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 AstLinux bootloader RUNNIX has been updated to runnix-0.3.2 ¹⁾. This is considered an 'optional' upgrade at this time, and AstLinux 0.7.5 does not require runnix-0.3.2.
If you currently have problems booting with a SATA drive, or just want the latest features, after you upgrade to 0.7.5, and with internet connectivity, you may upgrade RUNNIX from the CLI by typing:

$ 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 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+ v4.10

• 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/