Probably the best idea ever :D

Angelos_n · 5 Jun 2008 at 23:23

Ok so i had this idea but i need some help. I run a game server and dedicated server company, and i thought of a really good idea but im a novice at advanced stuff like this. Anyway here it is.

I need someone to help me code or somone can code on here a php script that will allow me to install fresh installations of windows server or linux over the network if you get me.

If you dont understand say and ill explain more but i think u guys will get it

p.s. example = pxe.ukservers.com

daz · 6 Jun 2008 at 00:27

How many servers are you provisioning that you need an automated system to help you with the workload?

L33 · 6 Jun 2008 at 02:22

Php script to deploy an OS?! :confused:

Sounds like what you want is a ghost server, or perhaps look into WDS (although its designed for Windows, it'll deploy images of any OS IIRC).

Zefan · 6 Jun 2008 at 02:24

Yeah doesn't ghosting already do this?

NickK · 6 Jun 2008 at 04:53

Opforce will do this with a boot over the network.

Angelos_n · 6 Jun 2008 at 10:48

Yeh i was just given theat webpage in my example buit and the guy said it was a php script
The reason i need it is because i work in conjuction with a large dedicated server company that has over a few hundred servers and would like to quickly deploy new O/S to boxes that are to be sold the next month so that the new customer has a fresh install. p.s. it doesnt have to be php if you could give me links to some of these programs that would be useful

Angelos

Shoseki · 7 Jun 2008 at 21:55

Linux is your friend.

Monkeynut · 8 Jun 2008 at 01:24

Shoseki said:
Linux is your friend.

The OP already mentions Linux so this helps how?

He wants to know how to deploy his OS not pick which one!

RobH · 8 Jun 2008 at 13:29

Well PHP can use the local OS shell to execute anything so it may be a PHP script controlling a number of applications running on the server to do the dirty work.

sparkey196 · 9 Jun 2008 at 09:31

This is going to be problematic for a number for reasons but here is the first one that springs to mind.

In order to PXE boot the client server for the install, it will have to be within the same broadcast domain as the install server (serving up dhcp, tftp etc). While I'm not saying you cant change the VLANs on your switch using a script, it would be tricky to set up and somewhat risky because often things are not patched exactly as you expect. It does not sound like you would have access to the switches anyway.

Do you have some kind of console access (KVMIP) which allows you to mount an ISO over the front end network? This may be a useable but slightly less automated route.