The ROCK Linux "Postoffice" Project

The Project

The ROCK Linux Postoffice software has been created in cooperation with VUM (Accociation For Human Support) for a project in Bemanda, Cameroon.

They created a ROCK Linux based "E-Mail Postoffice" there which is up and running since January 2001.

If you know german you should read the project diary.

The Software

The ROCK Linux Postoffice is a small distribution based on ROCK Linux. It runs on old IBM PS/2 PCs and can run as server (needs a harddisk) or client (single-floppy). The postmaster works on the sever. People can write their E-Mails on the clients.

The installation happens in two steps:

• Step 1: Boot from the disks. A script will atomatically create the partitions on the harddisc and copy all data from the CD to the first partition. It also installs the kernel and LILO.
• Step 2: Boot from the disk and choose 'install' in the boot menu. That will install the data from the 1st partition to the root partition.

The 1st partition is never mounted read-write, so you only need to repeat step 2 for a new installation. The CD (or a CD-ROM drive) is never needed again, unless the harddrive brakes.