RUNNIX

It is very important to understand that while AstLinux 0.7.x uses the runnix-0.3 (or runnix-0.2.1) bootloader, AstLinux 1.0.x requires the runnix-0.4 bootloader. This change is required since the Linux Kernel differences require different squashfs image formats.

The Web Interface may be used to upgrade RUNNIX via the System Tab. Or, using the Command Line Interface:

$ upgrade-RUNNIX-image check     (if the response looks good, then type)

$ upgrade-RUNNIX-image upgrade   (patiently wait, do not interrupt)

After a reboot, you will see the text below, you have 5 seconds to type a character, otherwise the normal boot will automatically proceed.

      #########################################
      #  RUNNIX - AstLinux x86_64 bootloader  #
      #########################################
      
       runnix)  RUNNIX boot (default)

        shell)  Run shell instead of booting

          ssh)  Run shell and enable ssh instead of booting

      xrunnix)  Use previous RUNNIX image (if any)

      memtest)  Run Memtest86+

• You can hit 'SPACE' at the boot: prompt and it will wait without registering any keystrokes. (ie, boot: prompt appears, hit 'SPACE', play with the box, come back and type 'ssh RETURN'.)
• You cannot stop a normal 'ping' command at the console, because the 'ctrl-c' to stop it, won't work in this case ('ping -c4 <IP>' and ping over ssh will work fine).
• You can use disk repair commands like 'dosfsck' or 'e2fsck' in RUNNIX (use 'fdisk -l' before to show the partitions/volumes).
• For non-serial consoles (i586/VIA) you can now use an alternate keyboard mapping.
• For ssh to work, you may need to edit the network settings in '/oldroot/cdrom/os/default.conf' accordingly (SSHPORT=“2222” is a new variable since 0.3.0 and will not exist, when you upgrade)
• By default (if not defined) the network variables are:
  • NIC = eth0
  • IP = DHCP
  • ssh port = 2222.
• To reboot from the console you need to type 'exit' or 'reboot -f'. In ssh 'reboot -f' also works.
• You'll find the stuff that's normally in /oldroot/cdrom/ now in /mnt/base/