Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:57:38 -0800 From: Devin Teske <dteske@vicor.com> To: Chuck Swiger <cswiger@mac.com> Cc: FreeBSD - <freebsd-questions@freebsd.org> Subject: Re: Date of a FreeBSD installation Message-ID: <1294955858.10908.21.camel@localhost.localdomain> In-Reply-To: <2062F50F-5D14-496C-A97A-FC4CDB3FDD3F@mac.com> References: <4D2F606D.6090407@gmail.com> <BF2F84C5-AB13-4FE1-AB43-AD965E21980E@mac.com> <20110113204525.GB3646@libertas.local.camdensoftware.com> <579FC70C-5B5B-43B4-9E71-D765887FAF6F@mac.com> <20110113210319.GD3646@libertas.local.camdensoftware.com> <1294955182.10908.14.camel@localhost.localdomain> <2062F50F-5D14-496C-A97A-FC4CDB3FDD3F@mac.com>
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On Thu, 2011-01-13 at 13:50 -0800, Chuck Swiger wrote: > On Jan 13, 2011, at 1:46 PM, Devin Teske wrote: > > This is nearly always accurate on any FreeBSD system (when wanting to > > query the date the machine was built): > > > > ls -l /etc/defaults/rc.conf > > I gather that you don't ever run mergemaster, which would update this file? > My machine installed in 2001 has a Dec 2010 date for that file: I view the running of mergemaster as part of a system upgrade which at that point... I'm saying that the system is undergoing a "rebuild" in which case, `ls -ltr /etc/defaults/rc.conf' is accurate (but, yes... I agree with you that this is dependent upon the definition of "accurate" -- entirely subjective to the definition of "when did I build this machine?"; not everybody considers "built" to be "inception"). That being said... because mergemaster _can_ touch every file on the system, you really can't get an "accurate" answer from _any_ file's timestamp. You're going to have to resort to things that aren't touched during a system upgrade if you want to find out the `true' answer as to when the box was first ... what? partitioned? newfs'd? clue me in here. What _is_ the definition of "built" ??? When the hardware pieces were coalesced into a single chassis? If that's the case, I'd be looking at model numbers of internal parts. > > -r--r--r-- 1 root wheel 36037 Dec 1 14:13 /etc/defaults/rc.conf > > Regards, -- Cheers, Devin Teske -> CONTACT INFORMATION <- Business Solutions Consultant II FIS - fisglobal.com 510-735-5650 Mobile 510-621-2038 Office 510-621-2020 Office Fax 909-477-4578 Home/Fax devin.teske@fisglobal.com -> LEGAL DISCLAIMER <- This message contains confidential and proprietary information of the sender, and is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed. Any use, distribution, copying or disclosure by any other person is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the e-mail sender immediately, and delete the original message without making a copy. -> END TRANSMISSION <-
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