KIWI Image System

KIWI Image System is your go-to solution for managing operating system images on Linux-supported hardware, plus it works great with virtualization systems like Xen, Qemu, and VMware. It's built on a two-level architecture that makes the whole process smooth and efficient.

How KIWI Works

The first stage of KIWI takes a valid software package source and creates what's called a physical extend. This is based on the image description you provide. Then comes the second stage, where it turns that physical extend into an operating system image. The final product from this stage is known as a logical extend, or simply an image.

The Installation Process Made Easy

Normally, installing software means starting from a specific source and adding pieces one by one until everything's set up. Sometimes you have to jump in and make decisions during this process. But with an operating system image created by KIWI, everything's already set up in one neat file! This file can even include all the configurations needed for specific tasks.

Getting Started with Your Image

Once you bring this image onto any storage device—whether it's temporary or permanent—the OS kicks off right away! Plus, creating this image doesn't need any user interaction at all. That means all the requirements for the system must be in place before you create the image.

Image Description Tree

This is where the image description tree comes into play. It holds all the info needed to create your perfect OS image!