Amahi Netboot for noobs

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Revision as of 22:19, 25 December 2011 by Damon Quentin (talk | contribs)
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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
  1. run live cds
  2. install just about any OS(Linux, BSD, even Win XP/Vista/7)
  3. 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?
  1. 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.
  2. good pxe or network booting information around the web is scattered.


Assumptions:

  1. You have a working amahi installation and can access the amahi Dashboard
  2. You have a working "test" system running windows or another desktop os
  3. Both are networked using wired ethernet cables, at least while network booting
  4. You 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. https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Step 3: Create a "test" Virtualmachine

Click New Button - Next->

Name=test-> OS=Linux-> Version=Linux 2.6->

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

Summary->Create

Step 4: Settings for "test" vm

->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: Start your "test" vm

You should see it startup and boot to the amahi-netboot menu.

Step 6: Works

Go to Tutorial #2

If not,

*Double-check virtual machine settings
*Reboot your server and start test virtual machine again
*Go to forums and ask for help. My original post is here:

http://forums.amahi.org/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=3596