11. Integration of external repositories#

Sometimes it might be necessary to add external repositories, for example when testing an application which is developed for UCS@school. Such components can be registered through Univention Management Console or in Univention Configuration Registry.

Components can be versioned. This ensures that only components are installed that are compatible with a UCS version.

empty or unset or current

The current major-minor version will be used.

If for example UCS 5.2 is currently in use, only the 5.2 repository will be used. Please note that all major and minor updates will be blocked until the component is available for the new release. Patch level and errata updates are not affected.

If for example UCS 5.1 is currently installed. When UCS 5.2 or UCS 6.0 become available, the release updated will be postponed until the component is also available for version 5.2 and 6.0 respectively.

major.minor

By specifying an explicit version number only the specified version of the component will be used if it matches the current UCS version. Release updates of the system will not be hindered by such components. Multiple versions can be given using comma as delimiter.

For example 5.1 5.2 would only include the component with UCS 5.1 and 5.2 but not if UCS 5.0 or UCS 5.3 is in use.

11.1. Integrate with Univention Management Console#

A list of the integrated repository components is in the UMC module Repository Settings. Applications which have been added through the Univention App Center are still listed here, but should be managed through the App Center module.

A further component can be set up with Add. The Component name identifies the component on the repository server. A free text can be entered under Description, for example, for describing the functions of the component in more detail.

The absolute URL of the download server is to be entered in the input field Repository server, and can also optionally contain a Username, Password, Repository prefix (file path) and port if required.

Warning

The credentials are stored unencrypted and as plain text in Univention Configuration Registry. Every user with access to the local system can read them.

A software component is only available when Enable this component has been activated.

Prior to UCS 5 two separate repository branches where provided for maintained and unmaintained software. While UCS 5 no longer uses this distinction.

11.2. Integrate with Univention Configuration Registry#

The following Univention Configuration Registry Variables can be used to register a repository component. It is also possible to activate further functions here which cannot be configured through the UMC module. NAME stands for the component’s name:

repository/online/component/NAME/server

The repository server absolute URL on which the components are available. If this variable is not set, the server from Univention Configuration Registry Variable repository/online/server is used.

repository/online/component/NAME

This variable must be set to enabled if the components are to be mounted.

repository/online/component/NAME/localmirror

This variable can be used to configure whether the component is mirrored locally. In combination with the Univention Configuration Registry Variable repository/online/component/NAME/server, a configuration can be set up so that the component is mirrored, but not activated, or that it is activated, but not mirrored.

repository/online/component/NAME/description

A optional description for the repository.

repository/online/component/NAME/prefix

DEPRECATED! Defines the URL prefix which is used on the repository server. This variable should no longer be used. The path should be specified as a part of the URL configured in the server variable.

repository/online/component/NAME/layout

Defines the type of the repository:

  • If arch is set or the variable is unset, the Packages file is searched within the architecture subdirectories amd64/ resp. all/.

  • If flat repository is specified, the Packages file is searched within the root directory of the repository.

This variable is usually not set.

repository/online/component/NAME/username

DEPRECATED! Defines the username if the repository server requires authentication. This variable should no longer be used. The username should be specified as a part of the URL configured in the server variable.

repository/online/component/NAME/password

DEPRECATED! Defines the password if the repository server requires authentication. This variable should no longer be used. The password should be specified as a part of the URL configured in the server variable.

repository/online/component/NAME/version

This variable controls the versions to include, see Integration of external repositories for details.

repository/online/component/NAME/defaultpackages

A list of package names separated by blanks. The UMC module Repository Settings offers the installation of this component if at least one of the packages is not installed. Specifying the package list eases the subsequent installation of components.