# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
# Introduction
For several years, I've been using a customized version of [sysupgrade](https://man.openbsd.org/sysupgrade) to avoid deploying all OpenBSD sets across my different machines. This adapted script has been working flawlessly since several years now for my needs. I hope it will be useful for you too.
Here’s an example of `/etc/sysupgrade_sets` on my OpenBSD system, which is connected to my Hi-Fi system which runs on a very small machine having limited memory and disk space:
obsd:~# cat /etc/sysupgrade_sets
-game* # Exclude game sets
-xs* # Exclude X server and X share sets, but keep xbase
-xf* # Exclude X font sets
As shown, comments are allowed, and the syntax is similar to the installation process. This file specifies which sets to download and install.
# My sysupgrade Script
You can download [my custom sysupgrade script here](https://repo.vincentdelft.be/mysysupgrade.git/) or use the following commands:
obsd:~# TODO ftp https://vincentdelft.be/static/post/post_20241101/mysysupgrade.ksh
obsd:~# ksh mysysupgrade.ksh
Like the default version, this script needs to be run with `ksh`.
# Using My sysupgrade Script
Here’s a walkthrough of using the script to upgrade an OpenBSD 7.5 server. You can see the steps it performs:
obsd: ~ # ksh mysysupgrade.ksh
Fetching from https://cdn.openbsd.org/pub/OpenBSD/7.6/amd64/
SHA256.sig 100% |*************************************************************************| 2324 00:00
Signature Verified
BUILDINFO 100% |*************************************************************************| 54 00:00
Verifying old sets.
The following files will be downloaded: INSTALL.amd64 base76.tgz bsd bsd.mp bsd.rd comp76.tgz man76.tgz xbase76.tgz
old file: INSTALL.amd64 base75.tgz bsd bsd.mp bsd.rd comp75.tgz man75.tgz xbase75.tgz
INSTALL.amd64 100% |************************************************************************| 44889 00:00
base76.tgz 100% |*************************************************************************| 414 MB 00:38
bsd 100% |*************************************************************************| 28007 KB 00:03
bsd.mp 100% |*************************************************************************| 28139 KB 00:03
bsd.rd 100% |*************************************************************************| 4600 KB 00:02
comp76.tgz 100% |*************************************************************************| 81512 KB 00:08
man76.tgz 100% |*************************************************************************| 8039 KB 00:04
xbase76.tgz 100% |*************************************************************************| 60681 KB 00:10
Verifying sets.
Fetching updated firmware.
fw_update: add none; update intel,inteldrm,vmm|
Reboot now ?(Y/n) n
obsd: ~ #
The script creates an `/auto_upgrade.conf` file, simulating the manual input you would typically provide during an upgrade. Here’s a look:
Location of sets = disk
Pathname to the sets = /mnt/home/_sysupgrade/
Set name(s) = -game*
Set name(s) = -xs*
Set name(s) = -xf*
Directory does not contain SHA256.sig. Continue without verification = yes
This configuration specifies the sets’ location and excludes game, xs, and xf sets based on `/etc/sysupgrade_sets`. The installation script installs only what is in `/mnt/home/_sysupgrade`.
The script also ensures that `/bsd.upgrade` is prepared and protected with the `700` permission:
obsd:~# ls -al /bsd.upgrade
-rwx------ 1 root wheel 4710411 Oct 31 14:42 /bsd.upgrade
To complete the upgrade, reboot the machine:
obsd:~# reboot
If you have console access, you can monitor the process. Otherwise, wait a few minutes for the upgrade and a final reboot.
# Final Steps for usual upgrade process
After rebooting, complete the upgrade by running usual commands :
obsd:~# sysmerge
obsd:~# pkg_add -u
Although the upgrade script includes a first-boot `sysmerge`, it might not cover all changes to customized files. Package updates can take longer depending on your internet speed and the number of installed packages. Once everything is up-to-date, reboot the system again:
obsd:~# reboot
My customized `sysupgrade` has suited my needs perfectly, and I hope it does the same for you!
"""
