Convert a running Linux installation to Debian

For installs where we're starting from scratch, we can simply install a debian base-system on-site and then go through the Debian Post Install as usual (although this is intended to become automated eventually).

But for installations which are already in the field and possibly physically inaccessible, like http://www.wikiexpert.com, it would be good to be able to send over an independent, self-contained utility which can set up and configure a new install to run on next reboot.

Also related to this is Peerix which will also be capable of converting system "in the field" (see Geexbox installator), but is a slim-lined system more suitable for clients than servers.

See also

• Wikipedia:Debian has many links to Debian resources
• Debian Post Install
• Installing Debian on an exiting Linux machine
• Debian installerator the shell part of the above note extracted ready for testing