Transition to OpenBSD 5.5

OpenBSD has been the source of a number of BSD innovations over the years, including but not limited to PF (the OpenBSD packet filter, now including a new traffic shaping engine), significantly improved IPSEC tools, OpenSSH (the free Secure Shell server and client), security enhancements including preemtive exploit mitigation, and various other advances of the art and engineering in various parts of the system.

At the time of writing (mid-January 2014) the big news items for OpenBSD 5.5 seem to be the new traffic shaping system and the automated installer, but it's not set in stone yet and every release has enhancements that may not be immediately obvious until you start using the system.

This session intends to help you tackle the transition to the newest OpenBSD release, highlighting enhancements in the new release and how to avoid any pitfalls that may turn up during the process.

The intended audience or attendee profile is anybody who is considering making the jump to OpenBSD 5.5. You may be considering moving your systems wholly or partly to the new release from an earlier OpenBSD release or to move specific parts of your operation from a different Unix-like operating system to OpenBSD.

To help make the session more targeted to your specific interests and needs, I would appreciate if, when you sign up for the session or soon after, send me an email to transition@bsdly.net with a brief description of what you would like to learn in this session, and to the extent you are allowed and feel it is appropriate, what your near or longer term future OpenBSD project is.