Pete Finnigan's Oracle Security Weblog

I was looking for a rescue disk for Linux that included a root file system on the net for a contact of mine to try and rescue a Linux server running their Oracle database. I don't know the full details of the problem yet but I found http://www.toms.net/rb/ - (broken link) an interesting site that includes an image to build Linux on a floppy that also includes a root file system. I thought it might be useful for readers of this weblog.

It is always better to prepare for the worse before it happens and to have all the tools ready to hand. A Linux boot disk with a live file system on it could also be useful for forensics work where you do not want to disturb the original operating system.

This particular disk seems very useful. The http://www.toms.net/rb/tomsrtbt.FAQ - (broken link) FAQ states that tomsrtbt is:

"The most GNU/Linux on one floppy disk"

And that it can be used for:

"rescue recovery panic & emergencies
tools to keep in your shirt pockets
whenever you can't use a hard drive"

The goals for this floppy disk Linux were to get as much useful stuff onto one disk as possible and to be able to build and maintain itself under itself and that recovery and rescue functions get priority.

This is a useful tool that anyone running Oracle on Linux should consider. It can be found http://www.toms.net/rb/ - (broken link) here.