Amahi Netboot for noobs

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Netboot for Noobs Tutorial 1

What is Netboot? Amahi-netboot is the package that allows you to use your amahi machine as a PXE/Network Boot/tftp server with minimal configuration.

What can it do? Alot really, you can

- run live cds
- install just about any OS(Linux, BSD, even Win XP/Vista/7)
- Run Utility programs and cds (hiren's, ultimate boot cd)

All without burning cds/dvds or using usb drives!

Sounds great, what's the catch?

- right now the package is pretty dated, so it requires a "little" configuration if you want to run more than memdisk. Hopefully it can be updated soon.
- good pxe or network booting information around the web is scattered.


Assumptions:

- have a working amahi installation and can access the amahi Dashboard
- have a working "test" system running windows or another desktop os
- both are networked using wired ethernet cables, at least while network booting 
- have the urge to skip anything that has a box with commandline functions but are willing give it a try. 
  • Note: I've only been using amahi for a few weeks, so I'm not an expert by any means on linux, netbooting, or amahi and I don't work in the field. If I can get this running I think anybody can.

Step 1 Install amahi-netboot From the console or putty login to your hda as root and enter

bash code
​ yum install amahi-netboot​
*

Step 2 Setup your "test" computer

It's useful to use a virtual machine on your "test" computer so you don't have to reboot every time.

On the "test" machine Install latest Virtualbox & extensionpack and 7zip if you don't have them. I find notepad++ and putty handy also.

Step 3 Create a a new test Virtualmachine

Click New Button-Next->Name=test->OS=Linux->Version=Other Linux->

Base memory size=depends on your system default=256 change to 512 or higher

Create new disk= default 8Gb is fine->Next VDI checked = default is fine ->Next Dynamically allocated=default is fine->Next Virtual Disk file location and size = default is fine->Next Create-> Summary->Create

Step 4 Change Settings for your new "test" virutal machine enable network booting

->Settings->System->Motherboard->Bootorder->

Check Network box and click up arrow to bring it to top

Also ->Settings->Network->Adapter1->Change "NAT" to "Bridged adapter"


Step 5 Boot your "test" test virtual machine You should see it startup and boot to the amahi-netboot menu. Go to Tutorial #2 If not, 1. Double-check virtual machine settings 2. Reboot your server and start test virtual machine again 3. Go to forums and ask for help. My original post is here: http://forums.amahi.org/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=3596 I will be glad to help.