Configuring and Maintaining RealServer

This chapter introduces the server configuration file (server.cfg), which contains all the configuration settings for RealServer. When you want to change an aspect of server operation, you must edit the configuration file. A default server configuration file is created in the Real\Server directory on Windows NT, and in the pnserver directory on UNIX during installation.

The configuration file stores pairs of configuration options and their settings. This is a plain-text file, but settings are case-sensitive such as:

LocalHost        Matisse 
LiveFilePassword fauvist 
EncoderTimeout   30

After making changes to the server configuration file, restart the server so that the changes can take effect.

Editing the Configuration File

There are three tools you can use to edit the configuration file:

  • Java Performance Monitor
  • System Manager
  • Any text editor
  • With the RealServer Administration page, you can access the Java Performance Monitor automatically.

    You can edit the configuration file using the Java Performance Monitor or the System Manager only when the server is running. With a text editor, you can edit the configuration file whether the server is running or not.

    Refer to the appropriate section below for editing procedures for each editing tool.


    Editing the Configuration File with the Java Performance Monitor

    The Java-based Performance Monitor is a graphical tool for configuring and monitoring a RealServer while the RealServer is running. For a discussion of how to start the Java Performance Monitor and connect it to the server, see Using RealServer.

    To use the Java Performance Monitor to change RealServer configuration settings:

    1. Start the Java Performance Monitor and log on to the server.
    2. Click Configuration.
    3. In the Config Variable Groups list, double-click the category you want to change. The Config Variables shows all configuration options, even those that do not have a value assigned.
    4. Double-click the setting you want to change. The value appears on the far right.
    5. Edit the setting you want to change and click OK.
      Repeat the previous two steps until you are satisfied with your RealServer configuration.
    6. When you have finished editing Configuration settings, click Monitor to close the Configuration window and return to the Java Performance Monitor.

    Restart the RealServer to cause the new configuration settings to take effect.


    Editing the Configuration File with the System Manager

    System Manager is a graphical tool under Windows and a command-line tool under UNIX (rssm).

    For a discussion of starting the System Manager, see Using RealServer.

    For instructions on using rssm, see Server Commands.

    To use the System Manager to change RealServer configuration settings under Windows:

    1. Start System Manager.
    2. On the Server menu, click Configuration.
    3. Edit the setting or settings you want to change.
    4. When you have finished editing Configuration settings, click OK.

    Restart the server for the new configuration settings to take effect.


    Editing the Configuration File with a Text Editor

    You can edit the configuration file with any text editor. When RealServer is not running, editing the configuration file with a text editor is the only way to change settings.

    Windows

    1. Using a text editor such as Notepad, open the server.cfg file located in the Real\Server directory.
    2. Edit the entry or entries you want to change.
    3. Save the file.
    4. If RealServer was running when you made changes, restart the server for the changes to take effect.
      The configuration file must be saved in a text only format and no line feeds should be included in the file.

    UNIX

    1. Using a text editor such as vi, open the server.cfg file located in the pnserver directory.
    2. Edit the entry or entries you want to change.
    3. Save the file as text.
    4. To force the new configuration settings to reload, restart the RealServer, or use the following command:
      kill -HUP 'cat pnserver.pid'

    © 1997 RealNetworks, Inc.