Boot.kernel.org: Linux Boots from Web

Sep 25, 2009

If it were to go by Project Boot.kernel.org, practially all distros in the foreseeable future would boot off the Internet.

The new BKO service accessible at boot.kernel.org allows booting and installing Linux distros over the network. Unlike the widely distributed PXE Boot, BKO is based on the newer gPXE that supports FTP and HTTP connections to load the necessary images off the Internet

The list of supported distros is currently:

  • Debian 5.0 Live
  • Ubuntu 9.04
  • Damn Small Linux
  • Knoppix 5.0.1
  • Fedora 11 Live (in single-user mode)

The project recommends using a USB stick with BKO for booting in that it also provides file storage. The project is still in development, so testers should consult the Troubleshooting and FAQ webpages before starting.

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