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Linode KVM
Note: AstLinux 1.3.0 or later is required
VM Host Specifications: Linode
AstLinux Board Type:
- “genx86_64-vm” (VGA video console)
VM Guest Recommended Options:
- Plan: Nanode 1GB
- Memory: 1 GB
- CPU: 1 Processor Core
- Virtual Storage: 2 to 16 GB
Configuration:
The configuration process involves several steps:
- Create two “unformatted / raw” virtual disks, one for the ISO installer image and one for the AstLinux boot image
- Create two configuration profiles, one to run the ISO installer, the other to boot AstLinux
- Using “Rescue Mode”
dd
copy the AstLinux ISO Installer to the raw installer image, this involves using the command line - Reboot using the installer configuration profile to install AstLinux onto the boot disk
- Reboot using the boot configuration profile to setup AstLinux
All the steps will be discussed herein, but separate detailed instructions can also be found here: Install a Custom Distribution on a Linode
Before we begin, let's discuss a couple topics.
A hosted VM service like Linode requires some sort of “console” access, Linode offers several. Using the Linodes → Remote Access tab, view the available options.
More Info: Using the Linode Shell (Lish)
Additionally, Linode offers a “Shutdown Watchdog”, enabled by default using the Linodes → Settings tab.
We mention this since your AstLinux “reboot” will only act as a “poweroff” if Lassie is disabled. As such you will only be asked to “Reboot” to run a configuration profile.
OK, let's begin …
Linodes → Dashboard
We boot into the rescue Linux image to copy the AstLinux Install ISO onto the raw installer disk. Note where the installer disk is mounted, assuming /dev/sda
.
Click “Reboot into Rescue Mode” using Linodes → Rescue
Access Lish via “Lish via SSH” using Linodes → Remote Access
This example command copies the AstLinux 1.3.3 ISO onto /dev/sda
, adjust accordingly.
curl --capath /usr/share/ca-certificates/mozilla https://s3.amazonaws.com/mirror.astlinux-project/downloads/iso/astlinux-1.3.3-genx86_64-vm.iso | dd of=/dev/sda
Now we are ready to launch the installer, exit “Lish via SSH”.
Select “Installer-astlinux-1.3” and click “Reboot” using Linodes → Dashboard
Access Glish via “Launch Graphical Web Console” using Linodes → Remote Access
Select the “Install” installer menu, follow the dialogs to install an AstLinux image to your virtual disk.
Select “Boot-AstLinux-1.3” and click “Reboot” using Linodes → Dashboard
Access Glish via “Launch Graphical Web Console” using Linodes → Remote Access
Finally, configure AstLinux using the normal setup.
Tip -> Note the “IPv4 Address:” on the screen and access the VM with SSH or an HTTPS browser from anywhere.
Warning -> It is important to enable the Firewall as soon as possible. Create rules with limited access for TCP ports 22,80,443 (SSH/HTTP/HTTPS) from trusted public addresses.
Out-of-Band Console Access:
Out-of-Band Console Access is an optional feature, but very useful, so enable it.
After you have AstLinux setup with persistent storage and firewall rules applied, out-of-band console access is enabled by editing the /etc/inittab
file.
Change this line…
# ttyS0::respawn:/sbin/getty -L 115200 /dev/ttyS0 vt100
to this…
ttyS0::respawn:/sbin/getty -L 19200 /dev/ttyS0 vt100
Reboot AstLinux to apply the change.
Below is a sample session to access AstLinux box “linode” via the Linode Shell (Lish).
More Info: Using the Linode Shell (Lish)
## Where <user> is your Linode username ## Where <location> is: dallas, newark, frankfurt, etc. $ ssh <user>@lish-<location>.linode.com Linux lish-<location>.linode.com 4.15.13-x86_64-linode106 #1 SMP Tue Mar 27 14:42:14 UTC 2018 x86_64 Linodes located in this data center: linode123456 Location [<user>@lish-<location>.linode.com]# linode123456 This is linode (Linux x86_64 3.16.54-astlinux) 13:00:10 linode login: root Password: linode ~ # who root ttyS0 00:00 May 29 13:00:19 linode ~ # exit logout This is linode (Linux x86_64 3.16.54-astlinux) 13:00:47 linode login:
Tip -> Access occurs via a screen
console session.
To exit, type Control-A
then D
then D
and finally exit
to return to the starting shell.