Re: Debian / Redhat comparison
([<> On 1 Dec 2000, some witty mortal wrote: <>])
> RedHat has kickstart which greatly simplifies the install process.
> Currently users here can fill out a webform and get a customized boot
> disk that will do the right thing, just boot from it go to lunch and
> when you come back the machine is partitioned, installed and configured,
> just just type your NIS password and go.
I must say, scripted installs of OSes are such a great thing, I'm
suprised the Linux distributions haven't done similar to this earlier.
NT4, while not the greatest operating system, has one saving grace in
it's unattended installs run from a boot floppy. You boot from the
disk, wait until the files are installing (from network for most
installs I've done like this), then take the disk out and walk away.
When you return, the install is complete, and you can get about
installing software (and rebooting a few times ;o)).
I think the package layout of Linux would be ideal for this sort of
installation. Especially with the ability to install an OS from an FTP.
Of course, it wouldn't be the easiest thing to setup, and like NT4,
configuring the unattended install files would take some time and
research. But the end result would mean easier installation, if you for
example, reinstalled from scratch.
If the Debian folks have the inclination to look at this sort of
thing, I'm sure it would add so much more to Debian's already great
list of benefits to users (especially the corporate ones).
Just my NZ$0.02 :o)
Ard Righ
S' Rioghal Mo Dhream!
http://www.Challenge-NZ.com/
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