Re: What do I use to reconfigure the network /after/ initial install on Etch?

[Jonathan Wilson <jw@mailsw.com>]

>> > Etherconf disappeared in Etch - I don't know why.  
>> > Does any utility exist in Etch for [re]configuring the basic network
>> > settings?
>
>> None that I am aware of. You have to do it by hand.
>
>
>Interesting trend.  I suppose eventually we'll see the elimination of 
alsaconf, printconf, installation scripts for the OS, etc.  We'll have to "do 
it by hand."  Perhaps, in the future, the brand spanking new Debian will 
start to look remarkably similar to Buzz, Rex, or Bo.

I think it's crazy.

What does everyone expect newbies to use to change the config?

Its one thing to edit the files by hand if you are only changing from one 
static IP address to another.

It's completely different if you are adding a new PCI card, switching from 
static to DHCP or back.

In fact, what's been frustrating me about it is, I use static IPs on my 
network, but during the initial install the installer is latching onto our 
DHCP server, without even /asking/ me if I want to use DHCP - it's just 
assuming I do (I don't, but I run DHCP for portable devices and other 
temporary situations).

Then as soon as the install is done I have to go switch the configs from DHCP 
to static. The situation with the installer not asking what network method I 
want to use is a little irritating all on it's own, and more so given that 
there's no quick interface to use after the install to fix the problem.

It's one thing for myself to do it (I can use vi and emacs) but sometimes I 
help other people who are less skilled to installs - sometimes over the phone 
- and it's makes me crazy to have to explain to them "ok, now type 
vi /etc/network/interfaces . . . yes, I said interfaces . . . use your tab 
key to fill it out . . . ok now hit you down arrow twice . . . hit "I" so 
you'll go into insert mode . . . type eth0 . . . What? you didn't hit "I"? ok 
we have to start over . . . "

Do you know what I mean? It's so much easier to have a config tool.


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jw@mailsw.com - System Administrator - Cedar Creek Software
www.cedarcreeksoftware.com