cmake
www.cmake.org believe it or not... this make file generator is great for automating the configuration of linux. It has the ability to script, generate files from templates, a full suite of file manipulation commands, and to top it off integration with the tools ctest and cdash. Setup tests that confirm your desired configuration and then have those tests posted on a web based dashboard.
cmake- it ain't just for making make files .
[I acknowledge that there are better configuration management systems out there. BUT for those forced to homebrew their own for whatever reasons (such as no external internet connection because of security) this tool rocks. Not to mention you can find thousands of people who already know cmake.]
Biting the hand that feeds IT
