Re: [Xen-users] Hi: Newbie intro.

[Simon Hobson <linux@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ken wrote:

> With regards to partitioning, I think then what you're saying is that
> Dom0 decides what partitions are visible to the DomU, and whether those
> partitions are files on a Dom0 partition or if they're partitions on the
> same "layer" so to speak.
Correct.

> So just guessing, I'm thinking that Dom0 would be the only thing that
> needs to understand RAID/LVM and the DomUs could get by thinking it was
> a plain file system.
Yes.

> Another thing:  I have this existing Gentoo, that I'm typing on.  Is
> there some way to preserve it, or should I just figure on starting over?
> Is there some way to wedge the hypervisor under it, in place?  Is that a
> bad idea even if possible, or is it no big deal?
In general, all you need to do is install a kernel package with Xen 
Dom0 support, install Xen, and configure Xen+Compatible kernel as a 
boot option. You should then have the option of booting :
+ Your existing kernel
+ The new kernel
+ Xen plus the new kernel

Another option, but slightly harder as you need to re-arrange 
partitions a bit ...
Install a kernel with Xen DomU support, put the whole disk/partitions 
to one side, build a new boot setup with a fresh Xen+Dom0, boot your 
existing Gentoo as a DomU. A convenient way of doing this is to 
install a new disk as the primary disk, and then you just configure 
the DomU to use the real partitions (rather than LVs).
As long as you don't mess up the disk, you then have the option of 
putting things back and booting up as you are now. I like options 
with a safety net ;)
--
Simon Hobson

Visit http://www.magpiesnestpublishing.co.uk/ for books by acclaimed
author Gladys Hobson. Novels - poetry - short stories - ideal as
Christmas stocking fillers. Some available as e-books.

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