Flatcar Linux: A Modern OS for the Always-On Infrastructure
Flatcar Linux: A Modern OS for the Always-On Infrastructure
In this episode, we dive deep into Flatcar Linux, an immutable Linux distribution designed for always-on infrastructures. The discussion covers the architecture and features of Flatcar, including its self-updating capabilities and minimal attack surface. We explore the use of Ignition for provisioning, the role of Systemd and its extensions, and the detailed update process via an update server. The Flatcar maintainers also highlight the benefits of full-disk encryption, node-level metrics, and operational insights available through tools like Nebraska and Node exporter. Guest speakers include Flatcar maintainers and engineers from Microsoft, who share their experiences and insights on managing and maintaining Flatcar at scale.
In this episode, we dive deep into Flatcar Linux, an immutable Linux distribution designed for always-on infrastructures. The discussion covers the architecture and features of Flatcar, including its self-updating capabilities and minimal attack surface. We explore the use of Ignition for provisioning, the role of Systemd and its extensions, and the detailed update process via an update server. The Flatcar maintainers also highlight the benefits of full-disk encryption, node-level metrics, and operational insights available through tools like Nebraska and Node exporter. Guest speakers include Flatcar maintainers and engineers from Microsoft, who share their experiences and insights on managing and maintaining Flatcar at scale.
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:59) - Guest Introductions
- (03:10) - What is Flatcar?
- (12:30) - Kernel modules and Flatcar
- (17:41) - Getting started with Flatcar
- (21:27) - Encryption with Flatcar
- (29:40) - Kubernetes Upgrades with Flatcar
- (35:14) - Flatcar k8s node upgrades
- (38:08) - Flatcar Metrics
- (40:42) - Operating at scale
- (44:25) - Recap
- (45:07) - Quick-fire questions
Creators and Guests
Host
David Flanagan
I teach people advanced Kubernetes & Cloud Native patterns and practices. I am the founder of the Rawkode Academy and KubeHuddle, and I co-organise Kubernetes London.
Guest
:thilo:
"If we all reacted the same way, we'd be predictable, and there's always more than one way to view a situation.What's true for the group is also true for the individual.It's simple: Overspecialise, and you breed in weakness.It's slow death. "Software-engineer-turned-manager tooting about Linux, containers / kubernetes and cloud things, and occasional photography and gaming.Works on #Flatcar #Container #Linux.#fedi22 #OpenSource #FOSS #Tech