Hello.
In this video, we are going to learn kick start, kick start is an automated way of installing a Linux
operating system.
So Kickstart is a method to automate the Linux installation without the need for any intervention from
the user.
With the help of Kickstart, you can automate questions that are asked during the installation and those
questions are like language and time zone.
How the disk drives should be partitioned.
Which packages should be installed or removed.
And if you go back to the install installation wizard you remember while going through the installation,
the very first screen that comes up is the Vault.
Come to Santos Linux and here you select the language and region of the language.
Then on the next screen, you go to the localization like a witch keyboard, language support and time
that you have to select based on where you are.
The software that you will be installing the source media and then the system.
The installation destination, the Cadham Network hostname security policy.
All that information has to be provided while you are going through the operating system installation
now to eliminate all that where you have to answer every single questions.
That's when the kick start comes to kick start provides you an automated way of answering these questions
based on your predefined parameters.
Now the purpose you probably thinking, OK, so that's good.
We have defined the parameters of kick start doing the installation.
Are it saved me a couple of minutes?
That's not really too much saving.
OK, well, let's suppose if you have a computer or a server, of course, and you need to install an
operating system on it.
In our case, we are talking about Linux operating system.
What do you do?
You attach the ISO image or insert the disk and you go to the installation.
And at the end of the installation you completed, you report and your operating system is ready.
Beautiful.
Now what if you have to do the same procedure for maybe another 10 servers or 20 or 30 or in some cases,
in bigger corporate companies?
There are thousands of thousands servers where you have to install operating systems on almost monthly
or quarterly basis.
Then what do you do?
Do you really have to go through each one of the computer and attach the ISO image file and go through
the installation one by one?
Now that's when the kick start comes.
This will allow you to have those predefined questionnaire answered in a configuration file.
Attach the ISO image to all these servers and let the installation a run on its own.
Everything is completely automated.
All right.
So to use the kick start?
Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
Very first thing is you need to choose a kickstart server and create or edit a kickstart file.
Now what is a file?
That is something we go and drill down more in detail as to how the kickstart, file or config file
works.
But for now, you need to understand that you got to dedicate one computer or one server which holds
or has that kickstart file, then make the Kickstart file available on the network location.
Make the installation source available.
Make boot media available for Client, which will be used to begin the installation and the last start
the Kickstart installation.
Now, if you still haven't gotten a complete picture of how a Kickstart server should set up, let's
visualize it.
Here we have a computer or a server.
We actually are dedicating this computer or a server as a kickstart server, very small server where
the Linux operating system running on it and we will create a kickstart file.
And we have dedicated beautiful.
We are here up to this point on the second step.
Make the Kickstart file available on the network.
So once we create that kickstart configuration file, which has access to all the questions that are
being asked during the installation, that file has to be available on the network and that network
could be either on the NFS year FTP server, ATP or steps.
OK, so in our example, we will go through HTP.
You could go with any of these networks here doesn't really matter as long as you are sharing that configuration
file with other clients who needs to have the operating system and installed can have access to the
network share.
All right.
So as up to number two, this is where we create the Kickstart server and we create a kickstarts file
and make it available on the network now.
Number three is make the installation source available.
The source is the ISO image or your file, which has all the packages which has all the operating system
that is actually saved on somewhere.
A source that source has to be available either on the Kickstart server, or you could attach that to
your client right here.
This is the number four so you could combine step three and step four as one.
Or you could separate them by making the installation source available only on the kickstarts server,
and the client can read from the Kickstart server.
Or you could directly attach that ISO image to the client where you want to have the operating system
installed.
All right, up to this point, if you have, everything is very beautiful now, the next step is to
start the Kickstart installation.
It's just that easy.
All right.
Moving on, a few things we need to clarify Santos are RedHat seven.
The Kickstart program can be downloaded, which allows you to define parameters through the GWI, meaning
that program.
Once you install it on your computer, you could use a Yum install system Dash configured to kick start.
This is a program which allows you to bring up a gooey, and you could define all the different parameters
that are needed to answer the questions if you're not familiar with the format of the Kickstart file.
A lot easier and you could define it there.
Or you could use the installation Kickstart file, which was created during the first installation.
Yes.
What that means is every time you install the Linux operating system, more specifically Fedora Santos
or Red Hat, it creates a file on your computer in slash root, and a file name is Anaconda Dash kiosks
CFG and has all the answers to your question that you have typed in during the installation.
So it's already there for you.
All you have to do is take that same config file and make that available on the network for a second
or third or fourth server to have the installation exactly the same.
All right.
And S.O.S.
Eight or RedHat eight this there.
This program, that system config kickstart program, which starts up the GWI that is not available.
You could simply use the Anaconda darkest CFG file, which is created while you're going through the
first installation and you can modified based on your preference.
OK, why changed?
Why did they not include that system?
Config kick start program in eight now?
They had it in seven.
Well, the reason is that most of the systems nowadays are virtual and you could end in virtualization.
You could create templates that can be used to have mass installation of operating systems on thousands
of virtual machines.
Or you could use automation software such as Ansible to do the same type of installation on multiple
server.
But I would still say kick start is still use in many of the corporate world because it's a lot easier
to use and it's a good tool to have for our physical system installation.
All right, now, let's get our hands dirty, Emil, go through step by step procedure for kick start
configuration set up and do the actual installation.
So very first thing we have to do is to identify the server that will be used as a kick start server.
All right.
For that, what I did is I have already picked.
My server and I have picked, for example.
Santos, seven.
It doesn't really matter if you could pick Santos eight or Red Hat eight.
The instructions is exactly the same, except the eight.
You cannot install the program that allows you to edit the config file through a.
All right, so this is our server.
Now the next step is take a snapshot of the server.
Very good idea.
Every time we need to make any changes to the server, it's always good to take a snapshot.
So for that, I have to go to my Oracle VirtualBox snapshot manager.
This is my VM that I'm going to be using.
And if I go right here on these three dot and snapshots and click on Take.
I would say anything that would let me identify the state that would be before.
Kick start, all right, because at this point on, I am going to work or install kick start the click
OK.
All right.
There you go.
Is done literally takes a few seconds, and it has taken this snapshot.
If you go wrong or if you make a mistake, then you could always restore it back to its original state,
which is right now what state it is in.
All right.
So that is done.
Let's minimize this moving on.
Installed Kickstarter configurator and that is again for only version seven.
And to do that, we could go back to our machine and simply do Yum install system.
Config.
Dash.
Kick start.
All right, and is asking us to confirm click yes, hit enter.
All right.
The installation of System Config Kick Start program is completed, you go verify by running the command
RPM key way and grep for kick start.
And you will see right here this is our kick start ball.
Now if you do the same thing or if you try to install the same program in our.
Version eight Santos.
Our version eight Red Hat.
All right.
Let's see what happens.
This is the terminal.
All right, we do.
GM or DNF install system, dash config dash.
Kick start.
OK, so right here you see no match for argument this.
Unable to find a match.
OK is because this configuration file program is not available on ET.
All right.
So we just confirmed that we're going on start the Kickstart file configurator and define parameters
or as user route anaconda that starts the AFGE.
All right, let's go back to our Linux seven and to start.
All you have to do is run system config.
Kick start, and this is going to open up a gooey that lets you define the parameters, whatever that
you want to make changes to.
So if you notice right here, says Kick Start Configurator.
You could define any of the parameters that or any of these questions that are asked to you during the
installation.
Basic configuration installation method How you want install CD-ROM, NFS, FTP, ACDP Hard to see These
are all the things that I have covered that you should have the configuration file the kickstart configuration
file on to this netbook ship, bootloader or Partition Information Network and all those information.
If you wanted to change it during this election, you could come here and do it.
Now, as I said, of course, this system config kickstart configurator is no longer in use and eight
the best way to do it is that you simply used the file that is created for you.
When you did the first time installation and that is let's clear the screen.
So let's go to root and two else minus L TR and you will see there is this file anaconda dot dash KSC.
If you do more on this and this one tells you exactly all the parameters that you picked when the first
time you installed this, see this operating system?
So it created see it picked my host name that I defined, I picked the language that I defined.
I wanted to use graphical interface system with Coui.
I wanted to use a CD you wrong where to source off the ISO images there?
I defined the password.
It took the group password, encrypted it.
Put it it into this file, and it has all the information predefined for me into their file.
So it's best to take this configurator file.
All right.
As I said, start to kick start file configurator, which we did.
And this is for those who want to use that OK and define the parameters or use their root anaconda case,
the CFC file.
Now for those for those of you who are thinking What is Anaconda?
Anaconda is the name of the wizard, the installation wizard that are given to you when you go through
the Linux installation.
That installation wizard is called in a Honda.
So by the way, once that is done, that's what it creates a file with the same name Dash for Kickstart
Dot CFG for configuration.
All right.
Now to start the configurator system dash config dash kick-started you already went through it.
Perfect.
We will use the Anaconda solution, kickstart, file and change the host name only.
All right.
So it means when we create a new server with this kickstart file, we don't want to have the same hostname,
right?
That's why we need to change this.
My first Linux OS to change it to a different one.
So for that, what we will do is we vi slash root slash anaconda key that CFG file.
Excellent.
Let's go down and right here I was.
What I will do is I'll put simply.
Kickstart Linux, is that simple.
Save it.
Perfect.
Next thing is make sure HDB packaging install.
If not, then install the package and start the TPD service.
Let's go to our server and let's see if you have a -- package installed RPM Dash Q8 Encore for A2DP.
No, it's not installed if it's not installed and what do we do?
We yum install HDD.
OK.
Yum, install A2DP while it's going in installing a let's come back to our Red Hat or Santas eight and
you will see in this server, we do have the same file route Alice minus l tr and right here is your
anaconda file.
This is the one that is created automatically for you when you were installing the Linux on this awesome
machine that if you do more anaconda and you will find the same parameters and you could go in and change
a host name the same way, we did it in our 7:00 right here, says my first Linux VM.
You could change it.
So this way, the newly created virtual machine does not have the same hostname.
All right, anyway, let's go back to our seven, and here it's going to install Waist-deep.
It's asking us to confirm.
Yes.
All right.
The HDP has been installed beautiful.
And if you have already HTP server installed, then you are good at this time, then you need to make
sure your waist-deep server is up and running.
So for that, you have to do systemctl status.
8TB PD And right here my service is loaded, but it's disabled, so I have to start it.
If yours is not started, then you have to come here and start.
For that, you have to do systemctl start HD.
Excellent to verify the status.
You can run it and you will see right here his active.
Now you need to enable it.
Would it enable means that you want this service to start at boot time?
All right, for that system.
CTL enable HD PD.
Excellent.
All right.
That part is done moving on to six step copy, kickstart, file to HPD directory and change the permission.
All right, so let's move on to our.
Copping direction, so for that, you have to do is copy.
Slash route slash anaconda.
And where are you?
Where do you want to copy it to LA
ATM?
And this is the default directory for our HTP DX server.
So you have to copy it here so it could be accessible.
Oh, and network.
All right.
Copy it over.
Let's verified war WW w slash HTML.
It's beautiful.
All right, it's there, but it doesn't have all the reed permission.
So for that, the next step should be to define or to give the reed permission.
Let's go back and let's give the reed permission change mod a for all read permission to anaconda file
verified.
And there you have it everyone can read this file now.
Moving on now, make sure your firewall is stopped on the server.
If you do not want to stop the firewall, then you have to allow A2DP Port 80 to go or accessible through
the firewall.
For now, since we are doing this only for the lab.
That's why I'm going to disable the firewall.
But of course, check with your security administrator before you disable the firewall on your production
server system.
Ctrl Stop Firewall D.
It is stopped now I want it to disable because I want it, I don't want it to start.
At boot time.
OK, it's removed.
Also, another thing is check.
SC Linux status for me, I have the SC status right here enabled, but I don't think it should have
any problem for us to access that anaconda file, right?
So now in order to make sure we could access that file.
Check fires through the browser on another PC, meaning I could go to my PC browser right here.
Oops, not browser like Firefox, and I could check that server.
And if file is available, what is the IP address of the server?
If config.
IP is 10, 251 Dot one, Wanda 61.
All right, so let's go here.
10, 253 one to 61.
Slash anaconda.
And Dash CFT.
Once I hit enter and I would be able to see the content of the anaconda file that it means, ah, there
you go.
It means I could access that configuration file over the network and it is available.
Beautiful.
Make sure your anaconda file is also accessible or your HTP, and we have just confirmed it.
Excellent.
Now you could minimize this or close it.
Next step.
Create a new virtual machine and attach the OS ISO image.
All right, so we're creating a new virtual machine where we want to have the kickstart install the
automated operating system.
And for that, we'll go to Oracle VirtualBox and we'll pretty much create the same setting for the virtual
machine.
Meaning if I go to the right here, details go to settings and this machine has system of one gig memory
processor, one processor, storage.
We have 20 gigs, so we'll keep it the same consistent.
Let's go in here.
Oracle VirtualBox.
Create a new machine and we'll call it Chaos Linux kick, kickstart Linux.
All right, next memory one.
Create a virtual desk, create.
The default default here changed to Aycock 220 gig to be consistent create.
And it is done now, what you need to do is start.
While it is starting up, OK?
It already started to allow go ahead and attach this image, so click on this folder.
I have already attached my image earlier, so it is showing up right here.
This is it sent to us.
Seven DVDs 4.6 gig perfect.
You might have a different size, depending on if you're installing eight or seven like choose and start.
OK, as soon as it comes up on this screen, you see right here, automatic boot in 55 seconds, it
will give you one minute to choose where you want to do.
You do not want to choose any of this option.
Click inside of this window and hit Escape once you get this boot option.
Then let's go back what we want to do.
Minimize this.
And changed the network adapted to British adapter.
Yeah, that's another thing we have to do.
So let's go to our guest Lennox and the school setting.
And go to network and write his Nat.
Let's click Bridge Apter.
Excellent.
Click OK, that is done.
Next hit Escape, which we just did and now type this.
This is the path we have to type right here is about let's move this up.
And type Linux Kickstart Equal, which network are we using me as using ATP server, right colon, Seagate
now the IP address of our Kickstart server that is 10, 253 one to 61, that is the IP.
In my case, you might have it different, so check by running the ifconfig command.
So 10 to 53 to one 61 slash anaconda dash kick start their c CFC g hit enter.
And what's the next step?
For NFTs, you have to run this command.
And the next step is wait and enjoy the automated installation.
All right, so let's see where we are right here.
OK.
This could take anywhere between a minute to five minutes until you actually see the automated installation.
So I'm going to fast forward it.
OK, so right here it is at the installation summary plate, pay close attention, you see, it has
already defined the date and time for you.
It has already selected the keyboard, the language support.
It is already checking the installation source for you.
The dependency Where is it getting the ISO image?
That ISO image is attached to this Linux virtual machine.
Be attached it when we started on, then it's actually going through the software selection based on
our predefined settings and parameters into our configuration file.
That's how it's going in and checking it, then coming down.
Oops.
But anyway.
And go, if he had gone down, you probably have seen more settings that is going through.
It already picked the root password for us, which we had created for our very first Linux virtual machine,
then user creation user Absol.
Yes, because it already has that user that I created when at first time I did the installation and
now is going to add starting the package installation process.
This is going through the packages is going to count probably like 13 14 packages and is going to go
to the installation.
Isn't it so beautiful when you automate things?
Yes, it is.
You don't have to sit here and wait and answer every questions of the installation.
You could just define all your parameters into the configuration file and let it run.
Now, if you want to change any of the other configuration parameters, you could go in and change on
to the file, which is sitting on your UDP server.
And right here it is, sitting right here on our server.
You go to Anaconda File Veut modified and change any of the parameters based on your requirement.
All right, excellent.
Now you're probably thinking one more thing.
And I do want to clarify that.
All right.
So we did automate one Linux machine and is going through the installation right now.
You see 3500 packages it has to install.
Now what if I have to do or install another Linux machine now?
Do I have to wait for this to finish?
Very good question if that's what you're thinking.
No, the reason behind this is because the ISO image that you attach to this can be read by as many
virtual machines or as many physical servers as you can, because once he's reading the file, it doesn't
matter how many servers reading that file.
Same way.
It doesn't matter how many configuration or how many servers are reading this configuration file.
So you could actually run this one time on one server, move on to the second, third, fourth, fifth,
as many as you can, and you probably noticed by the end of the day, you probably have installed hundreds
of server.
And that is great for your productivity.
Anyway, I'm not going to go through the entire installation to complete, but I'm sure at this point
you have a good grip of how the kick start server works and how you could automate your installation
of your Linux machines.
All right.
So for those of you who actually are in corporate environment and you assign IP to your Linux machines
or your clients with static IP, then how you could manage to kick start.
Because so far we learn the kick start.
You have to have a DHB server.
What if you do not have a DHCP server, then how your client is going to communicate to the kickstart.
For that, you will run the command.
Same as you would run for DHCP Server, which is boot Linux kick start the path and the kick start,
which is right here.
K.S. Dot CFG.
Now, after that, after you put a space and then you have to define these extra parameters, which
is chaos device equal et zero IP address netmask and gateway where as the case device is the network
adapter off your client, you have to know the name of the network adapter.
So if you are installing your operating system to kick start to a physical machine, then most likely
you will have a zero.
Of course, it depends on the computer hardware manufacturers as well, but most of the time it will
be zero.
If you are doing it for your virtual machine on Oracle VirtualBox, then it will most likely ENP zero
as three.
So you define that then, and next thing you do is you define the IP address.
This is the IP address that you are.
Going to assign to your client so it could be on the network and read configuration file from Kick Start
picked the IP address, you have to get that IP address from your network administrator or wherever
you get that IP, which is not in use.
Then you entered the netmask.
Netmask is a subnet mask for the client and most of the time based on Slash 24 subnet.
It's two five five two five five two five five zero, and then you have to define the gateway off that
network.
Once you put that information and then you hit the command, then your client will be assigned that
IP address.
Then your client will wake up and it will be able to communicate to the kickstart server.
So this is the instruction for those people who do not have a DSP server in their environment.