LinuxBIOS

What is LinuxBIOS?

LinuxBIOS is a Free Software project aimed at replacing the normal BIOS with a little bit of hardware initialization and a compressed Linux kernel that can be booted from a cold start. The project was started as part of clustering research work in the Cluster Reseach Lab at the Advanced Computing Laboratory at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The primary motivation behind the project was the desire to have the operating system gain control of a cluster node from power on. Other beneficial consequences of using LinuxBIOS include needing only two working motors to boot (cpu fan and power supply), fast boot times (current fastest is 3 seconds), and freedom from proprietary (buggy) BIOS code, to name a few. These secondary benefits are numerous and have helped gain support from many vendors in both the high performance computing as well as embedded computing markets.

Where is this this project today?

Pro's and Con's of LinuxBios:

  1. Speed of boot - under 3 seconds to single user mode.
  2. Reliability - no dependency on moving parts in CD or floppy.
  3. Security- no removable media means no unwanted intervention in the boot process.
  4. Due to non-standardization among motherboard manufacturer's even within the "same run" it can be "hit or miss" on whether LinuxBios will work properly.
  5. LinuxBios requires software development and testing before deployment in a large HPC solution.

Linux Labs International works with hardware partners etc. to develop patches and other components to allow further development of the LinuxBios Project.

Some of these have included:

  1. SANs - Diskless Storage Area Networks
  2. Clusters - Cluster Management
  3. LANs- update of configurations remotely for diskless workstations.
  4. X terminals

Who started LinuxBIOS?

Ron Minnich, James Hendricks and Dale Webster in 1999 at the Advanced Computing Laboratory at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Who is developing LinuxBIOS?

There are some key chipset manufacturers (SiS, VIA) and workstation manufacturers providing consulting. There is also LinuxBios development at Linux Labs. The primary development of the LinuxBios is funded by the Los Alamos Computer Science Institute.

How do I upgrade the kernel in LinuxBIOS?

The kernel can reloaded to the DoC flash (MTD) using a utility at any time. It is important to properly test and prepare the image, Linux Labs has an ongoing upgrade utility to keep LinuxBIOS modules current on its supported motherboards.

To specify your requirements, obtain pricing, or get more information on Linux Labs offerings click here or call Linux Labs at 866-824-9737.

Linux Labs knows LinuxBIOS

How can we help you?

To specify your HPC requirements, obtain pricing, and get more information, please use our Cluster Configurator.

Or you can email us: