OmniOS

OmniOS is an open source server-oriented operating system derived from the illumos project, which in turn is based on the OpenSolaris OS. It includes all the features of a Solaris operating system, such as the ZFS filesystem, DTrace framework, hardware virtualization, network virtualization, a self-hosting environment, support for third-party software, as well as lightweight virtualization.

Distributed as a dual-arch ISO image

For your convenience, the OmniOS operating system is distributed on Softoware as a dual-arch ISO image that supports 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x86_64) instruction set architectures. Please note that this is not a Live CD and it must be permanently installed on your computer, along with the existing OS or by replacing it, in order to use it.

Boot options

When booting the ISO image from the BIOS of a computer, using either a USB stick or a Compact Disc, you will notice the ability to press the ESC key to access the GRUB-powered boot menu, from where you can start the installation with normal configuration or by opening a tty environment. It is also possible to boot an existing OS from the local disk drive.

Installing OmniOS

As expected, the installation takes place on the text-mode environment, requiring users to choose a keyboard layout from the get-go. Then, you will arrive at the OmniOS installer menu, from where you can start the installation, install additional drivers, access a shell prompt, change the terminal type, as well as to reboot the machine.

The installer will ask you to partition your disk drive, enter the computer’s hostname, select a region that contains your timezone, and set up the date and time. Most of the navigation between installation steps is done with the F2 and F3 keys. At the end of the installation, reboot the machine to access your brand-new OmniOS server. Login with the "root" username (without quotes), without using a password.