How to Install Sismics Reader on OpenBSD

Introduction

Sismics Reader is an open-source web-based RSS/Atom reader that helps you explore and share news and articles from different websites in one place. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to install Sismics Reader on OpenBSD.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure your system meets the following requirements.

• A non-root user with sudo privileges.
• An up-to-date OpenBSD server with a minimal installation.

Step 1: Install Java and PostgreSQL

For Sismics Reader to run on OpenBSD, you need to install Java and PostgreSQL. Run the following command to install OpenJDK and PostgreSQL.

$ doas pkg_add openjdk postgresql-server

Once the installation is complete, start the PostgreSQL server by running the command below:

$ doas rcctl enable postgresql
$ doas rcctl start postgresql

Step 2: Install Tomcat

Sismics Reader requires a Java Servlet Container, and we will be using Apache Tomcat. To install Tomcat, run the command:

$ doas pkg_add tomcat

Once the installation is complete, start the Tomcat server with the command below:

$ doas rcctl enable tomcat
$ doas rcctl start tomcat

Step 3: Create a PostgreSQL Database

Next, we need to create a PostgreSQL database for Sismics Reader. Log in to the PostgreSQL server with the command:

$ doas su - _postgresql
$ psql

Now create a new database with the command:

> CREATE DATABASE sismics;
> CREATE USER sismics WITH PASSWORD 'sismics';
> GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON DATABASE sismics to sismics;
> \q
$ exit

Step 4: Download and Configure Sismics Reader

Next, we need to download and configure Sismics Reader. Run the command below to download it:

$ cd /var/www/
$ sudo wget https://www.sismics.com/reader/download -O sismics.tar.gz

Now extract the contents of the file with the command:

$ sudo tar -xvf sismics.tar.gz

Now, we need to edit the configuration file of Sismics Reader. Run the command:

$ sudo vi /var/www/sismics/config.properties

Edit the following lines with the information concerning the PostgreSQL user and database you just created.

db.url=jdbc:postgresql://localhost/sismics
db.username=sismics
db.password=sismics

Step 5: Deploy Sismics Reader to Tomcat

Now that Sismics Reader is configured, we need to deploy it to Tomcat. Run the command below to create a symbolic link to the Tomcat directory:

$ sudo ln -s /var/www/sismics /var/tomcat/webapps/sismics

Restart the Tomcat server with the command:

$ doas rcctl restart tomcat

Step 6: Access Sismics Reader

Now, you can access Sismics Reader in your web browser; navigate to the IP address or hostname of your OpenBSD machine followed by the port number of the Tomcat server. By default, Tomcat listens to port 8080, so the URL should look like this: http://<your_ip_address>:8080/sismics.

Conclusion

That's it! You have now successfully installed and configured Sismics Reader on OpenBSD. You can start adding your favorite RSS feeds and articles to the reader for a clutter-free reading experience.

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