what it is

The Concurrent Versions System (CVS) tracks and organizes revisions to a set of files, and allows multiple people to work on the same files without stepping on each other's toes.

The term "pserver" is short for "password-authenticating server". It means you can create usernames and passwords for each member of your team.

Here's how it works:

• You import your existing files into CVS.
• Each user then checks out a working copy.
• You edit the working copy with your favorite software.
• When you're done, you tell CVS to check your changes into the repository.
• Other users can then run the "update" command, and CVS automatically merges your changes into their files.
• All along, CVS records your changes so you can always bring back old changes, or revert to an older version of your project.

Unlike some version control tools, CVS does not require locking, which means several people can work on the same file at the same time. CVS merges the changes automatically, or alerts you of any conflict.

People use CVS for:

• software development
• web site management
• collaborative writing

In fact, any time you need to maintain and track revisions to your files, CVS can help.