The Linux Bootdisk HOWTO

Tom Fawcett (fawcett@croftj.net)

1. Preface.

• 1.1 Version notes.
• 1.2 Yet to do.
• 1.3 Feedback and credits.
• 1.4 Distribution policy.

2. Introduction.

3. Bootdisks and the boot process.

• 3.1 The boot process.
• 3.2 Disk types.

4. Building a root filesystem.

• 4.1 Overview.
• 4.2 Creating the filesystem.
• 4.3 Populating the filesystem.
• 4.4 Providing for PAM and NSS.
• 4.5 Modules.
• 4.6 Some final details.
• 4.7 Wrapping it up.

5. Choosing a kernel.

6. Putting them together: Making the diskette(s).

• 6.1 Transferring the kernel with LILO
• 6.2 Transferring the kernel without LILO.
• 6.3 Setting the ramdisk word.
• 6.4 Transferring the root filesystem.

7. Troubleshooting, or The Agony of Defeat.

8. Miscellaneous topics.

• 8.1 Reducing root filesystem size.
• 8.2 Non-ramdisk root filesystems.
• 8.3 Building a utility disk.

9. How the pros do it.

10. Frequently asked question (FAQ) list.

Appendix

11. Resources and pointers

• 11.1 Pre-made bootdisks.
• 11.2 Rescue packages.
• 11.3 Graham Chapman's shell scripts
• 11.4 LILO -- the Linux loader.
• 11.5 Linux FAQ and HOWTOs.
• 11.6 Ramdisk usage.
• 11.7 The Linux boot process.

12. LILO boot error codes.

13. Sample rootdisk directory listings.

14. Sample utility disk directory listing.