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It is a script that is parsed during a Linux install. It is usually specified when you boot into an install CD/DVD or whatever medium you are installing from, network, etc.
When you boot from an install media, you get that welcome screen, and instead of just hitting enter to start the process, you have options, e.g.
"linux ks=floppy" would be the way to use a kickstart file on a floppy.
You can create custom install CDs that have the kickstart file on them already, then
"linux ks=cdrom" would start you on your way.
The kickstart file has two main purposes:
1.) To create an unattended installation. You pop in the DVD, type as above, and go for coffee. When you return, system installed. No questions to answer.
2.) It allows you to create a template installation, so if you are installing to many machines, they will all have to same packages installed, same settings, etc.
Bonus.) Vendors may give you a kickstart file, to ensure that when you install Linux for their product, the right things are there, in the right way.
---That's about it.
What else can I help you with?
What Linux utility provides an answer file for unattended installs in Linux?
As 'Linux' is actually the Linux Kernel and a bunch of other tools packaged together as a distro, this will depend on the distro you use. For example, Red Hat Linux uses a file called ks.cfg (known as kickstart) which contains information for it's installer system called Anaconda.
What tool is used to perform automated installs of Red Hat Linux?
Kickstart is such a tool you can use to automate installations.
What Linux command sets a files permission?
In Linux the chmod command is used to set file permissions.
What is the Linux Filesystem hierarchy used for?
The Linux Filesystem Hierarchy is used to help determine the file structure in the Linux Operating System. It defines the Directory structure and directory contents.
What is the Linux Virtual File System used for?
The Linux VFS (Virtual File System) may be thought of as a sort of interface between the Linux kernel and the mounted file systems. There can be many different file system types mounted simultaneously and VFS allows the Linux kernel to see and address them all in a similar way. This provides Linux with a great deal of flexibility. [JMH]
What are hardlinks and softlinks used for in Linux?
Alternate references to a file/directory.
What file service is used in Linux?
Need to be more specific in your question.
What is the oldest Linux file system?
The first file system Linux supported was the MINIX file system.
Which command is used to create an empty file with file size zero bytes so that you can write in these files later in unix and Linux?
touch newfile will make a new empty file in linux os !
What does a dot preceding a file name in Linux mean?
It means that the file or directory is used for application settings.
What is file manager in Linux?
There is no set file manager in linux. Examples of Linux file managers include but: Nautilus (GNOME) Thunar (XFCE) Dolphin (KDE)
What makes kickstart files unique compared to regular computer files?
The kickstart file is a text file that contains a list of items identified by a keyword. It can be kept on a single server and read by individual computers.
