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Re: [cobalt-developers] Mime Types for Flash4: installing help: Text editing

Hi,

Basic Linux stuff, but requires a good deal more than "RTFM."

First: Text editor on Linux is "  vim "  "vi " is (ugh) Old, plain hard unix.
         Geeks will torment you.

On linux does respond to " vi " command;
s'okay because Linux geeks are kind, not tormenting types.

Suggest you find another environment to practice in before you edit text
of the major service files on your system.
Also, there are win9x "vim" editors to use locally.
problem here is that you can't upload;
ftp does not allow root login - so you can't overwrite.

Problem and warning reaction based on fact you need to know
that unix/linux text ASCII text editors used through remote terminal
is arcane;
example to start, when not in "edit mode" you press " i " character on keyboard, 
to leave "edit mode" you press excape; on some terminal setups you move
cursor using " h " "j" "k" "l" keys as if they were arrow keys, although this is 
is now improved im VIM; etc. etc.

I will give you recipe here if you wish to try and hope you are reasonably
able through what ever terminal program to easily use;
I use QVTNet in Win9x, myself.

<login>
cd /etc/httpd/conf/
ls -al
cp -p srm.conf srm.conf.bak
cp -p mime.types mime.types.bak

su root
<password>
vim mime.types
     < arrow key or "j" key down to open space >
o   < this instructs the editor to insert a new line below>
application/x-Flash     swf spl
< ESC key >
w:   < editor instruction to write to file >
q:    < editor instruction to close and leave the file >

/etc/rc.d/init.d/httpd.init stop

/etc/rc.d/init.d/httpd.init start


And that's essentially it.
BUT,
I would really advise AGAINST doing this based  only on your lack
of experience with unix/linux editors.
Fast learners still need practice,
I still have "Unix for Dummies" book here for reference,
have done 100's of hours of work.

The emotional impact alone
could affect the virility of the best and finest. This would be
the clasic setup for the movie scene where Arnold S. throws the flaming sparking 
monitor and keyboard through the window, across the street from 79 stories up.

Really.

If you wish, I became disabled 2 years ago and only do minor work now,
although provide consult and such to Professional or academic orgs and community networks. 
see:
http://www.ftac.net
for example.

Actually use cobalt ONLY for incubator projects for husband and friends.
( Here, use the Jag, I only sit in it and look out the "windows" )
We are leaving for short trip to Palm Springs until maybe Wed or Thurs tops.
Should have access online regular throughout.

If you want to email direct I'll check at mailto:jmoira@xxxxxxxxxx
If you want me to help or consult see resume at http://www.jmoira.com/jmcdonald
It really can be just a few minute job,
and according to macromedia, as I later checked, there should be no other issues. 
Also cell phone is 310-422-4915
See you are in Santa Rosa.
Hate to see you hung up on small but critical configuration issue.
S'why we're "supposed to" get the big bucks, huh?

Hope this helps,

Jessica McDonald



At 04:58 PM 7/3/00 -0700, you wrote:

Thanks for all of the information.
I've printed it out for reference.
I'm with you all the way up to actually opening and editing the file.
I have the lines to add from the knowledgebase, but have never edited
through telnet before.
I see reference to vi as an editor, but don't know where to turn next.
I also see cat > filename, for input, but that will overwrite the entire file.
Can you advise on opening and editing?

Thanks again.
Blake





At 03:09 PM 7/3/00 -0700, you wrote:
>Hi Blake,
>
>There is a Knowledge base doc on this subject at:
>http://www.cobalt.com/support/kb/search.php3?ques=apacheqid=611&language=1
>
>I am unfamiliar with the neccessity for adding Mime types for Flash and other 
>Macromedia product produced content, but have certainly seen this emulated
>often enough with other developing media throughout the years enough to at
>least
>give you a plan of action.
>
>If there is already tech info documentation anywhere else at Cobalt on it,
>then use those sources to make an accurate determination of what Mime type
>entries need to be present for your content handling.
>I would however suggest that you also go right to the source(s),
>and do some accurate research at Macromedia, and at
>http://www.apache.org/    as it is, in fact, the apache web server that you
>are modifying. I cannot imagine that there are other issues with the Linux
OS,
>however, you might want to check that with Macromedia as well.
>Regardless, your question was, essentially, about modifying the web server.
>
>What even prompted me to reply was your approach to modification by
>use of FTP. This will be understood in the explanation.
>
>First and foremost:
>You should be familiar with the use of the Linux text editors included in
>your OS,
>or any other you may have added.
>If not, get help from someone whom is.
>A minor syntax error, such as a return character produced in another
>environment,
>such as Ms-dos or other, has the ability to BREAK your webserver,
>especially if you
>are not experienced enough to diagnose the problem.
>
>That said, I will assume the rest of this to be directed to you as adept:
>
>Not knowing which Raq version you have, you will have to
>first determine where the Apache server configuration files exist.
>Generally, they are conveniently in the /etc/httpd/conf/ directory.
>
>Next, telnet in with your access,
>the SU to root.
>
>SU  means you are "switching user" or as is commonly used,
>"going to 'superuser.'' "
>FYI, your root pasword is the same as your admin password.
>( I hope I'm not offending by proffering the minutae - your query indicated
>some unfamiliarity)
>
>Once this is done,
>cd to the conf files directory
>
>example :    cd /etc/httpd/conf
>
>once arrived, obtain a list of the files in the directory and their
properties
>by executing an " ls " directive.
>
>example:  ls -al
>
>you will need to see several files,
>httpd.conf
>srm.conf
>access.conf
>mime.types
>
>and usually a ".master" version of each of the first three files.
>
>The files with which you'll be concerned are
>srm.conf
>mime.types
>
>Next, insure that no other user or service will be attempting
>to perform any other update to the system and especially the webserver
>at this time. I will leave it to you determine your policy for this.
>
>Next, follow the golden rule of creating a safe, stable backup before
>you touch these files.
>My practice is to do an exact, properly attributed copy right where you are.
>If things get "shaky," then you can restore the files with fast commands.
>Generally my procedure here would be:

>
>cp -p srm.conf srm.conf.bak
>cp -p mime.types mime.types.bak
>
>
>Cobalt indicates that across the board on the Raq's that the mime type
service
>is " referenced out" to the " mime.types" file.
>To determine this, open the " srm.conf " file and see if the following
>line(s) are present:
>
># TypesConfig describes where the mime.types file (or equivalent) is
># to be found.
>
>TypesConfig /etc/httpd/conf/mime.types
>
>If they are, especially the last WITHOUT a "#" comment leading,
>close this file making NO modification.
>otherwise, you will have the lines from the following instructions here.
>I would suggest you NOT take this option UNLESS you are skilled.
>Cobalt was clever to reference out to another file, in my opinion,
>and I cannot  predict the stability of your server otherwise with their
>customizations.
>
>Next, open the " mime.types" file.
>
>I have seen "Director" files referenced, but not flash.
>So, as per the above Cobalt document, their likely is none.
>If you see no line referencing the .swf or .spl files,
>then add the following line:
>
>application/x-Flash             swf  spl
>
>Save and close the file.
>
>You will next need to stop and restart the webserver using the following
>commands:
>
>/etc/rc.d/init.d/httpd.init stop
>
>/etc/rc.d/init.d/httpd.init start
>
>Go ahead from here and test your files.
>Note: if some error occurs with the above procedure,
>simple go back and overwrite the " mime.types" file with the "
>mime.types.bak" file,
>restart the server again, and least you'll still be in business.
>If something really wacko occurs in the execution,
>contact Macromedia and determine the compatibility of Flash serving
>from a Linux based system. Frankly, I would assume it's OK.
>
>Good luck,
>Jessica McDonald Ph.D.
>Jmoira Online
>http://www.jmoira.com
>
>mailto:jmoira@xxxxxxxxxx?SUBJECT=helpwithmimetypes
>
>
>At 01:18 PM 7/3/00 -0700, you wrote:
>>Hello:
>>I can't get my Flash 4 files to play using Netscape. IE5 plays without a
>>problem. I tried adding the mime type lines suggested at the Cobalt site,
>>but permission is denied using WsFTP95 and through Telnet.
>>How do I add a mime type?
>>Thank you.
>>Blake Webster
>>********************************************
>>Media Design & Hosting Services
>>Helping Businesses Create an Effective Web Presence
>>Phone: 707-575-1640
>>Fax:     707-578-3171
>>  www.mediadesign-mds.com
>>
>>WebcamSearch.com
>>  www.webcamsearch.com
>>
>>Northern California Tennis Connection
>>  www.norcaltennis.com
>>*********************************************
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>cobalt-developers mailing list
>>cobalt-developers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>http://list.cobalt.com/mailman/listinfo/cobalt-developers
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>cobalt-developers mailing list
>cobalt-developers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>http://list.cobalt.com/mailman/listinfo/cobalt-developers
>
********************************************
Media Design & Hosting Services
Helping Businesses Create an Effective Web Presence
Phone: 707-575-1640
Fax:     707-578-3171
 www.mediadesign-mds.com

WebcamSearch.com
 www.webcamsearch.com

Northern California Tennis Connection
 www.norcaltennis.com
*********************************************


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