Re: gentoo-mini-linux (2.6.X + uClibc + busybox + udev + hotplug/coldplug + *fsutils + smb/nfs+ ...) for system-setup

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Andrew Gaffney wrote:
> Buttchereit, Axel (XLsigned) wrote:

>> My idea/ambition is to substitute MS-DOS-based (initial)
>> os-setup-procedures
>> (for x86 systems) by some kind of "gentoo-mini-linux" that ist based on a
>> current (2.6.9++) linux kernel and a root-filesystem consisting of
>> uClibc,
>> busybox, udev, hotplug/coldplug, *fsutils, smb/nfs, ...
>>
>> Installation/Setup should be initiated by PXE (PXEGRUB/PXELINUX) that
>> loads
>> the kernel and root-filesystem into a ramdisk.
>> After partitioning of disks either a win32-setup could be started or
>> a gentoo-installation (GLI?).
> 
> 
> What exactly are you trying to accomplish with all of this?
> 

It's all about "introducing" linux into enterprise environments.
Many companies (in Germany) are already using linux to provide
network services (on servers), but only a few (~nobody) are considering
linux as an alternative for the desktop.

Initiating OS-setup from PXE is a typical task for all desktop management
groups that I know, and their current MS-DOS/Win98 network startdisks
will not be able to support all kind of client hardware in the future,
because of missing drivers...

I think there is a (small) chance to introduce linux at this point
(to prevent them from using Windows PXE) and to increase popularity
of linux based solutions.
(A client might regard the first OS it gets in contact with as its mother. :-))

My focus on "gentoo" to build such a system is just because I like it. :-)

Of course: If the only target OS is "gentoo-linux", there is no need for a
separate "mini-linux". Just nfs-boot the LiveCD.

- -Axel
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