Auto OS Install Process

[bruce]

Pete,

umm - regarding partition, i was under the impression that an OS
install can have multiple "partitions"

In my case though, I want to have the ability to set/invoke whatever
process needs to occur so I can programatically set the boot OS. All
of this will occur via ssh, so the process won't be accessing the gui,
to select the menus.

so for :
> As I noted, a second minimal installation does not do what you describe you
> want to accomplish, reinstallation. The installer handles installation, so
> you want to boot that. If you want to be able to reinstall *or* access the
> main installation's data from a clean environment, you can use the
> installer's rescue mode.
>
I'd want the 2nd installation to be able to immeadiately, upon boot
up, to then go do a netinstall, where it then reinstalls the 1st OS,
and I need to do this in a auto/programatic process. I'm not seeing
where the rescue mode process applies here.



On Thu, Dec 26, 2013 at 2:13 PM, Pete Travis <lists at petetravis.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 26, 2013 at 1:32 PM, Pete Travis <lists at petetravis.com> wrote:
>> >
>> > On Dec 26, 2013 10:52 AM, "bruce" <badouglas at gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Hey Suvayu,
>> >>
>> >> Not to be insensitive.. but I've had left-post/right-post/top-post
>> >> args etc for damn near 30 years...
>> >>
>> >> My motto - if I create the post, I'll post/add to it as i see fit.
>> >> Everyon else is welcome to reply, or not!!
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Now that that's out of the way...
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> My need is in the case a system gets hacked/corrupted. If the system
>> >> is remote, I want a method of being able to get into the hacked
>> >> system, and to have it then restore the running/corrupted partition
>> >> from the "clean" partition.
>> >>
>> >> This means I need to be able to install dual OS, as well as have a
>> >> method of being able to switch the boot process as required.
>> >>
>> >> No, this isn't foolproof to eleminate hacking, but it does allow me to
>> >> then be able to more easlity/quickly recover in the event the process
>> >> detects the master partition as being hacked.
>> >>
>> >> So, in my mind, I'll have dual OS/partitions
>> >> paritionA
>> >>   -minimal OS
>> >>   -used to do a netinstall/reinstall of a clean OS into partitionB
>> >>   -so when the system boots up into this partition, it will auto
>> >>    perform the netinstall process into the partitionB for the
>> >>    reinstall
>> >>
>> >> partitionB
>> >>   -the master partition/OS
>> >>   -contains the working/real OS/env of the system
>> >>   -also able to invoke a netinstall process to reinstall partitionA as
>> >>    required
>> >>   -has the ability to toggle between the partitions
>> >>   -has the ability to set itself as the default OS/partition
>> >>
>> >> So in my mind, this really should be a matter of doing a dual
>> >> install/boot process, and then determining how one can
>> >> programatically/automatically set whatever function/switch has to be
>> >> set to switch between the partitions/OS on reboot of the system.
>> >>
>> >> Keep in mind, once the system is created/provisioned, all of this is
>> >> being handled remotely, via ssh.
>> >>
>> >> thanks
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> > If we assume that you have functioning ssh access to the machine, you
>> > can
>> > change the default boot option for grub in /etc/default/grub (and run
>> > grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/path/to/grub.cfg)
>> >
>> > With ssh access and a UEFI system, you can use `efibootmgr` to set the
>> > firmware boot order or next boot.
>> >
>> > If you don't have functioning ssh access, you'll need hardware with
>> > remote
>> > access firmware ie. IPMI. Alternatively, you can get a KVM with remote
>> > access features - usually vnc, look for KVM over IP - or some remote
>> > hands
>> > to operate a keyboard for you.
>> >
>> > If the goal is to reinstall from the alternative environment, you want
>> > the
>> > installer , not a minimal install.  You should read about medialess
>> > installs
>> > or pxe installation in the Fedora Installation Guide. These can also be
>> > used
>> > in rescue mode. Either way, kickstart sounds like a good idea for you.
>> >
>> > BTW, mailing list guidelines have existed as long as mailing lists.  You
>> > are
>> > more likely to get good help if you follow those guidelines that make it
>> > easier for your helpers to follow the discussion, but the choice between
>> > your convenience and clarity for your readers is your own choice.
>> >
>> > --Pete
>
> On Dec 26, 2013 11:56 AM, "bruce" <badouglas at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Pete.
>>
>> Thanks for the reply. If I understand your following statement::
>> > If we assume that you have functioning ssh access to the machine, you
>> > can
>> > change the default boot option for grub in /etc/default/grub (and run
>> > grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/path/to/grub.cfg)
>> >
>>
>> this implies that for each installed OS, there will be a separate
>> "/boot" in the OS tree, but if I'm in partitionA, how do I set the dir
>> for the boot path for the partitionB, which wouldn't be mounted at
>> that time... Or would it be?
>>
>> I've been looking for a sample/turotial that lays this out that I can
>> examine, and haven't found one yet.
>>
>> Thanks Much!!!
>
> Let us move away from the term "partition", please. A typical installation
> has multiple partitions, and even if yours do not, you are describing an
> *installation *, not a storage volume.
>
> If you have a second installation, grub2-mkconfig will find it and create
> the menu entries for you.
>
> As I noted, a second minimal installation does not do what you describe you
> want to accomplish, reinstallation. The installer handles installation, so
> you want to boot that. If you want to be able to reinstall *or* access the
> main installation's data from a clean environment, you can use the
> installer's rescue mode.
>
> --Pete
>
>
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