Base Images

OpenFactory supports multiple Linux distributions, each optimized for different use cases.

Distribution Comparison

Distribution	Version	Package Manager	Init System	Best For
Elster OS	12, 13	APT	systemd	Network appliances, routers
Debian	Bookworm, Trixie	APT	systemd	Production servers, stability
Ubuntu	24.04 LTS	APT	systemd	Desktop, cloud, containers
Fedora	40	DNF	systemd	Development, latest packages

Elster OS

Elster OS is a Vyatta-based network operating system built on Debian. It’s designed for network appliances and includes:

config.boot - Unified configuration system
Vyatta CLI - Network configuration commands
Router features - BGP, OSPF, firewall, VPN
OBS integration - Custom package building

When to Use Elster OS

Building network appliances (routers, firewalls)
Need Vyatta-style configuration
Deploying VPN gateways
Creating network testing environments

Elster OS Example


Create a VPN gateway using Elster OS with:
- WireGuard server
- NAT masquerading
- DHCP server for clients
- DNS forwarding

Debian

Debian is the foundation for many Linux distributions, known for stability and security.

Available Versions

Codename	Version	Status
Bookworm	12	Stable (recommended)
Trixie	13	Testing

When to Use Debian

Production servers requiring stability
Long-term support needs
Security-critical deployments
Minimal resource footprint

Debian Example


Create a Debian Bookworm server with:
- SSH with key-based auth
- Automatic security updates
- fail2ban for intrusion prevention
- Minimal installed packages

Ubuntu

Ubuntu provides a polished experience with both server and desktop variants.

Available Versions

Version	Codename	Support
24.04 LTS	Noble Numbat	Until 2029

Desktop vs Server

OpenFactory can build both:

Server - Headless, minimal installation
Desktop - GNOME desktop with customization options

When to Use Ubuntu

Desktop workstations
Cloud deployments (native cloud-init support)
Docker/Kubernetes hosts
Development environments

Ubuntu Example


Create an Ubuntu desktop for developers with:
- GNOME desktop (dark theme)
- VS Code, Docker, Git
- Python 3.12, Node.js 20
- Chrome browser

Fedora

Fedora provides the latest packages and technologies, ideal for development.

Available Versions

Version	Status
40	Current

When to Use Fedora

Development workstations
Testing latest kernel features
SELinux development
Podman/container development

Fedora Example


Create a Fedora development workstation with:
- GNOME 46
- Podman for containers
- Rust, Go, Python development tools
- SELinux in enforcing mode

Choosing the Right Base

Decision Matrix

Requirement	Recommended Base
Network appliance	Elster OS
Production server	Debian Bookworm
Cloud deployment	Ubuntu 24.04
Desktop workstation	Ubuntu 24.04 or Fedora
Development machine	Fedora 40
Long-term stability	Debian Bookworm
Latest packages	Fedora 40
Container host	Ubuntu or Debian

Compatibility Notes

Features vary by distribution (some features are distribution-specific)
Desktop customization is available for Ubuntu and Debian with GNOME
Elster OS has unique Vyatta features not available on other distributions
Security hardening options vary by distribution

Specifying Base Image

In your conversation, you can specify the base image explicitly:


"Use Debian Bookworm as the base"
"Build this on Ubuntu 24.04"
"Create an Elster OS 13 image"

Or let OpenFactory choose based on your requirements:


"I need a network router with VPN" → Elster OS
"I need a stable production server" → Debian
"I need a desktop for development" → Ubuntu