Quick Tip: Cloning Ubuntu Desktop via G4U

In this tutorial, we will be cloning PC desktop machines using an opensource tool called “G4U”.

g4u (“ghosting for unix”) is a NetBSD-based bootfloppy/CD-ROM that allows easy cloning of PC harddisks to deploy a common setup on a number of PCs using FTP. The floppy/CD offers two functions. more details on –>   http://www.feyrer.de/g4u/

Here are the step by step procedure:
1.    Install hard disk to be cloned in the spare IDE port of the host Ubuntu PC.
2.    From host PC’s command terminal, log in as super user /administrator.
3.    When logged in, write fdisk/dev/hdc  – to access or edit the hard disk to be cloned.
(#fdisk/dev/hdc)
4.    You can check if the hard disk to be cloned has an existing partition by writing “p”
5.    If there is an existing partition that you want to delete, you can write “d”
6.    To create partition write “n”
7.    Then select “Primary” for partition 1
8.    Select partition number .(1)
9.     Input range (1-4916).
10.    To create a secondary partition write “n” again.
11.    Then select “Extension”
12.    Select the partition number (2)
13.    Input range (4917-5005).
14.    To check if partitions are correct, write “p”
15.    Write “w” to save your settings.
16.    Write “q” to go back to the root/admin prompt.
17.    Insert Ubuntu cd installer to the host PC.
18.    Set the host PC to reboot in CD ROM.
19.    Reboot PC.
20.    Upon reboot. Wait for the g4U> prompt.
21.    From the g4U> prompt write copydisk wd0 wd01 (g4U>copdisk wd0 wd1)
22.    Upon copying the file. You can now shutdown the PC and test the cloned hard disk if Ubuntu will run.

Happy cloning 🙂