I still need to write the code to detect the downloaded and installed patches. I am also working on the install_patches handler. It will need a functions written to extract the relevant data from the calls argument. When the install_patches handler is able to at least return some dummy information I will hook the new install button to a call.

When the list_updates and install_patches handlers work I’ll have to wait for a security announcement to test it with. Until then I’ll just have to use my local update server.

To run it you need a copy of //depot/projects/soc2007/andrew-update/ from perforce. Run ‘make’ to build it. Next, from the backend directory, run ‘facund-be -c freebsd-config-control.conf’. This starts the backend. In a new terminal, from the frontend directory, run ‘python facund.py’. It will open a window with what will become a list of computers on the left with a connect and disconnect button under it. When the connect button is clicked it should attempt to connect to the back-end over the /tmp/facund unix socket and send a start message to the back-end. On disconnect it will send a stop message and wait for the back-end to do the same.

The rest of the communication is yet to be defined but I have a basic idea of the front-end sending a request something like <get value=”available_updates” id=”random_id”/>. The back-end then sends a <return id=”random_id” data=”none”/>. The return data may be changes to allow for non-string types, e.g. bool, int, array, etc.

My current design it to have a backend to control freebsd-update. This then talks to the frontend that lets the administrator update the machine and restart services as needed. I will have to come up with a protocol for the back and front ends to communicate in a secure manor. I also want to be able to extend what the backend can do, eg. update ports/packages, restart services or the whole computer.