Booting Linux off of Google Drive (ersei.net)

Article summary

The article describes a project to boot Linux from a Google Drive root, using FUSE and an initramfs. The author details the steps taken to achieve this, including building a custom initramfs and configuring networking. The project encountered several challenges, including issues with symlinks and slow performance. Ultimately, the author successfully booted Linux from Google Drive, albeit with some limitations.

Main themes

• Linux boot process
• FUSE and filesystems
• Cloud computing
• Networking and connectivity
• System administration

What commenters say

• Booting an operating system from an unconventional source, such as a tape or cloud storage, is not a new concept and has been done before with various levels of success.
• The project's use of FUSE and an initramfs is an interesting approach, but some commenters question whether it truly constitutes booting from a remote source.
• The challenges encountered during the project, such as issues with symlinks and slow performance, are not surprising given the unconventional nature of the setup.
• Some commenters draw parallels between this project and older technologies, such as timesharing and thin clients, highlighting the idea that the concept of using someone else's computer is not new.
• The project's success, despite its limitations, demonstrates the flexibility and customizability of Linux and the potential for innovative solutions to complex problems.
• The discussion around the project also touches on the idea of carrying a Linux image on a smartphone and booting it on a laptop, with some commenters exploring the possibilities and limitations of such a setup.