Making a customized linux install cd/iso
 

Hi All,

I have a linux server system based on Debian which I'm needing to package up as an installer cd; so that I can distribute it to others in our office/group for them to install.

I need to have it as simple as I can as most will be able to run the installer but many won't know too much more than that.

Is there a way I can make up/modify an installer of Debian to include my kernel patches/updates and customized software all pre-installed of the installer cd?

Thanks
Anubis

There is - remastersys does a great job of this.
http://www.geekconnection.org/remastersys/

I use it to make a custom distro for work.

Remastersys and/or Debian Live (livecd builder)
I prefer Slackware so use a modified Linux-Live to make any kind of live media I wish because it is simpler and more customizable maybe then some, however, as for an installer (to HDD) I either use a script or install manually using cp and some other stuff.
I used to make both ubuntu and debian remastersys and debian live builds but just love Slackware so much and Linux-Live usually only works with Slack and ARCH.
It is harder I think to have a custom kernel with Ubuntu/Debian and Remastersys/Live-Builder than for Slackware/Linux-Live or is just simpler for me.

But, YES, all of them will normally build a customized, installable livecd/usb with/without persistence.

Hi All,

Thanks for the reply. I've giving remastersys a try now.

However, I was seeking something more along the lines of an installable (to hdd) system; not a live CD. Can these same tools be used for that or is that something entirely different?

Thanks
Anubis.

the remastersys for debian comes with a hdd installer
and the ubuntu remastersys just use Ubiquity for the hdd installer

Hi,

See this link. This should be helpful for you.

It is somewhat easy to do that in Debian (making an installer CD, not a Live-CD), you should have a look at preseeding. This way you can set up an installer-disc with your packages, a pre-defined partitioning scheme, ... . In fact, all the things that can be manually done the normal installer can be automated and altered to your needs with that approach. I did that some time ago for automated Ubuntu installs, and it worked fine also.