Everest needs a proper environment set up in order to install correctly.
- A system mountpoint is where the new system's root (/) will be. Where you put this doesn't matter, as the host system used to build the system won't be included
- in the final installation. In this example, we will use /mnt/everest.
+ A system mountpoint is where the new system's root (/) will be. Where you put this doesn't matter, as the host system used to build the system won't be included in the final installation. In this example, we will use /mnt/everest.
A variable pointing to the system mountpoint may be useful in the future, as it will save you a bit of typing.
@@ -95,13 +94,18 @@
A valid filesystem is required on the drive.
Most filesystems should work, however ensure the system has the corresponding package for whatever filesystem you choose.
In this example, Ext4 will be used.
An Everest system image provides an incomplete root filesystem which users can build a system off of. Users should be careful of which
- image they choose, as switching in the future is trivial, time consuming, and requires rebuilding a lot of packages. It's a lot better
- to get it right the first time, rather than trying to get it right later.
+ An Everest system image provides an incomplete root filesystem which users can build a system off of. Users should be careful of which image they choose, as switching in the future is trivial, time consuming, and requires rebuilding a lot of packages.
+ It's a lot better to get it right the first time, rather than trying to get it right later.
Do some thorough planning to ensure you get the right system image. For instance, ask yourself a few questions, such as:
- Do I need 32 bit libraries?
@@ -144,29 +147,26 @@
Unpacking the system image
Now that a system image has been downloaded, we can unpack it.
Ensure the system image is inside the system mountpoint, otherwise you may run into trouble.
- Since a Linux root filesystem is complex, and many different files need to be owned by certain users, or have certain permissions, simply running `tar xf` will
- result in a broken image. A couple extra flags are needed to preserve these permissions in the unpacked image.
+ Since a Linux root filesystem is complex, and many different files need to be owned by certain users, or have certain permissions, simply running `tar xf` will result in a broken image. A couple extra flags are needed to preserve these permissions in the unpacked image.
Unpack the system image:
(root)# tar -xpvf SYSTEM_IMAGE --xattrs-include='*.*' --numeric-owner
If this command was run correctly, you shouldn't need to edit any permissions manually.
+ In case permissions were changed, you can use the 'prep' command from everest-build-tools.
Chrooting into the system mountpoint
- Although we have a relatively complete root filesystem at this point, many essential programs are still missing. These include the kernel and bootloader. Without these,
- the system is unable to boot. At this point, we must chroot into the new system. This will allow us to complete the system without booting.
+ Although we have a relatively complete root filesystem at this point, many essential programs are still missing. These include the kernel and bootloader. Without these, the system is unable to boot. At this point, we must chroot into the new system. This will allow us to complete the system without booting.
Chroot into the new system:
(root)# everest-chroot /mnt/everest
Change the shell prompt to differentiate the two environments:
(chroot)# echo "export PS1='(chroot) ${PS1}'" >> /etc/profile && source /etc/profile
Install packages
- Any programs you wish to install, such as display servers, login managers, and desktop environments, should be installed now. The kernel can take multiple
- hours to compile on some hardware.
+ Any programs you wish to install, such as display servers, login managers, and desktop environments, should be installed now. The kernel can take multiple hours to compile on some hardware.
Glacier manages packages on the system, and it allows users to install, or 'merge' their own. It is recommended to get familiar with this system.
See: Introduction to Glacier
Install the Linux kernel
The most important part of the system, the kernel, which allows hardware to communicate with software, is ready to be installed.
If needed, merge the linux-firmware package, which provides device firmware:
(chroot)# gpkg -f world/linux-firmware
- At this stage, you can decide which kernel you want to install. In Everest's package repository, many prebuilt kernels are available, as well as the
- source code, should you wish to compile your own.
+ At this stage, you can decide which kernel you want to install. In Everest's package repository, many prebuilt kernels are available, as well as the source code, should you wish to compile your own.
Option 1: Custom kernel
Compiling a custom kernel is the recommended option for most users, as it allows the most control.
Download the kernel's source tree:
@@ -192,8 +192,7 @@
Once the kernel is configured, compile it:
(chroot)# make && make modules install
Option 2: Distribution kernel
- For those who do not wish to configure a custom kernel, or likewise do not have the time or system resources to do so, a distribution kernel
- provides a binary kernel. However, there are a couple of pitfalls to this option:
+ For those who do not wish to configure a custom kernel, or likewise do not have the time or system resources to do so, a distribution kernel provides a binary kernel. However, there are a couple of pitfalls to this option:
- Distribution kernels are not fine tuned to your system, they are generic and bloated
- Distribution kernels are managed by their respective development teams, who must be relied upon for fixes
@@ -208,8 +207,7 @@
Install a distribution kernel:
(chroot)# gpkg -f world/linux-{everest,zen,hardened}
Build an initramfs
- Depending on your system, an initramfs may be required. For example, users of distribution kernels will ALWAYS need to build an initramfs,
- while those who configured and compiled their own will usually not need one.
+ Depending on your system, an initramfs may be required. For example, users of distribution kernels will ALWAYS need to build an initramfs, while those who configured and compiled their own will usually not need one.
To build an initramfs, you will need dracut. Install dracut:
(chroot)# gpkg -f world/dracut
Build an initramfs:
@@ -291,8 +289,8 @@
permit USER as root
Configure the bootloader
- Now that the system is correctly configured and the kernel is installed, the final step can proceed - installing the bootloader. Without a bootloader, the system
- will be unable to load the Linux kernel upon boot. This guide only mentions GRUB, however note that other bootloaders are supported.
+ Now that the system is correctly configured and the kernel is installed, the final step can proceed - installing the bootloader. Without a bootloader, the system will be unable to load the Linux kernel upon boot.
+ This guide only mentions GRUB, however note that other bootloaders are supported.
Merge GRUB for BIOS:
(chroot)# gpkg -f world/grub-bios
Merge GRUB for UEFI:
@@ -320,7 +318,8 @@
With the installation out of the way, you now have a minimal Linux environment to play around in, and to build around.
Many things still need to be set up and configured.
See: General Recommendations
-
+
+ If you require assistance, reach out to the community on Discord (HJzJUwSmDf) or IRC (#everestlinux on libera.chat)