ULTRIX-32 Guide to Remote Installation Service for RISC and VAX Processors

This document, "ULTRIX-32 Guide to Remote Installation Service for RISC and VAX Processors" (Version 3.1), is a manual from Digital Equipment Corporation detailing how to set up and maintain a network distribution kit for installing ULTRIX-32 software.

Key aspects of the document:

1. Purpose: It guides users, primarily system administrators, on how to install and manage a "network distribution kit" using the Remote Installation Service (RIS) utility. This enables client processors (MicroVAX, VAXstation, DECstation) to install software products over a network (Ethernet) directly from a server, eliminating the need for physical media on each client.

2. Network Kit Environment:

   • Server: Any Digital-supported processor running ULTRIX with Maintenance Operations Protocol (MOP) support. It hosts the network distribution kit.
   • Distribution Device: A tape drive (e.g., TK50, 9-track) on the server used to transfer software from media to the server's disk.
   • Key Directories: Software subsets are stored in /usr/var/adm/ris, and client-specific "model files" are in /usr/var/adm/ris/clients.
   • Clients: Systems that receive software over the network.
   • Model Files: Define which software subsets a client will receive during installation.

3. Setup Preparation: This chapter outlines critical prerequisite information and tasks before setting up the kit:

   • Ensuring sufficient disk space on the server's /usr file system.
   • Setting up the Local Area Network (LAN) connecting the server and clients.
   • Gathering client-specific information: hostnames, IP addresses (to be placed in /etc/hosts), and hardware Ethernet addresses.
   • Identifying distribution media details and device special file names/mount points.
   • Utilizing a "Network Kit Setup Worksheet" to organize all collected information.

4. Server Setup and Maintenance: This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for performing core operations using the /etc/ris utility:

   • Installing Software: Loading software subsets from distribution media onto the server's network distribution kit.
   • Adding Clients: Registering new client processors, which involves entering their hostname and hardware Ethernet address, and assigning a default or custom model file.
   • Removing Clients: De-registering clients from the service.
   • Creating Alternate Model Files: Customizing model files (lists of software subsets) for specific client needs.
   • Deleting Old Software Versions: Removing older software products from the network distribution kit to free up disk space.

In essence, the document is a practical guide for system administrators to implement and manage a centralized, network-based software distribution system for ULTRIX-32 on Digital's RISC and VAX-based hardware.