A methodology to configure a minimal, application-specific operating system for distribution and operation

NetAPT is a tool that helps enterprise and utility customers validate their network security policy. While the tool gives helpful results, it relies on lots of external programs to help it perform its powerful analysis. These dependencies often take hours or days to correctly install and configure. Users need a solution that helps them run the tool quickly, a distribution in which this deep configuration has already been performed. This thesis details how to create a minimal, application-specific ISO of a Linux operating system that can be booted live, installed to a computer, or virtualized across many different platforms. The author first looked at Linux From Scratch as a way to create a completely minimal and bloat-free system. Once the system had been compiled, it failed to run properly and was not small enough. The author next looked at customizing the Ubuntu installer, which well supported the application and its dependencies. The final distribution produced a small, branded ISO that could be run as a LiveCD or installed as a traditional operating system. This makes it easy for users to download a copy of the tool and use it right away without the need for any configuration.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Yordy, Zachary

Contributors dc:contributor

• Nicol, David M.

• Network Access Policy Tool (NetAPT)
• Operating System
• Application-Specific Operating System (ASOS)
• Compile
• Linux
• Distribution

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 Zachary James Yordy

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45344

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/45344