To Create Customized Template Files

1. Maintain the default template files for copying and backup:

   # cd /tftpboot/images/TYPE/ARCH/DISTRO # mv kickstart kickstart.orig # mv netboot netboot.orig

2. Maintain the default host files for copying and backup:

   # cd /tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/MAC-address/ # mv kickstart kickstart.orig # mv netboot netboot.orig

3. In either or both directories, make another copy for customization:

   # cp kickstart.orig kickstart.significant-suffix # cp netboot.orig netboot.significant-suffix

4. Change the files as needed:

   • If you change a template file, make sure the macro lines are exactly as in the original template file, in the same order and the same text.

   • If you change a host file, make sure your host file has the post-install section copied exactly, in the same location in the file as in the original host file.

   • If you want to keep multiple versions of a file, give each version a different suffix and make sure to copy over the needed macros or post-install section.

5. Decide which version will be used for the next BMI server session. Make a backup of this file. This is important, because if any user changes the configuration through the BMI Server Setup feature, your active files will be overwritten.

6. Create a symlink for the BMI server to find the files that you want to use for the next BMI provisioning session:

   # ln -s kickstart.your-suffix kickstart # ln -s netboot.your-suffix netboot

Example 2–1 Symlink For the BMI Server

kickstart.orig
kickstart.myServers
kickstart.myWorkstations_partA
kickstart.myWorkstations_partB
kickstart.myWorkstations_partA_backup
kickstart -> kickstart.myWorkstations_partA