3.3.2.5. Files

Configuration files: 

Files provides further information and configuration options of the files and attributes described in the output window of Check current configuration and the diff command.

Files serves two purposes.: It provides vital information about which configuration files a component (of the Configuration tree) uses and gives chance to modify the properties of the listed files.

For example, in case of the Networking component, the list of used files is the following.

Files used by the Networking component

Figure 3.18. Files used by the Networking component

Apart from the name and location of files, you can retrieve information about owner, owner group, access rights and file type parameters. The Manage column is very important and has a corresponding checkbox immediately below the file listing: this can be used to control what files MS manipulates on the host machine, if needed.

Note

It is not recommended to take files out of the authority of MS, because it can severely limit the effectiveness of MS–based administration. However, it is possible to do it, if you deselect the checkbox under the Manage column.

File settings: 

To modify the properties of a file, click on the file in the list. The following subwindow opens.

Changing file properties

Figure 3.19. Changing file properties

Warning

There must be a solid reason for changing these properties and you must be prepared for the possible consequences of such actions. A good understanding of Linux is recommended before making changes in file properties.

Consider different if these properties change: 

The third part of the window is for configuring the work of the comparison utility, which is diff by default. You can define what file properties you are interested in when checking for changes.

Configuring diff conditions

Figure 3.20. Configuring diff conditions

Tip

Checking for configuration file differences is beneficial from a security aspect too: it is an additional tool for making sure nobody has altered critical files on the firewall.

Postprocess script: 

At the bottom of the Configuration tab, you can specify a postprocess command that is run after the corresponding configuration file is uploaded to the firewall host. Some services rely heavily on this option. For example, Postfix that runs / usr/sbin/postmap %f as a postprocess command to transport virtual domains and set various access restrictions are properly.

Scripts tab: 

Configuration files under Linux are re-read during service reloads or restarts. These actions are performed by running the corresponding scripts exclusively from the /etc/init.d directory. The Scripts tab of the Files window provides an interface where you can check starting scripts and alter and fine-tune them with special Pre upload and Post upload commands. With simple components, such as Networking, these options are rarely used, but in some cases might prove especially useful.

Some components, for example, Text Editor, can manage configuration files that are automatically reloaded. They cannot be restarted after a Commit. To set the status icon of these components to Running, selectConfiguration automatically runs on the Scripts tab.

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