Which Debian installer does ServerBeach use?

[reddirt]

I've got a RedHat 9 server and want to convert to Debian. However, I figure I need to load it up on a local box to get used to it. I'm wondering what process ServerBeach used to build out their Debian image. I've tried a couple of installers, but they either don't support the filesystem I'm using (XFS) or don't support LVM. Humbug. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. :)

[knightfoo]

We built our own installer. :) The filesystem and LVM really doesn't make any difference when it comes to actually using a Debian system, only the installation phase. We just use a standard ext3 filesystem though without any bells and whistles. The ServerBeach Debian install only installs a minimal system, with only SSH and Webmin running. Everything else must be installed, but that isn't too difficult on a Debian system.

-knightfoo

[reddirt]

Bah. Figures that you'd have to build your own installer. I've been raving about that "feature" of Debian over on Slashdot this morning. :bang: Do you happen to know if one of the system-on-a-cd distros (Knoppix or the like) can be used to bootstrap a full-up Debian install? Or would it be possible for y'all to mebbe make your installer available? ;) Thanks for the prompt reply!

[knightfoo]

When we first started offering Debian, the only automated installation system was FAI and it didn't really fit in with our installation process. It turned out to be easier to do it ourselves. The debootstrap utility makes it super easy to get a Debian system going. Progeny is developing anaconda for Debian, which is essentially the Red Hat installer, but I'm not holding my breath for that.

I know of people using Knoppix to bootstrap a Debian system, but I have never done it myself so I don't know what the procedure would be.

-knightfoo