Hello,

I'm a new user to OpenBSD, but I do have experience managing Linux systems.

So I'm no stranger to the command line.

Lately, I installed a server with OpenBSD 6.8.

If you're wondering why I didn't install the latest 7.4 version it is because my vps provider has some issues with that version.

So I'm basically stuck using 6.8.

To my surprise, I had great issues installing a package as simple as a text editor:

Opening https://cdn.openbsd.org/pub/OpenBSD/ in a browser shows that only versions 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 have packages - the server doesn't have any packages for older versions.

I did some research and found out that (apparently) OpenBSD only provides packages for the most recent versions.

It was suggested to do a which didn't work:

Using the -s flag also didn't work:

After doing some more research, it seems that OpenBSD only provides a "small" amount of window to upgrade/update to the next release version.

It was suggested to do a clean install with a new version (which I can't do).

I'm not looking for a fix anymore since I found a server that hosts packages for 6.8:

https://ftp.eu.openbsd.org/pub/OpenBSD/

However, I'm curious to know if that really how it is in the OpenBSD world.

As you said, there is no real upgrade path for 6.8 at this point.

Plus, the partition sizes of /root and /usr probably (most likely) changed. So if there was a path it could very well have failed due to disk space. So I think your only option is a full install after backing up /home and maybe /etc

When I do a full install, I usually increase the size of /root and /usr from the default (if your disk allows that).

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Yes this is how it is.

But you found an archive that hosts the older releases, so all's well that ends well?

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First of all, thank you both for the quick reply!

Yes, I was just thrown off by that.

I understand that it's usually better to not support older versions of a particular software, I was just surprised that 6.8 (in regards to 7.4) is already "too old" by OpenBSD's standards

I'd love to use 7.4 but I've gotten - what I believe to be - kernel panics when trying to install it on my vps.

I may try installing 7.2 or contact my vps provider about that fact.

Anyway! That's all I wanted to know - thanks again for the quick replies

Only the most recent release and its immediate prior release are supported by the OpenBSD Project. Right now, that's both 7.4 and 7.3. Patches for critical issues will still be provided for 7.3 until 7.5 is released; at that time 7.3 will be considered end-of-life.

And for third party software, -stable port/package updates that address CVEs and other critical problems are only provided for the most recent release. That means that at this time, they are only provided for 7.4.

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I'm not judging and I am no security expert(some are in this thread), but, is it a good idea to have a server running a three year old version of OpenBSD? As others have mentioned 6.8 is no longer supported so that means if there are security issues with 6.8 you may be vulnerable. Perhaps find a different VPS or choose another more up to date server operating system(FreeBSD or Linux)? A suggestion. Best wishes.

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You are raising a good point!

Obviously I'm not a security expert either but I do value security.

In fact, security is the reason why I chose OpenBSD over Linux.

The server I'm running only has one purpose and that is to forward traffic to my local network via SSH reverse port forwarding.

I'm not sure, but I think Debian for example uses an "old" version of OpenSSH (again, not entirely sure, could also be OpenSSL or something) compared to Ubuntu.

However, as said I would've loved to install 7.4.

Your post is motivating me to contact my vps provider .

1 members found this post helpful.

I can appreciate your dilemma. If you don't want a Linux server perhaps another type of BSD? I have used FreeBSD on and off for years; it's an outstanding server. The Netflix server runs FreeBSD.

https://download.freebsd.org/release...O-IMAGES/14.0/

Best wishes as you reach out to your VPS and continue your journey.

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It looks like that this is related to running/installing OpenBSD on KVM.

I have attached the error message "Fatal protection fault in supervisor mode" (if anyone is curious to see what it says) I'm getting while trying to install version 7.4.

Googling the error message (which I have not done before *rolleyes*) reveals that I'm not the only customer having this issue.

Here's the thread on the vps provider's customer forum (it is written in german though).

Reading the thread suggests that the vps provider has to do some internal changes in order to support OpenBSD 7.4.

I might consider trying FreeBSD or some other variant of BSD (I'm definitely not knowledgeable on the different flavors of BSDs out there) because I really wasn't aware of how old OpenBSD version 6.8 has gotten.

In any case, I've contacted their customer support ... let's see what they have to say.

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Although OpenBSD is officially unsupported on Netcup (I'm there too), it works quite well if you set your network and hard disk settings correctly.
Anyway, problems installing OpenBSD on "supported hardware" should also be reported to the OpenBSD IRC channel or its mailing lists - chances are that they'll have a solution before your provider does.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

The response from netcup customer support was that I should provide additional information to them with the same e-mail that is saved in my account. (because of ""data privacy reasons"")

I'm using a catch-all e-mail and didn't respond after that because it would require me to buy an additional mailbox just to get customer support from netcup .

What I can say is that this issue is still present with OpenBSD 7.5 on netcup. (see attachments for screenshot)

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The hypervisor may be emulating an IDE (PATA) ATAPI drive for mounting the installation media. Can you configure it to emulate a SATA drive instead?

If I understand the scope of the problem:

• You cannot upgrade to or install a modern and supported release of OpenBSD.
• You are unable to take the steps necessary to obtain support from your service provider.
• Even if you took those steps, it is unknown if the service provider would have a solution to this problem.
• Your OS is outdated, and therefore unsupported by anyone but you, and it is difficult for you to administer.

If I understand this correctly, I perceive you have three choices:

1. Make no changes, and continue operating your legacy system, with all of the inherent difficulties and risks.
2. Migrate the application to a different OS, one which is supported by its developers and by your service provider.
3. Move the platform to a different service provider.

1 members found this post helpful.

jggimi is an OpenBSD expert. He's helped me many times with setting up, configuring, and using OpenBSD. He has accurately stated what you can do with regard to your VPS situation.