> >> Not sure about the paid support, but (IMO) the correct way to rollout an > >> > >> update to your servers is to get another machine with the same software > >> setup that you can test on. If you have a webpage or app that you need > >> to upgrade, then do it on your test machine, then roll out an update to > >> your gentoo machine. This is true for almost all types of systems. > >> Yes, buying another machine will cost you little bit, but the first > >> time it prevents downtime, it's practically paid for. > > > > This also has the advantage of not having to load up your production > > servers with compilation. Use the --buildpkg option when installing on the > > test server and --usepkg on the production machine. Just make sure PKGDIR > > points to the same shared directory on all machines. > > Well, PKGDIR doesn't have to be the same directory, you could just move > them over manually. This ensures that your system has less points of > possible compromise. > > I'd like to give another advantage of this system. The test machine can > become a type of "hot spare" if something happens to the original server. > Thus giving you another layer of backup for your system. If you have a > nightly backup that is loaded onto the test server daily you'll be all set > in the case of emergency. > > And, this is getting off topic now, but if you have a backup solution in > place, you really should go through the disaster recovery procedure of > that backup procedure so when the emergency does happen, you are sure you > know how to implement the fix =). I've seen that come back to bite people > in the ass before.
That does sound like the thing to do with my remote server and I will fork out the dough. It's no good for workstations, but I think I may have a way to keep those running through tough times also. I have one laptop that goes with me and two workstations that stay where they are. One of the workstations only needs a browser and printing capabilities. The other one needs some random stuff, but could get by with only a browser for a while. The laptop really only needs a browser and terminal emulator. Would it work to set up a second remote machine for testing server changes, but outfit the workstations with custom LiveCDs in case the main system takes a crap? - Grant > Christopher Fisk -- gentoo-user@gentoo.org mailing list
