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ivand58
June 20th, 2009, 20:27
Hi all,
is it possible to install FreeBSD on a PC with LAN, USB and CD/DVD reader but without a Monitor, Floppy and Keyboard (the usual server). I have an additional laptop (with usb and lan), that can be used as terminal via the Ethernet or USB. I read the chapter two of FreeBSD Handbook, but i don't have a floppy neither a RS232. Unfortunately the PC can't boot from the USB, so maybe i have to build my own CD/DVD distribution?

And a small additional question - is it possible in this case (PC without videocard) to start a X11 client, used by few Windows machines?
Oko
June 21st, 2009, 01:29
Hi all,
is it possible to install FreeBSD on a PC with LAN, USB and CD/DVD reader but without a Monitor, Floppy and Keyboard (the usual server). I have an additional laptop (with usb and lan), that can be used as terminal via the Ethernet or USB. I read the chapter two of FreeBSD Handbook, but i don't have a floppy neither a RS232. Unfortunately the PC can't boot from the USB, so maybe i have to build my own CD/DVD distribution?

And a small additional question - is it possible in this case (PC without videocard) to start a X11 client, used by few Windows machines?

It seems to me that you should be able to boot via network. I am not 100% sure. I would have to think about it but looks possible.
Answer to second question is yes. But you need running X server on your Windows machine so you would need something like cygwin.
vivek
June 21st, 2009, 03:48
We do 100% network boot and installation for both v6.x and 7.x. Never had any issue.
ivand58
June 22nd, 2009, 15:29
We do 100% network boot and installation for both v6.x and 7.x. Never had any issue.

ok, how?
mk
June 22nd, 2009, 16:09
Using PXE (http://www.freebsd.org/doc/en_US.ISO8859-1/articles/pxe/index.html)?
fronclynne
June 23rd, 2009, 01:53
I think he's asking how you would run install without a keyboard, mouse, or video.

Over the network.(?)
iic2
June 23rd, 2009, 06:21
It's call an headless install. I forgot where the main link was but its a common link know by many from old school back when I didn't have a clue. Not solaris or other modern.
SirDice
June 23rd, 2009, 07:44
Use a serial console cable to control the server, PXE boot the install, install OS, configure, done :e

http://forums.freebsd.org/showthread.php?t=1316&highlight=jumpstart
ivand58
June 23rd, 2009, 12:29
Use a serial console cable to control the server, PXE boot the install, install OS, configure, done :e
Sorry but i don't have serail interface on my laptop.
SirDice
June 23rd, 2009, 12:38
You need something to initiate the install on the server with.

You can buy a USB->serial cable or temporarily hook up a keyboard and monitor to the server.
ivand58
June 23rd, 2009, 12:45
You need something to initiate the install on the server with.

You can buy a USB->serial cable or temporarily hook up a keyboard and monitor to the server.

I other words, there is no way to boot a minimal OS with telnet or ssh and initiate the FreeBSD Inatallation ?
SirDice
June 23rd, 2009, 13:23
I other words, there is no way to boot a minimal OS with telnet or ssh and initiate the FreeBSD Inatallation ?

Not unless you create a fully custom install that works automatically.