LCFG
What it is
LCFG is a free, GPL-licensed system for installing and managing configurations across large groups of Unix machines, especially at sites where setups vary and change often. Administrators keep configuration source files on a central server; LCFG compiles them into XML profiles that client machines download when profiles change. Client components respond to resource changes by producing configuration files and reconfiguring related daemons. A package component aligns installed packages with each machine’s profile. New machines can be installed over a network file system using a boot floppy or PXE after their source files are prepared. LCFG is self-hosted and agent-based, with patch management. Listed supported platforms include Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04. The FAQ also names Fedora Core 3, 5, and 6 and Scientific Linux 5, while noting weaker, unpackaged Solaris support. The Mac OS X port is experimental, and the demonstration Windows client has no real components. Documentation includes system configuration, dynamic networking, and tools for developing components and software; the project also has an archived mailing list and open regular meetings.
For and against
For
- Software is freely available under the GPL.
- Central server compiles settings into XML profiles.
- Package component aligns software with each machine’s profile.
- Supports patch management.
Against
- Mac OS X port is experimental and not production quality.
- Solaris support is weaker and not packaged for distribution.
- Demonstration Windows client has no real components.
The verdict
LCFG provides a central profile workflow for managing configurations and packages across groups of Unix machines. Its platform limitations matter, particularly for teams considering Solaris, Mac OS X, or Windows.
Who it suits
LCFG suits sites managing many Unix systems with varied, frequently changing configurations. It is aimed at teams prepared to run a self-hosted, agent-based system.
Plans and prices
LCFG
All software freely available under the GPL
Read 8 Oct 2026 · lcfg.org
On the record
- Architecture history
- LCFG was originally designed by Paul Anderson at the University of Edinburgh around 1993, and its current generation uses HTTP for resource transport.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Automated installation
- New machines can be installed by booting from a network file system using a boot floppy or PXE, after their source files are created.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Build tools
- The documentation describes a suite of tools to aid development of LCFG components and software.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Community and support
- The project offers an archived mailing list and holds regular meetings open to people using or considering LCFG.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Configuration model
- Site configuration is stored in source files on a central server, compiled into XML profiles, and downloaded by client machines when profiles change.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The project documentation includes a practical system configuration book, a guide, build tool documentation, and material on dynamic network configuration.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dynamic networking
- The documentation describes facilities for configuring nodes dynamically for use on different networks, including laptops on remote networks.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The LCFG software is freely available under the GPL.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Linux platforms
- The FAQ lists Fedora Core 3, 5, and 6 and Scientific Linux 5 as supported; it says ports to distributions such as Debian were not incorporated.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Modular components
- Client component scripts respond to resource changes by generating configuration files and reconfiguring associated daemons.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Package management
- An LCFG component synchronizes installed packages with the package list specified in each machine's profile.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform limitations
- The FAQ says the Mac OS X port is experimental and not production quality, while the demonstration Windows client has no real components.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform limits
- The FAQ says the Solaris port was in production but not packaged for distribution and less well supported; the Mac OS X port was experimental and not production quality.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- LCFG automatically installs and manages configurations for large numbers of Unix systems, particularly at sites with diverse and rapidly changing configurations.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Recent platform work
- A September 2026 project update says work on the Ubuntu Resolute platform was continuing and notes configuration churn.blogs.ed.ac.uk · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security updates
- A September 2026 project update says a new LCFG header was made available to mitigate the CVE-2026-68121 kernel security issue.blogs.ed.ac.uk · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- LCFG provides an archived mailing list for discussion and announcements, and its package documentation directs bug reports and feedback to [email protected].lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The FAQ lists Fedora Core 3, 5, and 6 and Scientific Linux 5 as supported releases, while warning that Solaris is less supported and un-packaged for distribution.lcfg.org · read 8 Oct 2026
