Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

ihavenoname · 2006-09-20 22:21:57

Does an Arch Live-Cd installer exist? I ask this because I intend to make one, I have been looking around and I have found several live-cd generation methods and some that hint at an installer existing. But My search has not turned up any for Arch Linux or Fedora Core.

Why do I want to make one?

1. I need to some CAS hours (I am in the International Baccalaureate program in my high school CAS is a community service like concept which stands from Creative Action Service the main focus is that you try something new (programming) and use it in a project (more or less) Since a need a few more hours I think this is something I would like to attempt.

2. Also I think it would be nice to get a gui to use while you install Arch so you are not inhibited from doing work for too long.

3. (Probably more important than point number 2) The live-cd installer can turn you live-cd into a sort of back-up disk, most people have serveral tasks they perform everytime they install Arch, so why not have an installer that is customized to set you up (after a hard-drive crash, on a new computer..etc.) quickly and efficiently.

No, I don't dislike the Arch default installer, in fact I love the Arch installer in is simple, efficient, and allows you to customize you install any way you want.

If anyone has any tips, or sees a snag in my logic feel free to point it out. Also if you have another project (that isn't too difficult) that you feel is more important that a live-cd installer point it out (the object here is for the project to be at least some what useful)

Again, this is not me complaining about the Arch Linux install or trying to undermine "The Arch Way" This is me trying to do a project that could help some people as well as get some community service hours in.

Snowman · 2006-09-20 22:47:40

Check out Archie. One of the previous versions had an installer included. I don't know if the newest Archie ISO still has it or how advanced it is now. The last I know, the installer was beta.

ihavenoname · 2006-09-21 00:50:47

Snowman wrote:

Check out Archie. One of the previous versions had an installer included. I don't know if the newest Archie ISO still has it or how advanced it is now. The last I know, the installer was beta.

excellant, will do. Thanx

lilsirecho · 2006-09-21 06:00:47

Larch which is gradgrind's script for Live-Arch has the capability of installing as well.

It consists of a number of scripts, requires a few entries in r.c.conf and perhaps resolv.conf, as well as adding desired packages. It performs a mkarch sequence followed by a mklive sequence which creates a Live CD/DVD which can be installed after booting and has a copy-to-ram option.

The Larch Kit as it is called is outlined in USER CONTRIBUTIONS and it includes much documentation. The basic material provided in packages is sufficient to reach KDE desktop.

Check into it pronto!

gradgrind · 2006-09-21 06:44:36

Indeed, as lilsirecho says, larch has a (fairly primitive) installer.

I'm afraid that's the one point of larch that's not really documented, but I am now trying to evolve a new, improved version which should be properly documented.

Of course I don't know what exactly you had in mind, but if you'd like to discuss the issues, please feel free to contact me. At present, I am considering an approach where much of the logic is contained in the data structure (file/directory hierarchy) rather than in the code, which should make it a bit easier to extend via plug-ins, and to change the front-end. I, personally am quite happy with a console/dialog front-end, but it would be nice if a GUI version were not excluded from the outset.

dtw · 2006-09-21 07:10:01

There is also work in progress on an official live-cd installer sp I would consider that area of Arch covered - although, when it hits the shelves you should be able to help out at least.

Snowman wrote:

Check out Archie. One of the previous versions had an installer included. I don't know if the newest Archie ISO still has it or how advanced it is now. The last I know, the installer was beta.

The installer is still there but it is still a beta release. Pretty sure we could use some help with it though. You can take a look at the installer here - feel free to PM me for more info.

phrakture · 2006-09-21 14:56:33

I have a working livecd generator using only arch tools and mkinitcpio. What I want to do is get talking with all you larch/archie/aegis people and come up with a common base we can all work with. My goal is to use this to generate a livecd for the installer, as well as other rescue things. I don't plan on doing and X based CD, so I'll leave that to you guys.

dtw, z4ziggy, gradgrind, and anyone else involved in this project, please PM me or email me.

Romashka · 2006-09-30 09:56:17

Wow, that's an amazing news, phrakture!
I want to be a beta-tester!

Romashka · 2006-10-01 22:08:26

Phrakture, are your live-cd generator based on tpowa's new ISOs work?

EDIT: I was looking Archie CVS and noticed that it still uses initrd! IMHO it's time for initcpio. Larch already uses it.

BTW, I remember this:

Apparently the Archie livecd is on its last legs. We've decided that we want it to keep going, so we're going to make it an official project. We'll probably base the 0.8 install cd off of it.

http://www.archlinux.org/static/newslet … ar-19.html

Does this mean that both Install CD and New Official Archie will use one base initcpio+initscripts system?

phrakture · 2006-10-02 16:11:23

Romashka wrote:

Phrakture, are your live-cd generator based on tpowa's new ISOs work?

No, not really.

Romashka · 2006-10-02 16:37:37

phrakture wrote:

Romashka wrote:
Phrakture, are your live-cd generator based on tpowa's new ISOs work?
No, not really.

Well, I just want to be sure that none of Arch/Archie/AEGIS/larch developers don't reinvent the weel. I think maybe tpowa has some generator scripts too.
I imagine all like this:
basic live CD generator (based on mkinitcpio and archboot) => base ISO (should look like tpowa's recent ISOs) => X stuff on top of it ( == initcpio-based Archie, produced by another generator from base ISOs).

gradgrind · 2006-10-02 19:54:39

Well, I just want to be sure that none of Arch/Archie/AEGIS/larch developers don't reinvent the weel.

Of course we all want to work effectively and efficiently, but reinventing the wheel is a wonderful way to really get to know it, inside and out.

lilsirecho · 2006-10-02 19:59:24

Gradgrind;

Well said, man!!!

Mr Green · 2006-10-02 20:45:48

I want gradgrind & ziggy to get together & create a super livecd Larchie....

Romashka · 2006-10-03 08:25:33

gradgrind wrote:

Well, I just want to be sure that none of Arch/Archie/AEGIS/larch developers don't reinvent the weel.
Of course we all want to work effectively and efficiently, but reinventing the wheel is a wonderful way to really get to know it, inside and out.

You are right. I reinvent wheel somethimes too, just to make my wheel better.

dtw · 2006-10-03 18:48:27

Mr Green wrote:

I want gradgrind & ziggy to get together & create a super livecd Larchie....

While the underlying functionality and greasy gubbins maybe become almost identical in the near future Archie will probably always remain separate from larch in the way we actually build the CD. The projects have two non-convergent philosophies that really should allow great collaboration but not a combined output. At least that is the way I see it. It's like saying gentoo and Arch should get together and make an uber-distro...why? We can use the same mechanisms and still have different products, I wish people could just get on board with that. A bit of healthy competition is a good thing.

Mr Green · 2006-10-03 19:08:59

I totally disagree .... Sorry!

dtw · 2006-10-03 20:19:39

Mr Green wrote:

I totally disagree .... Sorry!

I don't think I really care about your opinion. Let's refer back to the "gentoo should merge with Arch!" simile. You know how annoying those type of guys are? That's you.

Mr Green · 2006-10-03 20:28:26

ok noted

Arch Linux

#1 2006-09-20 22:21:57

Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#2 2006-09-20 22:47:40

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#3 2006-09-21 00:50:47

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#4 2006-09-21 06:00:47

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#5 2006-09-21 06:44:36

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#6 2006-09-21 07:10:01

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#7 2006-09-21 14:56:33

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#8 2006-09-30 09:56:17

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#9 2006-10-01 22:08:26

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#10 2006-10-02 16:11:23

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#11 2006-10-02 16:37:37

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#12 2006-10-02 19:54:39

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#13 2006-10-02 19:59:24

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#14 2006-10-02 20:45:48

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#15 2006-10-03 08:25:33

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#16 2006-10-03 18:48:27

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#17 2006-10-03 19:08:59

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#18 2006-10-03 20:19:39

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

#19 2006-10-03 20:28:26

Re: Arch Live Cd installer ( I need something to do)

Board footer