A kickstart file is a simple text file that contains configuration information for a Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation. The system reads this configuration information at boot time and carries out the installation process without any further input from you.

How does a kickstart file work?

The basic function of a kickstart server is to allow an administrator to perform a network installation of Linux. It provides a single location to store files for installation and allows for ease of updating those files instead of dealing with multiple copies of DVDs.

What is a kickstart server?

Kickstart files are accessible by other individual computers and are placed on a single server system in the installation process. When using a single Kickstart file, this type of installation allows users to install CentOS on multiple machines. Thus, making it useful for system and network administrators.