FAI-CD For Linux

FAI-CD is an open source, fast and scalable Linux kernel-based operating system, a unique project designed from the offset as a automated unattended installation tool for lazy system administrators who want to deploy different Linux distribution remotely using network installations.

The distribution can be downloaded from its official homepage or via Softpedia as an installable-only CD ISO image that contains software packages optimized only for the 64-bit (x86_64) instruction set architecture. This means that it boots and installs only 64-bit operating systems.

Default boot options include the ability to start the FAI (Fully Automatic Installation) system in demo mode or in graphical mode with the Xfce desktop environment, start a server or rescue system, boot an existing operating system from the local drive, as well as to run a memory test. Please note the username and password that are displayed in front of each entry, as you will need them to start the installation.

By default, the FAI-CD ISO image will install the Debian GNU/Linux operating system with the Xfce desktop environment without asking any questions, fully automatic. At the login prompt use the “root” username and the “fai” password (without quotes) to log into the Xfce-powered graphical interface, which can use a traditional, single-panel layout or a default layout comprised of a panel and a dock (application launcher).

Only a minimal set of open-source applications has been included in the FAI-CD operating systems. Among some of the most important apps, we can mention the IceWeasel web browser, Ristretto image viewer, Xfburn CD/DVD burning software, Mousepad text editor, Thunar file manager, Xfce Terminal and XTerm terminal emulators, as well as Bulk Rename batch file renaming utility.