Re: [debian-knoppix] Knoppix Customization and Persistency FAQ
Am Samstag, 14. Dezember 2002 18:42 schrieb Nils Magnus:
> Hi List,
>
> since there are a lot of questions regarding how to make special
> customizations of Knoppix or how to make certain parts persistent, I set
> up a FAQ for this issue.
Good idea ...
>
> Please check the V0.1 version and send me comments, corrections and
> fixed typos. Some parts in [] require further details. Please fill them
> in. This version is primarily for discussion on the list. I'd like to
> publish a version V1.0 before Chrismas, so don't hestitate to annotate ;)
;-) I will do ... See below ...
>
> Regards,
>
> Nils Magnus
> Program-Chair LinuxTag 2003 Free Conference Program
>
> LinuxTag 2003: Where .com meets .org - magnus@linuxtag.org
> The Knoppix Customization and Persistency FAQ
> =============================================
>
> Version V0.1 (not-for-public-release) as of 2000-12-14.
>
> Transiently maintainded by Nils Magnus (magnus@linuxtag.org).
huh ?
maintainded ;-) lol
>
> Q01: I like the way Knoppix works. Can I install it on my harddrive?
>
> A01: Yes, you can. There is the tool knx-hdinstall on the ISO image that
> deals with this question. More mature users see also Q5 for
> installations "by hand".
>
> Q02: What are the prerequisites to install Knoppix on a harddrive?
>
> A02: First of all, Knoppix was never designed to be installed on a
> harddrive. Nevertheless, you can do that if you have some basic
> understanding how generic Linux installations work. It may be (on the
> contrary to the plain Knoppix itself) suitable for first time Linux
> Users. Your milage may vary.
I think you mean: "not suitable" instead of suitable ...
>
> Q03: Can I install Knoppix on other filesystem types than ext2?
>
> A03: That issue is currently worked on. However, you can install Knoppix
> on your harddrive with knx-hdinstall first, switch to the root user,
> create a new partion, format it with any filesystem you want and copy
> the temporary installation to the new partition. After these steps don't
> forget to adjust you boot loader and you /etc/fstab entries.
entry is obsoleted and certainly will not work, as you describe it ... (way is
bad, will confuse more, than help)
Just say "yes, since version 2002-12-12; knx-hdinstall 0.351" ...
>
> Q04: Can I install knoppix on more than one single partion?
>
> A04: Not with the plain knx-hdinstall tool. There are too many details to
> be considered that would turn the script itself unmanageable. But you
> can install Knoppix on a single partion with knx-hdinstall and create
> more partions after installation. Just follow the steps of Q3.
ok, but more detailed, imho ...
>
> Q05: Can I create a permanent installtion of Knoppix on my harddrive "by
> hand"?
>
> A05: Yes, there are several ways to accomplish this. [Klaus: Copy the
> content of the KNOPPIX subdir whereto and ...?! + create boot disk]
> [short instructions to perform knx-hdinstall by hand]
See original FAQ ? (Explained there)
>
> Q06: I just want to make minor changes to the image, like the default
> language to boot or the permanent setting of a boot option. Is there an
> easy way?
>
> A06: A very quick and dirty way to adjust minor settings of Knoppix is
> to load the whole image in a suitable editor and search for the default
> boot command line. If you find the string "lang=de" you can change this
> to "lang=us" or "lang=fr" if you like. Be careful not to change the
> length of your image. Use overwrite mode to perform these dirty hacks.
> There is no guarantee that this will actually work in all circumstances,
> though. This works since the initial boot area is like a floppy disk on
> the CD image that is not compressed in contrary to the distribution
> itself, which uses the compressing cloop module after booting.
Also mention that it is possible to just remaster this part of the CD without
having to recrompress the Knx-Image ... ?
>
> Q07: Is there a more safe way to make changes to the image?
>
> A07: Kester Habermann wrote an utility that can read and write to the
> uncompressed part of the iso image. With that utility you can change
> default boot parameters (sometimes called cheatcodes), language or
> keyboard settings permanently. [Kester: add a little bit more detailed
> description and where to find that tool]
Great idea ...
>
> Q08: I want to make slightly more complex persistent changes to Knoppix
> like the configuration of a static IP address or the installation of a
> ssh certificate. Do I have to remaster the image?
>
> A08: No you don't. If you pass the "floppyconfig" (or "custom" with is
> actually an alias for "floppyconfig") boot option line (sometimes
> inappropiately called cheatcodes), Knoppix searches after its hardware
> detection and booting the system for a file "knoppix.sh" on a floppy
> disk or in the "/" directory. You can place shell script commands into
> that file to perform any desired action, like
>
> #!/bin/sh
> ifconfig eth0 192.168.6.66 netmask 255.255.255.0 up
> route add default gw 192.168.6.254
>
> if you want to assign a static IP to your network interface (you have
> to adjust the values with your own network settings, of course).
Also mention that knoppix.sh in /KNOPPIX dir is always executed ...
>
> Q09: I want to use Knoppix in an unusual environment, like as a
> interactive presentation, as a repair system, with a special combination
> of tools or in my personal lunar vehicle. How can I customize Knoppix
> with such an selection of tools?
>
> A09: Basicly, Knoppix is a customized Debian GNU/Linux installation with
> added autodection features. Any user familiar with the basic principles
> of Linux or especially Debian administration can easily set up a
> customized version of Knoppix. There is a minimalized Knoppix available
> [Klaus: where to find it, which steps to perform to master an iso].
Yes, good idea, please link to the optimized master-scripts ...
>
> Q10: I'm quite satisfied with booting Knoppix from CDROM but would like
> to keep files I worked with. How can I save my work permanently?
>
> A10: There is the persistent-home subproject, which enables you to
> select a partition where lots of your personal data can be stored. [xxx:
> detailed description of the tool].
ok
>
> Q11: How can I change some of the defaults of a Knoppix installation
> booted from CDROM?
>
> A11: The root directory of Knoppix resides on a ramdisk of your memory.
> The /etc directory, where most of the configuration files are stored, is
> also located on this ramdisk. However, most files in this directory are
> symbolic links to the CDROM for memonry consumption reasons. If you want
> to change i. e. the /etc/hosts file, you can perform the following steps:
>
> Open a command shell, then become root:
> $ sudo -s
> # cd /etc
> # cp hosts hosts.tmp
> # rm hosts
> # mv hosts.tmp hosts
>
> Now you have a copy of that file on the ramdisc which can be edited.
ok
>
> Q12: How can I save the settings of my desktop?
>
> A12: Either see Q10 for a persistent home directory or save the
> appropriate configuration files to a floppy disk or a permanent
> partition (see Q08).
ok
>
> Q13: I mounted harddisk pratitions by clicking the icons on the desktop.
> How can I write to them?
>
> A13: Click on the icon with the right mouse button, select "Properties"
> and uncheck the "read-only" marker. If you know the name of the
> partition, you can also enter the following commands in a shell window:
>
> $ mount -o rw /mnt/hda3
>
> for the third ("3") partition on your first ("a") EIDE ("hd") harddrive.
> If you already mounted the partiton, enter:
>
> $ mount -o remount,rw /mnt/hda3
>
> Check also /etc/fstab for this issue and read man fstab. Prior to shutdown
> you should unmount all drives with
>
> $ umount -a
>
> This is done automatically if you terminate your Knoppix session.
ok
Good, seems to be a good start for the FAQ ...
cu
Fabian
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