We use RH's Kickstart and PXE Linux to avoid the diskette problem and to make
decisions at boot time as to whether we'd like to boot across a network or
from the local hard drive. This allows us to manage many nodes in a cluster
and easily reconfigure a cluster in a matter of minutes. SuSE has an
equivalent to kickstart for response file installs, so they can be used as
well (hey, so do Winblows and OS/2 :-) ). When possible I like to use the
manufacturer's process for code distribution because it avoids support
issues. Now, granted, that decision is notably based on previous, propietary
OS's, but I still see the issue from time to time.
PXE Linux (or even just PXE) does require support from the Ethernet adapter
but it's not difficult to find suitable adapters. I don't know how this
translates into the non-Intel space and would be interested to hear.
Disclaimer - Personal opinions, not necessarily those of my employer (although
I certainly try to persuade them of the wisdom of my ways, whenever possible).
Just my 2 cents. GGK
Rich Payne wrote:
> > - RH requires a boot floppy because PC's generally don't
> > have EEPROMs on them and every PC is different
>
> <shameless plug>
>
> This is one thing I've learned to like about Alphas..the
> console firmware has drivers for NIC cards and can netboot the linux
> kernel....and that kernel file can also contain the ramdisk image. Add to
> that the fact you can completly control the machine over ther serial port,
> and I rarely have to get up out of my ofice (yes, I am lazy).
>
> </shameless plug>
>
> > - JumpStart is a much more mature product and therefore a lot
> > easier to deal with
> > - KickStart is from RH, which usually means a lot stupid
> > little bugs that take ages to get fixed
>
> Yes, but in return..Jumpstart is from Sun, which means it installs
> Solaris, and pesonally I'll take Linux with bugs over Solaris anyday :)
>
> > - There are more large installations using Suns on the desktop
> > than Linux based PCs. (this hopefully changing :) so there's
> > a much larger base of users for JumpStart. Which, obviously
> > means that Sun is going to pay attention, whereas RH might
> > not :)
> >
> > However, RH's KickStart has tremendous potential. RH just needs to
> > get serious about it.
>
> Yes, and while I do see them improving it, I think the majority of RH
> users couldn't care less about it. Which means it doesn't get the
> attention I think it deserves (but that's just what I think).
>
> --rdp
>
> --
> Rich Payne
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.alphalinux.org
>
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