Workshop: Building and Maintaining Linux Clusters

Linux is used in a variety of applications. In some applications, there are multiple remote systems running a Linux image, that needs to be periodically maintained and updated. Examples include a cluster of security cameras, digital signages, build servers, test servers, kiosks, etc.

One way to manage these clusters is to boot them over the network, so that the kernel and image can be updated in one location and the clusters boot from an updated image, during the next reboot.

In this tutorial we will show how to build such systems using Tiny Core Linux, a light weight Linux distribution that can provide a GUI, using a 16 MB filesystem.

This tutorial will use a hands on first approach, to walk you through the features of Tiny Core Linux, and how it can be booted from a pendrive, and finally how it can be booted remotely over a network.

Pre-requisites: You should be familiar with the Linux command line. Familiarity with the system boot sequence will be a plus.