Contents

Software

Hardware

System

Network Devices

Network Services

Novell AppArmor

Security and Users

Miscellaneous

Introduction

YaST stands for Yet another Setup Tool and is the management foundation of SUSE Linux which is it what makes SUSE Linux so easy to install. YaST2 is a fairly complete and competent tool for administering a SuSE Linux installation. It allows you to install software, configure hardware, setup networks, servers, and services (like DNS, DHCP, Samba and certificate servers). SUSE Linux 10.0 contains a complete new YaST module group to set up the new AppArmor intrusion-prevention system.

YaST gives administrators an integrated solution for installation, configuration, and administration of SUSE LINUX systems. Now licensed under the GPL, YaST covers a wide range of management tasks and gives a consistent management experience across all supported SUSE LINUX platforms. It also offers convenient APIs so that it can be extended by developers and third-party vendors. Because YaST is released under GPL, all players in the industry can fully embrace it, without any concerns about competing with Novell®.




YaST provides a friendly GUI for everyday use, a text mode for changes at the console, and well-documented APIs for scripting and extension.




AutoYaST allows unattended and automated installation. With AutoYaST, administrators can create a consistent baseline configuration for new installations in large or expanding deployments. Other installation methods include PXE Boot, CD-ROM, NFS, CIFS/SMB, HTTP, FTP, and the Service Location Protocol (SLP), which allows autodetection of install servers.




The online update system, based on YaST and ZENworks, allows administrators to install security updates and bug fixes automatically or on command.




The Common Information Model (CIM) standardizes the exchange of management information in a platform-independent and technology-neutral way. CIM-enabled software reduces the cost of management by providing a single API for heterogeneous technology environments.




Novell Linux Desktop includes the ZENworks Linux Management update manager, a service which, combined with a ZENworks Linux Management server, allows administrators to control updates and system behavior remotely from a centralized location.

The service determines the configuration of a system and compares it to a list of available upgrades and patches that the administrator makes available. It can then download and install the new software, automatically taking dependencies and incompatibilities into account.