Copying OS Distributions and Flash Archives

Before you can install an OS profile on a managed server, you must copy an OS image. This copied image is called an OS distribution. You can copy an OS image from files that are located on the management server or from a network mounted file system. OS distributions are copied to the directories on the management server as follows:

• Linux management server:

  • Linux OS distributions: /var/opt/sun/scs/share/allstart/

  • Solaris OS distributions: /var/opt/sun/scs/share/allstart/jumpstart/

• Solaris management server:

  • Linux OS distributions: /var/opt/SUNWscs/share/allstart

  • Solaris OS distributions: /var/js

Supported file types are:

• CD ISO files (Linux only)

• CD media (Linux only)

• DVD ISO files

• DVD media

The N1 System Manager does not support the copying of Solaris OS CDs and CD ISO files. You must copy a Solaris DVD or DVD ISO file.

Refer to Hardware and OS Requirements for Systems to be Provisioned for a detailed list of supported distributions for each provisionable server type.

To copy an OS distribution, use the create os command. Type help create os at the N1–ok command line for syntax and parameter details, or see create os in Sun N1 System Manager 1.3 Command Line Reference Manual. Refer to the following procedures for instructions about how to copy an OS distribution:

• To Copy an OS Distribution From ISO Files

• To Copy a SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 Service Pack OS Distribution from ISO Files

• To Copy an OS Distribution From CDs or a DVD

After you have copied an OS distribution, you can copy a flash archive file to the management server for use with a customized OS profile. Copying flash archives involves several manual steps, but it provides the most efficient method for loading OS distributions with the N1 System Manager. See To Copy a Flash Archive to the Management Server.