    We evaluated it for use at my place of business, and we are going to end up using it, IMHO. VERY responsive, and they **get** it too.

    Besides, Gene Kim (Tripwire's original author!) is a really nice guy ;)