Me and some friends have a simple web/db server which is located on the other side of the country. Currently it is running a crappy Redhat installation, which we made a long time back when none of us had any linux knowledge. Needless to say, after months of editing stuff, the structure on the server is a total mess.

Right now, we want to update our server to Gentoo Linux (with a 2.6.x kernel). All data will be backed up before we start, so formatting is no problem. I've managed to install Gentoo a few times now on some local machines here, and pretty much know my way around it.

(note: I currently have SSH/FTP root-access to the server.)

Now the only problem with a Gentoo installation, is the time it takes. Since the server is located far away, it would be best if it was a quick & easy job on location, and all additional work done through SSH (either before or after the on-location-work).

(note: I HAVE to go to the location anyway since we also wanna install an additional harddrive in it. Linux however, will still be installed on the drive which is already in there)

The server isn't running any special software. Basicly it's a clean linux install with apache/php/mysql and an ftpserver. Since it's just a private hosting machine, rebooting isn't really a problem, yet i'd like to keep the uptime at a max.

Since a lot of you probably have more experience with remote linux installations then me,

Which way would you deal with this ?

Which stuff would you do remotely, and which on location ?

All tips are welcome !

Thanks in advance,

Milo

you coulde try a network install.

by ssh'elling to the server then, using the network to install.

Sounds way to risky to me. It would be better to have the thing shipped to your house and then have it shipped back.

yeah, not giving too much though about it, youd also want to be VERY cautious about, "knocking your legs out from under yourself".

And never be able to ssh back to the server.