Boot and run Linux from CD

["Mukund" <betacomp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,

Finally my Boot and Run CD for Linux is ready. This CD has been developed to
run some process related software for data logging operation in Plastic
Industry. How ever it could of interest to other Linuxer also.

What It Does?
The CD boots up with a image file using loop device and initrd. The image
file contains minimum linux installation (about 65 Mb) with kernel 2.4,
apache, perl, python, and other utilities. In CD only boot up, the
linuxcd.img file is loaded and hard disk is not used at all.  This works
with limited capability and /var /root and /tmp is mounted on ramdisk.
However apache, lynx , w3m  works perfectly well from this mode.

The another image file linuxhd.img can also be used to boot up and it has
full functionality of linux. This image file has to be copied to hard disk.
The total boot process is fully automatic. While booting hard disk is
searched for linuxhd.img, and if found then it used for booting and if this
image is not found linuxcd.img is used from CD to boot up.

How it does?
The CD is made bootable with syslinux and loads a initial ramdisk with
initrd. The initrd looks for the images and load appropriately on loop
device. Finally the linux is booted from the loop device as root device.

What it can do?
By just changing the content of image file the linux can be configured to
work as full server. In the event of system failure simply image file is
reloaded to get back the full functionality of the system. The hard disk
space (if required for data storage) for /var only and it can be used from
other server / machine with NFS or SMB or even FTP. The system is free (not
completely) from hackers / worm attack if CD image file is used.



I may be able to spare a few CD free of cost for actual users. Please mail
me privately.

Regards,
Mukund Deshmukh
Beta Computronics Pvt. Ltd.
Web Site - www.betacomp.com