WASD Hypertext Services - Technical Overview

4 - Installation and Update

4.1 - Source Archive, Object Module Archives
4.2 - ODS-5 Volumes
4.3 - Installation DCL Procedure
4.4 - Update DCL Procedure
4.5 - Quick-Check
4.6 - Re-Linking
4.7 - VMS 5.5-2
4.8 - Local Setup Suggestions
4.9 - Organizing Documents
4.10 - Reporting Problems
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The WASD package and updates will always be distributed as ZIP archives. 

It generally pays to use the latest version of VMS UNZIP available.  Archives will contain a comment about the minimum version required, check that as described in the next paragraph.  To show the version of the current UNZIP utility, use

  $ UNZIP -v

The ZIP archive will contain brief installation instructions.  Use the following command to read this and any other information provided. 

  $ UNZIP -z device:[dir]archive.ZIP

It is recommended to check the integrity of, then list the contents of, the archive before UNZIPping. 

  $ UNZIP -t device:[dir]archive.ZIP
  $ UNZIP -l device:[dir]archive.ZIP


Installation UNZIP

For complete package distributions the archive will contain the complete directory tree.  Hence to install or do a complete update it is necessary to SET DEFAULT into the top-level directory of the disk the package is to be installed on. 

  $ SET DEFAULT device:[000000]

A complete installation/update will have the structure:

   Archive:  HT_ROOT:[000000]HTROOT430.ZIP;1
 
    WASD (HFRD) VMS Hypertext Services, Copyright (c) 1996,1997 Mark G.Daniel.
    This package (all associated programs), comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY.
    This is free software, and you are welcome to redistribute it
    under the conditions of the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE, version 2.
   
     *  Complete v4.3.0 package.
     *  $ SET DEFAULT device:[000000]
     *  $ UNZIP "-V" device:[dir]HTROOT430.ZIP
   
    VMS file attributes saved ... use UnZip 5.n+ on OpenVMS
   
    Archive created 1-AUG-1997
 
    Length    Date    Time    Name
    ------    ----    ----    ----
         0  07-30-97  14:15   ht_root/$_read_1st/
         0  07-30-97  14:15   ht_root/aacrt060/
         0  07-30-97  14:15   ht_root/auth/
         0  07-30-97  14:15   ht_root/axp/
      5360  07-30-97  13:23   ht_root/changes.html
         0  07-30-97  14:15   ht_root/doc/
   .
   .
   .
     16896  07-30-97  09:23   ht_root/vax/wwwrkout.exe
    ------                    -------
  19109754                    996 files


Update UNZIP

For updates to portions of the package only the tree below HT_ROOT:[000000] is provided, hence it is necessary to SET DEFAULT to HT_ROOT:[000000] before UNZIPping. 

  $ SET DEFAULT HT_ROOT:[000000]

An update will have the structure:

   Archive:  HT_ROOT:[000000]HTROOT430_UPD_01.ZIP;1
   
    WASD (HFRD) VMS Hypertext Services, Copyright (c) 1996,1997 Mark G.Daniel.
    This package (all associated programs), comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY.
    This is free software, and you are welcome to redistribute it
    under the conditions of the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE, version 2.
   
     *  Mostly minor updates to scripts and utilities for the v4.3.0 package.
     *  A couple nuisance-value-bugs have also been fixed in these.
     *  SDM2HTM can now generate <FRAMESET> documents (see [DOC]*.COM)
   
    VMS file attributes saved ... use UnZip 5.n+ on OpenVMS
   
    Archive created 6-AUG-1997
   
    Length    Date    Time    Name
    ------    ----    ----    ----
     42957  08-04-97  07:57   src/utils/wwwrkout.c
     59664  08-04-97  07:57   src/utils/obj_axp/wwwrkout.obj
     19674  08-04-97  07:57   src/utils/obj_vax/wwwrkout.obj
     26624  08-04-97  07:57   axp/wwwrkout.exe
   .   
   .   
   .   
     45056  08-05-97  11:02   vax/sdm2htm.exe
       617  08-05-97  09:23   doc/all_docs_framed.com
        44  08-05-97  09:23   doc/all_docs_not_framed.com
       544  08-05-97  09:22   doc/readme.html
    ------                    -------
   2773107                    90 files


Existing Installations

When installing either a full archive or to a lesser extent an update archive "over the top" of an existing installation consider the following. 


4.1 - Source Archive, Object Module Archives

The complete package, source code, documentation, examples, etc., is provided in a single main archive.  Installation and other build procedures allow the entire package to be compiled and linked from this if prefered.  This requires a later version of DEC C (preferably v5.n or greater).  VAX C is no longer supported. 

In addition, for those unable or not wishing to fully build the distribution, two other platform-specific archives are available, AXP (Alpha) and VAX, containing a complete set of object modules, allowing the package to be built via a link operation only. 

If a complete build is planned then only the main archive is required.  If a link-only build then an additional archive for each architecture must be UNZIPped as described above.  This applies to both full installations and subsequent updates.  The archives will be clearly identified with the architecture type, as illustrated in this example. 

  $ UNZIP "-V" device:[dir]archive-AXP.ZIP
  $ UNZIP "-V" device:[dir]archive-VAX.ZIP
NOTE

The WASD distribution and package organisation fully supports mixed-architecture clusters (both AXP and VAX in the one cluster) as one integrated installation. 


4.2 - ODS-5 Volumes

The WASD server has been successfully installed on and used from ODS-5 (extended file specification) volumes.  Note that the installation procedures and file system organisation of the package tree has been designed for ODS-2 compliance.  As long as this is maintained there should be no issues with actually having it resident on an extended file system compliant volume.  (Of course the issue of installing WASD on an ODS-5 volume is completely separate from it's ability to serve the contents of an ODS-5 volume!)


4.3 - Installation DCL Procedure

The INSTALL.COM procedure assists with the first installation of WASD.  It provides a vanilla setup, using the standard directories and account environment described in this document.  All sections prompt before performing any action and default to "no".  Read the questions carefully! 

It performs the following tasks:

  1. Build Executables - Either compile sources and link, or just link package object code to produce images for the local version of VMS. 

  2. Server Quick-Check - Executes a procedure that runs up the HTTPd in demonstration mode.  Allows evaluation/checking of the basic package.  See 4.5 - Quick-Check

  3. Directory Protections - This section checks for correct directory protection in the HT_ROOT:[000000] tree and prompts to change it to WORLD:RE if it appears incorrect. 

  4. Create Server Account - Creates an unprivileged account for the HTTP server to execute within.  Sets permissions on files and directories allowing appropriate access for this account. 

  5. Disk Quota - Check if quotas are enabled on the target disk.  Provide an ambit allocation for the server account.  Review this at some stage. 

  6. Server Support/Configuration Files - Copies example HTTP server configuration and support files from the [EXAMPLE] directory to the [HTTP$SERVER] and [LOCAL] directories.  No copy is made without prompting for permission. 

After UNZIPping the package do the following:

  $ SET DEFAULT device:[HT_ROOT]
  $ @INSTALL

NOTE

The installation procedure provides a reasonable, vanilla, single-node set-up.  If something different is required a little time and thought may be required further configuring startup, etc. 

Support files to consider when customizing startup, etc.  (see 5.2 - Account Support Files for further detail):


4.4 - Update DCL Procedure

NOTE

When using WASD's SSL functionality TWO consecutive updates will need to be performed.  First, the update of the basic WASD package, immediately followed by an update of the SSL components (see 14.4 - SSL Quick-Start). 

The UPDATE.COM procedure assists with subsequent updates of WASD.  It assumes a vanilla setup, using the standard directories and account environment described in this document.  All sections prompt before performing any action and default to "no".  Read the questions carefully! 

It provides the following functions:

  1. Build Executables - Either compile sources and link, or just link package object code to produce images for the local version of VMS. 

  2. Server Quick-Check - Executes a procedure that runs up the HTTPd in demonstration mode.  Allows evaluation/checking of the basic package.  See 4.5 - Quick-Check

  3. Server Support/Configuration Files - Copies changed example HTTP server configuration and support files from the [EXAMPLE] directory to the [HTTP$SERVER] and [LOCAL] directories.  This copy is made without prompting for permission. 

  4. Post-Update Cleanup - Prompts for permission to execute the post-update procedure described below. 

  5. Purge Files - Prompts for permission to purge the entire HT_ROOT:[000000...] tree. 
CAUTION! 

Of course it is best (read mandatory) for the server to be shut down during an update! 

After UNZIPping the updated package do the following:

  $ SET DEFAULT HT_ROOT:[000000]
  $ @UPDATE


Post-Update

When confident regarding the success of the update (these activities can be part of the update DCL procedure). 


4.5 - Quick-Check

Once installed or updated it is possible to check the basic package at any time using the FREEWARE_DEMO.COM procedure.  Follow the displayed instructions. 

  @device:[HT_ROOT]FREEWARE_DEMO

Problem?  SYSTEM-F-SHRIDMISMAT?  See next section! 


4.6 - Re-Linking

After an update to the operating system the package may refuse to start, reporting a message like:

  %DCL-W-ACTIMAGE, error activating image WHAT$EVER
  -CLI-E-IMGNAME, image file DKA0:[SYS0.SYSCOMMON.][SYSLIB]WHAT$EVER_SHR.EXE
  -SYSTEM-F-SHRIDMISMAT, ident mismatch with shareable image

This implies the executables require re-linking for your particular version of VMS.  This can be accomplished quite simply, perform the linking section only of the update DCL procedure, 4.4 - Update DCL Procedure


4.7 - VMS 5.5-2

WASD is only officially supported for VMS V6.0 or greater.  However it has been known to successfully build and run under V5.5-2. It will, in all probability, require the AACRTL060 kit (which is part of DECC for this version of VMS, or can be obtained and installed separately). 

One issue was a difficulty in using the CGI-BIN logical.  This was isolated to the hyphen it contains and resolved by changing the definition of this in STARTUP.COM, using instead "CGI-BIN".  This is now the default for the example startup procedure, allowing both 5.5-2 and later VMS versions to function correctly. 


4.8 - Local Setup Suggestions

Package updates will never contain anything in these three directories:

To prevent the overwriting of local configuration files it is suggested these be placed in the HT_ROOT:[LOCAL] directory.  Startup files will most probably be placed where-ever the local site manages system startup.  These could be placed in the HT_ROOT:[LOCAL] directory if there is nowhere more appropriate.  Authentication databases could also be placed in the [LOCAL] directory.  The server account's support files (LOGIN.COM, etc.) may be copied from the HT_ROOT:[EXAMPLE] directory into HT_ROOT:[HTTP$SERVER] and customized as necessary. 

In like manner, local DCL scripts or DCL wrappers for executable scripts should be placed in HT_ROOT:[SCRIPT_LOCAL]. Executables should continue to be placed in HT_EXE:

Changes that are made in package configuration files, etc., can then be propagated to the local areas as appropriate. 


4.9 - Organizing Documents

It is recommended that the server distribution tree and any document and other Web-specific data areas be kept separate and distinct.  The former in HT_ROOT:[000000], the latter in something like WEB:[000000].  This logical device could be provided with the following DCL introduced into the server startup procedures:

  $ DEFINE /SYSTEM /TRANSLATION=CONCEALED WEB DSA811:[WEB.]

The logical organisation of served data is largely hierarchical, organised under the Web-server path root, and is achieved via two mechanisms. 

  1. The natural tree structure provided by a hierarchical file system. 

  2. The logical hierarchy possible using rules within the mapping file to place disparate physical areas into a single logical structure (see 10 - Mapping Rules). 

WASD has a single section of the file system for the core Web files, such as the Division home page, help areas, Web documentation, etc., it can be accessed using the logical device WEB:[000000]. Incorporated with this are other subdirectories providing storage for specific collections of data, such as committee minutes, administration announcements, etc. 

Physically distinct areas are used for good physical reasons (e.g. the area can best be hosted on a task-local disk), for historical reasons (e.g. the area existed before any Web environment existed) or for reasons of convenience (e.g. lets put this where access controls already allow the maintainers to manage it). 

Reasons for an area being physically integrated with the core Web data area can be legitimate (e.g. there is really nowhere else it reasonably belongs), convenience (e.g. let's quickly put it here) or by logical necessity (it really does below as part of the core Web enviroment, e.g. documentation on HTML, etc.)


Guidelines

In general, only Web-related files need to go into the core physical Web file area.  All other groupings should, if possible, be decentralised into the portion of the file system they represent and logically placed in the server's path using rules in the mapping file.  That is, a given project's Web files should be located in the project's part of the file system.  If it doesn't have any then it may be a candidate for location in the core area. 

When locating a Web area in a physically distinct area it is possible the maintainers of that data will already have the correct access controls.  If locating an area in the core hypertext environment it will be necessary to give the mantainer ownership of the directory area (and possibly disk quota), or provide ACL access if multiple maintains are involved. 

When locating Web-accessable data in a physically distinct area it will be necessary to update the mapping file with a new rule (see 10 - Mapping Rules).  If located within the core Web area the rules do not need to be adjusted. 


4.10 - Reporting Problems

This package, as is generally the case with freeware, is mainly developed and supported outside of the author's main occupation and working hours.  Reports of problems and bugs (while not necessarily welcome :^), as well as general queries, are responded to as soon as practicable.  If the documentation is inaccurate or could benefit from clarification in some area please advise of this also (the better the documentation the less queries you have to field personally ... or so the theory goes). 

With all reports please include the version of the server or script, and the hardware platform, operating system and TCP/IP package and version in use. 

If a server error message is being generated please examine the HTML source of the error page.  The "<META...>" information contains version information as well as valuable source code module and line information.  Include this with the report. 

If the server is exiting with a server-generated error message this information also contains module and line information.  Please include this with the report. 

The WATCH facility (see 16 - WATCH Facility) is often a powerful tool for problem investigation.  It is also very useful when supplying details during problem resolution.  When supplying WATCH output as part of a problem report please ZIP the file and include it an an e-mail attachment.  Mailers often mangle the report format making it difficult to interpret. 

Image crash dumps may also be generated, although these are of less value than the case of the previous two. 

Reports may be e-mailed to
Mark.Daniel@wasd.vsm.com.au.au

Should the above address present problems or provide no response for an extended period then use
Mark.Daniel@dsto.defence.gov.au


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