Synopsis: How to upgrade to the latest version of CensorNet

We have released a new version of CensorNet with a version number 1.6.x. If you are already on v1.5.x please do not perform this migration, but instead use the "setup" program choose Option 2 - Perform System Upgrade. IMPORTANT, Please note: You still need to perform some housekeeping before backing up the database. Please read the paragraph on tidying up the database below. This will save you hours.

This release includes many new features and bug fixes and also runs under a different Linux distribution, which is why you need to set aside some time for this upgrade.

Important: If you are still running a version prior to 1.1.x you must follow the instructions in the previous Migration Guide to bring yourself up to the latest Etch version boefore proceeding.

We recommend that you bring yourself up to the latest version of the release you are currently using. You can do this by logging into the command line and running these commands :

apt-get update

apt-get dist-upgrade

This will ensure that your database is as up to date as possible before you take a backup.

Tidying up the database: In preparation for the backup we recommend that you run Reports->Manage Archives and delete any old archives you no longer require. This will ensure that when you take a database backup it will be as small as possible. If you would like to completely clear out all logging information, simply create a fresh archive by clicking the Archive Current Data button and then select all visible archives and click Delete Selected.

Now that you have deleted the archives go to System->Maintenance->Database Backup/Restore and click the New Backup button. Once the backup has been made, select it and click Download Selected. The downloaded database contains details of all of your users and workstations, your policies and filters and your Custom URL and Filter Bypass entries. In particular, it does not contain any configuration settings, and you will need to make notes of these.

Go through all settings under System->Configuration and make notes of the entries in each screen. In addition you will need to go to Filters->URL Database Updates and make a note of those settings. If you are unsure of your password, which isn't visible here, log into the command line as root and type

cat /etc/cnv4/csrv_update_pass

Your password will be displayed in clear text.

Finally, make a note of your network settings. The easiest way to do this, now that you are at the command line, is to type

setup

Go through the screens under Network Configuration and note down your IP address, netmask, DNS Servers and Gateway settings.

You are now ready to go and download the latest ISO or Virtual Appliance, you can find links to mirrors on our various worldwide servers in section 2. Then follow the installation instructions in the guide available from section 3.

Because the ISO is sometimes behind the very latest version of the software, before you exit the setup program we recommend that you use menu option 2 to bring your system fully up to date.

Once you have installed the new version you will require a new license. Please use this form to request a new license. Don't worry, we will recognise you as an existing customer and will issue a new style license with the same expiry date as your current one.

Now that your CensorNet is installed and licensed, you will need to configure it using the settings you made a note of earlier.

You can now restore your database.

Go to System->Mainenance->Database Backup/Restore and add the backup you took earlier.

To do this, click the Add button in the lower half of the screen and select the archive you took earlier. Now highlight that entry and Upload it to your CensorNet.

In the top half of the screen, now select the uploaded archive and click Restore Selected. The CensorNet will automatically reboot.

When it comes back, ensure that you can surf the Internet. If you normally use NTLM authentication we recommend that you log out of your network altogether, log back in and then try and surf. If things do not seem to be working properly, do ensure that your CensorNet and your Active Directory are within +/- 5 minutes of each other and correct the time on one device if necessary.

Users of VMWare products should read this article which will explain why your clock is not keeping in sync.

Finally, go to Filters->URL Database Updates. Re-enter the details of your mirror and your Username and Password. You can start a download immediately if you wish by clicking on the Update Now button.

Once this process is completed you should find your CensorNet functions perfectly.