3.2. Preparing For CVS Use
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3.2. Preparing For CVS Use

Before using CVS, you need to establish an account with the CVS server. After getting an account, you do not need to perform these actions again.

3.2.1. Is CVS Installed On Your System

You must have the CVS RPM package installed. Verify its presence by typing the command:

$ rpm -q cvs

If you see output similar to cvs-1.11.19-1, then the package is installed. A message similar to package cvs is not installed means you must install the cvs package before continuing. If you do not know how to do this, consult your system administrator who can install it for you.

3.2.2. Generating SSH Keys

The CVS server uses SSH Protocol 2 keys to authenticate users. Thus, you need to generate a pair of keys before applying for a CVS account. If you already have an SSH DSA key, you may skip this step.

Tip

You already have a DSA key if you have the file ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub on the system.

If your existing DSA key does not require a passphrase, you are strongly urged to generate one that does require a passphrase.

Use the following steps to generate a DSA key used by SSH Protocol 2. It is required for an cvs.fedora.redhat.com CVS account.

To generate a DSA key to work with version 2.0 protocol, at a shell prompt, type the command:
```
$ ssh-keygen -t dsa
```
Accept the default file location of ~/.ssh/id_dsa. You are strongly urged to define and use a passphrase to enhance the security of your key. Enter a passphrase different than your account password and confirm it by entering it again.

Copy your new key to the correct file by typing the following at a shell prompt.

$ cat ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub>>~/.ssh/authorized_keys

	Note
	Check this command carefully before you press the ENTER key. If `~/.ssh/authorized_keys` already exists, the contents of `~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub` will be appended to the end of the `~/.ssh/authorized_keys` file.

Change the permissions of your ~/.ssh directory and your keys with the commands:
```
$ chmod 755 ~/.ssh
$ chmod 644 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
```

	Tip
	You can have your system remember your passphrase so that you do not have to type it every time you access the CVS server. Refer to the documentation of the ssh-add program.