This article shows how to set up data sources for the custom partitions in IGEL OS.

Menu path: System > System Customization > Custom Partition > Download



Partitions Data Sources

In order to load data onto the custom partition, at least one partition data source must be set up here.

To manage the list, proceed as follows:

  • Click   to create a new entry.
  • Click   to remove the selected entry.
  • Click   to edit the selected entry.
  • Click   to copy the selected entry.


Clicking   brings up the Add dialogue, where you can define the following settings:

  • Automatic update

    ☑  The contents from this source will be updated automatically.

    ☐  The contents from this source will not be updated automatically. (Default)

  • URL

URL of the web server

  • User name

User name for access to the web server

  • Password

Password for access to the web server. Click Set password to save the password. Click Change password to change the password.

  • Initial action

Action which is performed after mounting the partition (program or script with absolute path). For example, a program downloaded to the partition can be launched.

  • Final action

Action which is performed before unmounting the partition (program or script with absolute path). For example, a program downloaded to the partition can be ended.


The transfer protocols are the same as the ones for updating the firmware, e.g. HTTP and HTTPS. An INF file which in turn references a tar archive zipped using bzip2 must be referenced as the target.

The structure of the INF file is as follows:


[INFO], [PART]

Header information

file="test.tar.bz2"

File name of the compressed tar archive

version="1"

Version number - a higher version results in an update if Update automatically is enabled.


The files to be transferred must therefore be zipped in a tar archive which is then compressed using bzip2. This file is referenced in the INF file which is the target of the URL.

The tar archive can be created under Windows, e.g. with the open source program 7-Zip (www.7-zip.de). This program also allows bzip2 compression. Under Linux, tar and bz2 files can be created using onboard resources.

The procedure makes it possible to replace the file(s) on the server with a new version which the thin client loads the next time it is booted. The Version parameter in the INF file must be increased for this purpose.