Fedora NetInstall (Net Install) with gPXE and BFO (boot.fedoraproject.org)
This is guide with screenshots, howto install Fedora (currently Fedora 13) with gPXE and BFO (boot.fedoraproject.org). BFO combines a series of recent technologies to produce a new boot stack. The glue that holds everything together is gPXE. Boot method is similar to PXE Boot. It uses very small images (iso, floppy, disk) to bootstrap a machine that then contacts a remote server for boot information.
Why Should Use BFO Instaed of Normal Installer Image?
The BFO downloads are very small and once you have them, you’ll rarely have to download more. Even as more versions of Fedora come out, you just boot from your iso and they will appear. Users with fast internet connections will have the best experience with BFO. They basically replace having to regularly download large CD/DVD ISO images and burn them to disk. gPXE supports following techniques HTTP, DNS, TFTP, AoE, iSCSI, bzImage, COMBOOT, ELF, Multiboot, PXE, PXEXT.
Download Installation Image
Installer images found here.
ISO DVD/CD Image
Simply burn CD/DVD with your favourite program
USB Image
Add it to USB storage, with following command:
cat bfo.usb > /dev/sdX
## OR ##
dd if=bfo.usb of=/dev/sdX
Floppy Image
Add it to floppy disk, with following command:
cat bfo.dsk > /dev/fdX
## OR ##
dd if=bfo.dsk of=/dev/fdX
Boot with GRUB
Download lkrn image as root, with following command:
wget -O/boot/bfo.lkrn http://serverbeach1.fedoraproject.org/pub/alt/bfo/bfo.lkrn
Add to GRUB using Grubby, with following command:
grubby --add-kernel=/boot/bfo.lkrn --title="Boot BFO"
This guide uses basic BFO ISO image (bfo.iso, size 626 kB), but this works with any other option too.
Howto NetInstall (Net Install) Fedora with gPXE and BFO (boot.fedoraproject.org)
1. Booting with BFO image
2. BFO main boot menu
3. BFO boot menu – Select install image
4. Downloading installation media
5. Select language
6. Select keyboard layout type
7. Configure TCP/IP settings
8. Downloading Fedora install images
9. Anaconda installer started using downloaded images, select next
10. Select storage devices
11. Insert computer hostname
12. Select time zone
13. Enter a password for root user
14. Select type of installation
Read every options info carefully. And select encrypting if needed and option to review and modify partition layout.
15. Review partition layout
Modify if needed.
16. Configure boot loader options
17. Select softwares to install and enable repositories
Select customize package selection, if you want customize it.
18. Customize package selection
19. BFO Starting Installation Process
This take while, depending on package selection and Internet connection speed.
20. Installing packages
21. Installation is complete
Click reboot computer and remove installation media.
Finishing Fedora Installation
22. Booting Fedora
23. Fedora welcome screen
24. Accecpt Fedora License
25. Create Fedora user
26. Setup date and time – Set NTP servers
27. Send hardware profile
28. Login Fedora
29. Fedora desktop
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