FAI (Fully Automatic Installation) is a system administration tool for automating the installation, configuration and maintenance of Linux computers. It can deploy operating systems to individual machines, server farms, classrooms and large computing clusters without requiring an administrator to perform each installation manually.
The software uses a class-based configuration system to define the packages, disk layouts and settings required by different groups of computers. Rather than maintaining separate installation procedures for every machine, administrators can create reusable configurations and apply them according to a system’s hardware or intended role.
FAI supports network-based installations, customised installation media and deployments into chroot environments. Administrators can extend the installation process using scripts and hooks, allowing them to control everything from partitioning and package selection to post-installation configuration.
The software can also update and reconfigure existing installations. This makes it useful beyond the initial deployment, particularly in environments where large numbers of Linux systems need to remain consistently configured.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Automates unattended Linux operating system installations.
- Supports deployment to physical machines, virtual machines and computing clusters.
- Uses classes to organise systems with shared configuration requirements.
- Provides flexible disk partitioning and filesystem configuration.
- Supports customised package selections and installation scripts.
- Uses hooks to customise different stages of the installation process.
- Supports network installations and customised installation media.
- Can deploy Linux installations into chroot environments.
- Provides remote access over SSH during installation.
- Supports configuration and maintenance of existing Linux installations.
- Does not require a dedicated database or continuously running management daemon.
Website: fai-project.org
Support:
Developer: Thomas Lange
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
FAI is written in Perl. Learn Perl with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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