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What is CVS and how to use it.

CVS usage is not essential for contributing to FHSST. It makes coordination easier for us but we will gladly accept help in any form.

Concurrent Versions System (CVS) is basically a tool for collaborating. In practical terms a server exists which every member can connect to. This server stores copies of all our documents. As a user you connect to the server and retrieve the current documents onto your personal computer. Then you edit them and send your changes back to the server. Other members of the project who connect to the server will then be able to retrieve your changes onto their own personal machines.
The things that make CVS particularly useful are:
The jargon that you need to be familiar with is quite simple. The server storage is the repository. When you retrieve a copy of the repository it is called a checkout. When you send your changes back to the repository it is called a commit. If you have a copy of the repository and you want to get other peoples edits included in your own copy you update your copy of the repository.
The procedure we recommend you follow is:

Using CVS on Windows

Using CVS on Linux

There is a great guide to CVS under Linux available, which I recommend you bookmark. Its got everything from how to do the basic tasks through to how configure your own server.