Six of the best! An idea for OEM PC Builders?

[JALU]

As an extension of my tinkering <here> with an attempt at poor mans install, I have what I think may be of interest to some OEM PC builders.
Warning to noobies! Best this is attempted on a spare testing machine.

1. Prepare a multiOS.iso similar to <here>

Mine includes the current six flavors of PCLOS>
pclinuxos-kde-2011.6
pclinuxos-lxde-2011.06
pclinuxos-enlightenment.2010.12
pclinuxos-minime-2010.12
pclinuxos-phoenix-xfce-2010.12
pclinuxos-gnome-2010.12

2. Partition a new HDD as ext2> 5MB Primary (label Factory Boot) + 5GB Primary (label Hybrid) & the remainder is left as free space.
(I've used a SATA HDD Docking Station for this purpose)

3. Grabbed the /boot folder from a PCLinuxOS LiveUSB Creation. (pclinuxos-kde-2011.6)
edit the /boot/grub/menu.lst to>

Code: [Select]

timeout 1
default 0
 
title Factory Boot (hd0,1)
root (hd0,1)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader +1
and edited the file> device map

Code: [Select]

(hd0) /dev/sda
4. (as root) copy modified /boot folder to Factory Boot partition (/dev/sdb1 on my system) YMMV !

5. (as root) install GRUB to /dev/sdb   (/dev/sdb - hd1,0 on my system) YMMV

Code: [Select]

$ grub
grub> root (hd1,0)
grub> setup (hd1)
grub> quit
6. and finally (as root)>

Code: [Select]

cd to/whereis/iso
isohybrid -partok multiOS.iso
dd if=multiOS.iso of=/dev/sdb2
Again my warning! - (/dev/sdb2 on my system) YMMV

The hard drive should now be ready for installation on a new PC build.  The choice of six PCLOS flavors available to the new user to peruse at bootup.  When a chosen flavor is installed on the free space remaining on the HDD,  most installs result in a GRUB menu list that includes an option that points back to the Hybrid Boot menu. This is desirable for later re-installation or change in OS preference.  

So what do you think?  Comments and suggestions welcome.
Regards,
Cages

edit> typo (chainloader +1)

[Just17]

Did not think a lot about it, but would have to think about why it is preferential to use a separate Grub partition and a hybrid ISO.

I am inclined to think that only one partition should be used .....  but as I said I have not given it much thought ....

[JALU]

Did not think a lot about it, but would have to think about why it is preferential to use a separate Grub partition and a hybrid ISO.
I am inclined to think that only one partition should be used .....  but as I said I have not given it much thought ....

Take your time!    we treasure those moments....  thinking I mean.

My target audience is not geeks, so the installer data needs to be relatively tamper proof.  I don't see a great need for lots of extra partitions in this scenario.  
Thanks for your input.
Cages

[djohnston]

3. Grabbed the /boot folder from a PCLinuxOS LiveUSB Creation. (pclinuxos-kde-2011.6)
edit the /boot/grub/menu.lst to>
Code:
timeout 1
default 0
 
title Factory Boot (hd0,1)
root (hd0,1)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader +

Haven't tried this yet. But shouldn't that be chainloader +1?

[JALU]

chainloader +

Haven't tried this yet. But shouldn't that be chainloader +1?

Yep!  You spotted my cut/paste typo. I will edit as such..
Thanks djohnston
Cages