Description

This training will allow you to deploy Linux workstations or servers automatically with the RedHat and Debian distribution tools without manual intervention and to use scripts but also an Open Source tool like CFEngine.

Who is this training for ?

For whom ?

Deployment manager. System Engineer. IT manager. Anyone who needs to massively deploy Linux workstations (partial installers, hosts, Cloud providers, resellers, etc.).

Prerequisites

Training objectives

Create a local mirror for Linux distributions

Install a PXE server

Customize deployment files

Use key CFEngine features

Training program

• Linux Reminders
  • Installation mode: local via CD/DVD or network.
  • The packages of the different distributions: mirror or CD/DVD.
  • Boot principle , loading kernel and initrd.
  • Network services: PXE, TFTP, DHCP, HTTP, NFS and DNS.
  • Distributions: RedHat like (CentOS, Fedora.
  • ) and Debian like (Ubuntu, Linux Mint.
  • ).
  • Packages rpm and deb.
• Distribution mirror
  • Create a local mirror for CentOS, Debian and Ubuntu distributions.
  • Accessing mirrors with a web server or NFS.
  • Updating, using the mirror distribution.
  • Practical work Creation of scripts for creating local mirrors.
  • Using rsync and apt-mirror.
  • Implementation from the Apache server and/or NFS for access to the mirror.
• Boot and PXE
  • The PXE server for booting via the network card.
  • The TFTP server.
  • Kernel and initrd images.
  • The DHCP server for temporary IP assignment.
  • Optional use of DNS.
  • Practical work Installation of a PXE, TFTP and DHCP server.
  • Configuration DNS.
  • Boot for installation via network.
• Auto configuration file
  • Under RedHat like the kickstart file.
  • Under Debian like the preseed file.
  • Recover a kickstart or a preseed after manual installation.
  • Customization of deployment files.
  • Use the MAC address for precise configurations per station.
  • Practical work Creation of kickstart and preseed files.
  • Customizing configuration files.
  • Install a LAMP server.
• CFEngine
  • Description and operating principles.
  • Presentation of the CFEngine language.
  • Configuration files.
  • The concept of classes.
  • Syntax of configuration files.
  • Some examples of use: script to deploy Apache, distribution of multi-architecture Perl modules.
  • Other products existing on the market: Puppet, MCollective, Fabric.
  • Practical work Manipulations of the main functionalities with CFEngine.