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Getting StartedYour First Build

Your First Build

Let’s walk through creating your first custom Linux image with OpenFactory.

Step 1: Start a Conversation

After signing in, you’ll see the chat interface. This is where you describe what you need.

Example prompt:

I need a secure Debian server for a web application with:
- SSH access on port 2222
- Docker installed
- Firewall enabled with only SSH and HTTP/HTTPS open
- A user called "deploy" with sudo access

Step 2: Review the Recipe

OpenFactory’s AI will analyze your requirements and generate a build configuration:

I'll create a Debian Bookworm image with:

**Base Image:** Debian 12 (Bookworm)

**Features:**
- SSH (port 2222, password auth disabled)
- Docker CE with Docker Compose
- UFW firewall

**Users:**
- deploy (sudo, docker groups)

**Firewall Rules:**
- Allow SSH (2222/tcp)
- Allow HTTP (80/tcp)
- Allow HTTPS (443/tcp)

Shall I proceed with this configuration?

Review the configuration carefully. You can:

  • Confirm - Say “yes” or “build it”
  • Modify - Ask for changes like “also add nginx” or “change SSH port to 22”
  • Ask questions - “What security hardening is included?”

Step 3: Build

Once you confirm, OpenFactory starts the build process:

Building your image...

✓ Git Agent - Creating build branch
✓ Planning Agent - Generating configuration
✓ Config Agent - Applying settings
✓ Package Agent - Preparing packages
✓ Build Agent - Running live-build
⟳ Test Agent - Verifying image...

The build typically completes in 5-15 minutes depending on complexity.

Step 4: Test Results

OpenFactory automatically tests your image in a virtual machine:

✓ Boot verification - System boots successfully
✓ Login test - User "deploy" can log in
✓ Service check - SSH running on port 2222
✓ Service check - Docker daemon active
✓ Network test - Firewall rules applied

If any test fails, OpenFactory will explain what went wrong and suggest fixes.

Step 5: Download

Once testing passes, your ISO is ready:

  • Click Download ISO to get the bootable image
  • Use File Browser to explore the image contents
  • Click Build Details for full logs and configuration

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve built your first image, explore more:

Example Conversations

Network Appliance

Create a network router with WireGuard VPN, DHCP server,
and DNS forwarding. Use Elster OS as the base.

Development Workstation

Ubuntu desktop for Python/Node.js development with:
- VS Code
- Docker
- Git configured for GitHub
- Dark theme

Hardened Server

CIS Level 2 hardened Debian server with:
- Strict security hardening
- Audit logging enabled
- SELinux enforcing
- Automatic security updates

Tips

  1. Be specific - The more detail you provide, the better the result
  2. Iterate - Start simple and add features in follow-up messages
  3. Ask questions - OpenFactory can explain any configuration choice
  4. Save configurations - Name your conversations for easy reference
Creating an AccountUnderstanding Recipes