I have an old computer that only runs bootable CDs and it does not have BIOS. I was thinking that it might be able to boot a live Linux USB from a live Linux CD because it also does not have a DVD drive and I wish to install via the DVD version.
So using a live Linux disc and using the GRUB loader – or whatever you call the first screen that asks you what you want to do – there normally is a custom option where you can write your own boot code.
If this is possible – and I have no idea if it is – what would be the boot command for the USB? I do realize that I would need to find out the generic name for the USB before I started.
If you are wondering: It's an eMachine, about 10-15 years old, has 512MB of RAM (which I upgraded from 256) and I believe a Pentium 3 or 4 processor. Yes I realize there are other ways to do this, like using the 13 disc set, but I really rather not wait to download ALL of those discs as I already have the iso for the DVD version that I already tested and it has the options I want.
I'm installing openSUSE, but that's not important as I want the answer for future reference.
Also, I would like to know how to find the generic name for the USB when plugged in — I have no idea where to find that without the BIOS.
Answer
Most Linux distro's can be installed from a single CD (e.g. OpenSUSE) and additional packages then installed over the Internet using the native package manager. I have installed RHEL/Centos this way (use 1st CD of set, deselect all packages, install, boot, use package manager).
There is no need to copy an image intended for a USB flash drive onto a CD.
No comments:
Post a Comment