How to install eBox with recent kernels

Introduction

Currently, our custom eBox installer ships a 2.6.12 kernel. As changing the kernel is not an easy task, we are putting off the inclusion of a new kernel probably until we use etch.

A 2.6.12 kernel couldn't be new enough to include support for your new hardware. If that is your case maybe these lines can help you to install eBox successfully with your hardware.

Getting a backported debian installer

We will use the backported d-i images provided by Kenshi Muto. These d-i images are debian sarge installers with recent kernels. Download the last iso named sarge-custom-0304.iso from here. This last iso boots with a 2.6.20.1 kernel.

Get the iso, burn it and boot your machine with it.

Follow the install process normally. This installation process differs from our custom eBox installation in the following steps:

• You will have to create an extra user apart from root
• You will be asked if you want to scan another cd, answer NO
• You will be asked Add another apt source?, answer YES
• Now you will be asked to pick a method to add the source, select edit sources by hand and add the following sources:

  deb http://ebox-platform.com/debian/stable/ ebox/
  deb http://ebox-platform.com/debian/stable/ extra/
  deb http://ebox-platform.com/debian/stable/ kernels/
  deb http://ftp.debian.de/debian sarge main
  

• Save the file pressing control+X and return. Press OK and continue until you see the screen showed below:

• In that menu you have to pick the Finish configuring the base system option
• Log in as root and edit the file /etc/apt/sources.list. Now you will have to remove the line containing:

  deb http://security.debian.org/ stable/updates main 
  

• Save the file and update your apt by executing from console:

  apt-get update
  

• Now install the last new kernel 2.6.21

  apt-get install kernel-image-2.6.21
  

• You will have to reboot to use the just installed kernel by executing:

  reboot
  

• Log in again as root and install eBox by executing:

  apt-get install "^ebox-.*"