How to Install Access to Memory (AtoM) on OpenBSD

Access to Memory (AtoM) is an open-source web application used for archival description and access. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to install AtoM on OpenBSD.

Prerequisites

Before installing AtoM, you will need:

• A server with OpenBSD installed
• A user account with sudo privileges

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

AtoM requires the following dependencies to be installed on your server:

sudo pkg_add ruby ruby-bundler ruby-sass graphviz gpgme postgresql-server

Step 2: Installing PostgresQL

PostgreSQL is used as the database for AtoM. To install PostgreSQL, run the following command:

sudo pkg_add postgresql-server

After installation, enable PostgreSQL to start automatically on boot by running:

sudo rcctl set postgresql

Start PostgreSQL:

sudo /etc/rc.d/postgresql start

Next, create a PostgreSQL user and database for AtoM. Run the following commands:

su - _postgresql
createuser -P atom # enter a password when prompted
createdb -O atom atom
exit

Step 3: Download and Install AtoM

Download the latest version of AtoM from the official website:

cd /tmp
ftp https://www.accesstomemory.org/download/atom-3.3.0.tar.gz

Extract the archive:

tar -zxvf atom-3.3.0.tar.gz

Move the extracted folder to a web accessible directory:

sudo mv atom /var/www/htdocs/

Change ownership of the AtoM folder:

sudo chown -R _www:_www /var/www/htdocs/atom

Step 4: Install AtoM Dependencies

Change your directory to the AtoM folder:

cd /var/www/htdocs/atom

Install the dependencies using Bundler:

sudo -u _www bundle install --without test development

Step 5: Configure AtoM

Create a configuration file:

sudo -u _www cp config/sample_settings.yml config/settings.yml

Edit the configuration file:

sudo -u _www vi config/settings.yml

Change the database: section to the following:

database:
  adapter: postgresql
  database: atom
  host: localhost
  port: 5432
  username: atom
  password: password

Step 6: Initialize the Database

Initialize the database:

sudo -u _www rake db:migrate

Load default data:

sudo -u _www chown _www:wheel /var/www/htdocs/atom/db/schema.rb
sudo -u _www rake db:structure:load
sudo -u _www rake db:seed

Step 7: Start AtoM

Finally, start the AtoM server:

sudo -u _www bundle exec rails server -e production -p 3000

AtoM should now be running on http://yourserver:3000. You can now access the AtoM web interface to start using it.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have shown how to install Access to Memory (AtoM) on OpenBSD. You can now use AtoM for archival description and access.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!