Node:Storage And Editing, Next:Shared Syntax, Up:Ficheros de Administracion del Repositorio
Generally, the administrative files are kept under revision control just
like any other file in the repository (the exceptions are noted).
However, unlike other files, checked-out copies of the administrative
files are stored in the repository, right next to their corresponding
RCS files in the CVSROOT subdirectory. It is these checked-out
copies which actually govern CVS's behavior.
The normal way to modify the administrative files is to check out a working copy of the CVSROOT module, make your changes, and commit. CVS updates the checked-out copies in the repository automatically. (See checkoutlist.) In an emergency, however, it is also possible to edit the checked-out copies in the repository directly.