1. Introduction

CVS (Concurrent Versions System) is a command-line program which
supports basic software configuration management of files and
groups of files. The purpose of CVS is to provide file archival
and support developer coordination over a range of typical
software development projects. 

CVS is a freely available configuration management program based
on a client/server model supporting both Unix and Windows
environments over local and wide area networks. It is more
powerful and capable than simple tools such as RCS or SCCS.
However, it is not as rich in features as some commercial
software configuration management products. One of the first
difficulties in using CVS is becoming familiar with the command
line syntax.

LinCVS enhances the  ease-of-use' of CVS by providing a simple,
intuitive graphic interface to CVS. With the GUI and mouse, you
can quickly and easily review the CVS status of files or groups
of files or of entire directory trees. You can also quickly
initiate common CVS commands without the need for typing long
command lines with many option flags.

For example with one click of a mouse button, the LinCVS display
will show you the CSV file status, log history, version
differences, and more.  Because LinCVS organizes and displays
configuration management data, it is instantly available when you
need it. This allows you to focus more on your code development
activity.

LinCVS runs in a variety of Unix Environments including (Linux,...).

LinCVS is released under the GPL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html). 
It is available for download at
http://www.iapp.de/~trogisch/linux/lincvsen.html


2. CVS Overview

Within the CVS configuration model, files are organized into
modules' which correspond to typical software directory
structures. CVS is a client/server style application. The archive
copy of files is stored on a server and can be accessed by a CVS
client on that same system or from clients on other systems
(either Unix or Windows) via local or wide area networks.

Key capabilities of CVS include: 
1) It provides an archive of software development (e.g. incremental 
changes, tracking release configurations of software, etc.); 
2) It provides mechanisms for multiple developers to coordinate their 
work on the same software modules and files; 
3) Supports a  branched task' development paradigm (e.g. for concurrent
development work on multiple tasks by multiple developers).

For CVS updates and additional information, refer to Cyclic
Software at http://www.cyclic.com/ or Pascal Molli's CVS site at
http://www.loria.fr/~molli/cvs-index.html


3. LinCVS Overview

In contrast with many other programs, LinCVS is _REALLY_ very
easy to use. Literally, you can start using it to view CVS file
status and module information within 30 seconds of starting the
program. 

Upon opening a directory, LinCVS automatically finds all CVS
projects contained within that directory and any subdirectories. 

Using the LinCVS  Project-Explorer' command you can easily
navigate the CVS file and directory structure. LinCVS displays
this information to you in a familiar file/directory tree format.

All LinCVS features are readily available through pop-up/pull-
down menus or by right clicking the mouse on the file name of
interest.

With the mouse, you can select single files, groups of files,
directories or entire directory trees. Then quickly and easily
apply a CVS command to your custom selection.


4. LinCVS Commands

The following CVS capabilities are available from the LinCVS main
menu. Note that you should be generally familiar with CVS for the
following to make sense to you. If you are new to CVS, refer to
the references in the  CVS Overview' section.

4.1 Administration/Checkout

Initial download of a CVS-project from the CVS-server to the
local directory.

4.2 Administration/Import

Add a new project to the repository on the CVS-server.

4.3 Project-Explorer/Add to workbench

Displays all directories and subdirectories containing
CVS-projects.

