What is Booting from Network?

risaccess1 · Dec 23, 2013

Hi!

I was changing the boot order in my computer's BIOS recently, and I noticed that there was an option to "Boot from Network." (I have an MSI 970A-G46 Motherboad if it helps)
This sparked my curiosity because I have also noticed this option on other computers including my laptop.
I was wondering if somebody could explain to me what "Booting from the network" is and if there is some practical use for it. It seems very interesting.
Thanks!

Deuce65 · Dec 23, 2013

It's exactly what it sounds like, you are booting from something on your network. An example would be booting to a deployment server (typically in an enterprise environment) to quickly deploy images to computers, or a "lite" server for troubleshooting\data recovery on a system that won't boot. Google PXE boot for more information.

risaccess1 · Dec 24, 2013

Thanks for the quick reply!

I have a fairly oldish laptop (2008 lenovo model) that does not currently have a hard drive. It has an option for PXE boot. Would it be a viable/practical solution to try and set up some sort of network boot server to boot this computer? I'm not interested in investing any money really. Also, If it is too difficult I would rather not put too much time into it.

Deuce65 · Dec 24, 2013

It would be far simpler to put a hard drive in the computer, even temporarily. I can't image it would be worth it to set up a PXE server for that. Unless you were just interested in doing it for fun of course.

risaccess1 · Dec 25, 2013

Ok, thank you! I think I might try it for fun later on if I have the time.

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