Install Over HTTP

The system firmware of your Developerbox includes a feature called Ram Disk Boot from HTTP. This allows the system firmware to download an ISO image containing a UEFI-compliant file system. The firmware is able to boot from the ISO image and, additionally, the ISO image will be mounted as a RAM disk by HTTP Boot driver, allowing the image to be used in the subsequent boot process.

The system firmware is preconfigured to obtain a network address using DHCP and even has boot configuration that can Install Debian Stretch over HTTP installed automatically when the board is manufactured.

Using Install Debian Stretch over HTTP

To boot the installer try:

  • Boot your Developerbox and press Escape to enter the EDK2 menu system
  • Select Boot Manager
  • Select Install Debian Stretch over HTTP

This will launch the installer. Further information on how to install Debian can be found in the Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide or, alternatively, watch a screen cast of an end-to-end install process:

asciicast

Adding alternative boot configurations

To add an additional HTTP Boot Configuration for a different operating system installer try:

  • Boot your Developerbox and press Escape to enter the EDK2 menu system
  • Select Device Manager
  • Select Network Device List
  • Select your MAC address, for example: MAC:FC:AF:96:B0:A4:D5
  • Select HTTP Boot Configuration
  • Select Input the description and enter a suitable label, for example: Boot danix from HTTP
  • Choose the appropriate Internet protocol (either IP4 or IP6)
  • Select Boot URI and provide the download location for your ISO image
  • Press F10 followed by Y to save the entry
  • Press Escape multiple times until you reach the main menu
  • Select Boot Manager
  • Choose you new boot label from the list

asciicast