D-Link DNS-323 - Subversion Server or Expensive Brick (Part 1)

I've been using the D-Link DNS-323 as a back-up for development files and photos for some time. However, when I first looked at buying the product I had heard from colleagues that it could be set up as an Subversion Server as well. Since the unit is essentially a very small Linux box it could be possible.

Thinking that this might be a good thing in the long term I purchased the SAN and felt this could be a project when time permits or when it is necessary. Last month I started working on a project but realised that some additional forces may be required to complete the project. So I called an old colleague to come to my aid.

Instead of having my colleague come all the way in to the office it would be ideal if she can work from home. We all know that NOT commuting in and around London saves one a minimum of 2 hours per day if you include not having to iron your clothes. I digress, this is a topic for another blog. The point is that the time had come for me to attempt to install Subversion on my DNS-323.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look so simple. In fact, I'm guessing that degree from Geek U my be required.

I found a wiki which is comprehensive on the subject and the dangers involved. Whoever, put this together (I'm sure there are a number of contributors) they've done a nice job.

In any case here are the basic steps required to convert your DNS-323 into a Subversion server.

1. Write a number of scripts
2. FTP scripts to the server
3. Install Telnet
4. Configure the box to work on the network
5. Install & Configure Apache Web Server
6. Install & Configure Subversion

After that hopefully one will be away to the races. I'll let you know in detail how I got on.