Pluto Kick-Start

From Pluto Wiki

Pluto is designed to run on a variety of operating systems and distributions. All the platforms have their own procedure for installing software modules. Debian Linux uses .DEB packages. Windows uses .MSI or .EXE installers. Other Linux distros use RPM, some must build from source. The pluto_main database database stores information about each piece of software including what platforms it runs on, where the software is located, and what other software is needed for this to run. We refer to a software program or collection of related programs as a "Package". The database also defines for each package another package which contains the source code, and which may include additional requirements to build the software from source.

The database also defines what platforms the software can be used with. Pluto's web site has a wizard that allows the user to configure a basic system with his own mix of software modules. It then builds a script that contains the list of all the software that is needed, where to get it, and instructions on building from source.

The installer, which is custom for each operating system/distro platform is actually very short and simple. This module, Kick-start, is really a collection of installers for all the various platforms. This module also includes self-booting .ISO CD images that will setup a new computer automatically.