Subject: ANNOUNCE: Configuration tools project
From: Patrick D'Cruze <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 7 May 1994 19:13:47 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce

Arguably, one of the biggest problem areas within Linux (and Unix in general) 
is in the configuration of all aspects of the system.  Many calls for help 
stem from a lack of knowledge in configuring some part of the system or from 
configuring it incorrectly.  Often times, the answer to these calls for help 
is to RTFM and then get out your trusty text editor and edit the configuration 
files.

A large number of users however see a need for easy to use configuration tools 
- tools that do not require users to read and reread man pages and do not 
require users to fire up vi or emacs to effect some changes.  Many people have 
shown an interest in a set of X based GUI configuration packages - packages 
that would present a more intuitive means of effecting changes.  Something 
similar to Window's Control Panel would be a nice start.  These tools would be 
used to configure things like:
	- lpd setup
	- kernel config
	- nfs
	- NetBios server
	- TCP/IP
	- sendmail (ugh!)
	- and many many others

Linux International is very much interested in putting together a set of 
configuration tools for Linux.  Tools that will make it easier for existing 
users to configure Linux and may also knock over one more hurdle preventing 
other users from swicthing to Linux.

The purpose of this announcement is to announce the opening of a mailing list 
which will be dedicated to coordinating the development of a set of 
configuration packages for Linux.  Everyone and anyone is free to join this 
mailing list.  In particular we'd like to hear from people interested in 
volunteering some time in assisting in writing the necessary software and 
those interested in discussing what needs to be included and how it should all 
work.

The mailing list will be used to:
- firstly, discuss which parts of the system need to be configured in this
   manner
- secondly, what are the requirements of such configuration tools
- and thirdly, to begin writing the software necessary to achieve the aims
   and goals established on the list

This has the potential to be a very big project and one that has the 
possibility of reducing a number of frequently asked questions in 
comp.os.linux.help .  Many users would love to have nice intuitive 
configuration tools which would hopefully make Linux much easier to configure 
and setup.  With your help and participation we can make a start on this and 
develop tools which will be of benefit to a large number of present and future 
Linux users.

Hoping to see quite a few volunteers and participants on the mailing list.

Regards,
Patrick D'Cruze					[email-masked]
Linux International

Details on joining the mailing list.

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