Install Linux over ssh

I'm a totally blind individual so can't install Linux with the normal install process. SSH does work for me how ever, is it possible to use an ssh connection to remotely install a Linux server? Ideally I'd like to pop in a cd, power on the machine I want to install Linux on, SSH into it and install through SSH. I'm not perticular about what distro I use, I also have experience with FreeBSD and OpenBSD if it's possible to do this with them.


Solution 1:

Yes. I've done it with gentoo. However, you may need help turning on ssh after the livecd boots. So the steps would look like:

  1. Pop in the CD, power on the computer
  2. Let it load
  3. Turn on SSHD - I'm not sure if it does this automatically or not, can't remember
  4. SSH into it
  5. Do all the install steps, taking very special care with the networking configuration
  6. Reboot, and cross your toes
  7. SSH into the newly installed computer and finish configuration/installation

Solution 2:

One thing you could do is find a livecd or liveusb that boots and starts the network and ssh automatically. Something like a customized version of SystemRescueCd may work.

Once you have a system booted, and you can SSH in and then use something like debootstrap to perform the install of a debian or ubuntu system.