Network boot

[vader95]

Hi,

I was wondering if there is anyway that i could put ubuntu onto a server, then when i want to go to ubuntu, do a network boot.

Is there anyway that i can do this through ubuntu?


thanks,
vader95

[EmanresuusernamE]

I'm not fully sure if this will work for you as I only have a private server on the internet and not on a personal network to boot off of just yet, but give this a try:

http://nixcraft.com/getting-started-tutorials/474-ubuntu-linux-network-installation-using-boot-server.html

[vader95]

Thanks for the reply,

that isn't exactly what i meant, i meant have an ubuntu install on a network location and boot to that and use the image on the server.

Thanks anyway,

vader95

[KB1JWQ]

Yes.

Your client has to support PXE booting, and you need to have the infrastructure to support it (typically a DHCP server that knows what you're doing and an NFS server that hosts the image you want to use).
http://www.howtoforge.com/ubuntu_pxe_install_server seems like a good starting point.

Fun idea-- I like it!

[vader95]

Thanks,

I'll look at that. I have a computer with 3 windows partitions and can't get ubuntu installed with swap, which i would like. I am looking into this.


Thank you,
vader95

[KB1JWQ]

Even though they talk about installers, try running the liveCD initially. That may get you at least moving in the proper direction. If you get stuck, just ask!

[vader95]

I have used the live cd.


Thanks,
vader95

[dudumomo]

Why not installing 2 ubuntu on the same machine ?
Your Server and your Desktop ?
Or why not only a Desktop but with a virtual machine running Ubuntu Server.

[KB1JWQ]

Probably because a network boot grants increased flexibility without endangering his local disks. :-)

[natbob1]

I have been working on a system to accomplish the same thing. Even if your network card doesn't support PXE, a GRUB boot floppy with complied in support for your network card can load the kernel and initrd from a tftp server. The root filesystem can then be mounted through a nfs running from the same server.

[vader95]

@dudumomo, Because i already have 3 partitions for windows, and i would like to have some kind of swap.

@natbob1, Do you have a way to do this