Linux Lab Boot Process (2002)

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This document is an overview of the Linux Lab boot process.

Choose Linux from boot manager

Boot kernel

Create RAM disk

Load RAM disk image

Prepare Linux partitions
- change partition type (if required)
- format (if required)
- file system check (cache partition only)

Choose /usr NFS server depending on subnet

Connect using FTP to /usr server
- download root files (if checksum differs)

Unpack root files from local disk cache

Set up client information

Linux initialization process

User login process

Enter user code (passwd file lookup)

Password prompt (Kerberos: if successful--ticket granted)

Mount home directory
- client contacts home directory server (clnfs0) with usercode
- clnfs0 (tilda/grave) searches passwd file for usercode's home directory
- clnfs0 (tilda/grave) returns home directory information to client
- clnfs0 (tilda/grave) exports home directory to client
- clnfs0 (tilda/grave) edits exports file
- clnfs[0-3] (tilda/grave) exports home directory to client
- client mounts usercode's home directory
- if home directory not exported yet: RPC timeout

Shell prompt
User starts X window system
User starts applications