ULTRIX Guide to Remote Installation Services

This document, the "ULTRIX Guide to Remote Installation Services" (June 1990, for ULTRIX Version 4.0 or higher), describes how to set up and maintain a remote installation environment using the ris utility.

The primary purpose of Remote Installation Services (RIS) is to allow client systems (MicroVAX, VAXstation, DECstation, DECsystem series processors) to install ULTRIX software products over a network from a central server, eliminating the need for local distribution media on each client.

Key aspects covered include:

1. Overview of the Remote Installation Environment:

   • Components: A server (Digital supported processor with MOP installed, can serve both RISC and VAX clients), a distribution device (tape drive or CD-ROM on the server), a system disk on the server to store software, and an Ethernet network connecting the server and clients.
   • Directory Structure: The environment is established under /var/adm/ris, creating specific areas like ris0.mips or ris0.vax for different architectures, each containing software products and their subsets.
   • ris Utility: The main command-line tool (/etc/ris) for managing RIS.

2. Setup Preparation (Prerequisites):

   • Server: Must have ULTRIX OS installed (including the Maintenance Operations Protocol - MOP subset) and sufficient disk space.
   • Network: A Local Area Network (LAN) must be set up, connecting the RIS server and all client processors to the Ethernet.
   • Client Information: System administrators need to gather client hostnames, determine if they are RISC or VAX processors, obtain their hardware Ethernet addresses, and register their hostnames and IP addresses with appropriate naming services (e.g., /etc/hosts, BIND, Yellow Pages).
   • Distribution Media: Identify the software distribution media type (e.g., TK50 tape, 9-track magnetic tape, CDROM) and its corresponding device special file name or mount point.

3. Server Setup and Maintenance:

   • Establishing a New RIS Environment: Using the ris utility to install the first software product into a new RIS area.
   • Adding Products: Adding additional software products to an existing RIS environment.
   • Client Management: Procedures for adding, removing, and modifying client registrations. This includes specifying client hostnames, Ethernet addresses, and the products they are allowed to install from the server.
   • Command Line Usage: The ris utility supports interactive menu-driven operations as well as direct command-line execution for tasks like adding (-a), removing (-r), showing (-s), and modifying (-m) clients or products.
   • Managing Multiple Clients: The ris utility generates a database file (/var/adm/ris/clients/risdb) that can be directly edited to add or remove multiple clients in a batch process using ris command-line options.

In essence, the document serves as a step-by-step guide for administrators to implement a centralized, network-based software distribution system for ULTRIX clients.