CVS for dummies ??

[Vincent Trouilliez]

Hi, CVS users.


I recently started programming embedded systems (8 bit MCUs, Atmel AVR),
and I have been strongly advised by the gurus/pros in this field, to use
a CVS system when developing the software.
Yesterday I managed to screw up part of my program, so I can already see
the interest of CVS, if just as a back-up method ;-)

>From what I can gather so far, CVS is extremely complex/featurful, so I
am bit scared an feel I need a hand !
I need to know only the very basic principles of CVS, so that I can be
productive hopefully monday morning, although today wold be good if
that's possible !
Due to the nature of the target (8 bit core, only a few KB of program
memory), the programs are only ever going to contain a dozen files or
so, all in one single directory.

I need practical advise on how to set up a project and the basic
commands one is likely to need.

All I have gathered so far is :

- setting up a project is a pig

- but then it's easy to use at the command line : "commit/update <file>"
" to upload a file, or retrieve the latest copy.

- "Tags" can be used to mark a milestone.

- "Branches" should be used whenever there is a major change in the
program structure, or if there is a significant change in the target
hardware.


Can anyone point me to some on-line "CVS for dummies, practical example"
resource ??

What package do I need to install, is "cvs" enough ? Does it provide a
server so I can host the CVS on my local computer or local network, not
necessarily on the web). I hear there are front-ends for CVS, do they
really make it easy for noobs to set up a project and use it... any
recommendation ?


Basically, HEEEELP !


Thanks much in advance...


Regards,

--
Vince