Amahi Netboot for noobs

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NOTE: This is for Fedora 14 ONLY and needs updated to reflect Amahi 7 specifics.

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?

  1. Boot 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 flash drives!

Assumptions:

  1. Working Amahi HDA
  2. "test" system running windows or another desktop OS.
  3. Both are networked using wired ethernet cables, at least while network booting.


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

yum -y 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 (to include extension pack).

Step 3: Create a "test" Virtual Machine

  • Click New Button - Next->
1createnew.png


  • Name=test-> OS=Linux-> Version=Linux 2.6->
2vmname&os.png


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

NOTE: Fedora 14/Amahi require 384MiB for graphical install. Otherwise cannot customize the partition layout in text mode install

Vmmemory.png


  • Create new disk= default 8Gb is fine->Next
Vmvdi.png


  • VDI checked = default is fine ->Next
6vmvdi.png


  • Dynamically allocated=default is fine->Next
7dynalloc.png


  • Virtual Disk file location and size = default is fine->Next
Vdalloc.png


  • Summary->Create

Step 4: Settings for "test" vm

  • ->Settings->System->Motherboard->Bootorder->
  • Check Network box and click up arrow to bring it to top
Vb-bootorder.png


  • Also ->Settings->Network->Adapter1->Change "NAT" to "Bridged adapter"
Vb-networksettings.png


Step 5: Start your "test" vm

Starttest.png


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


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


Also see Netboot