I have a need to create a CoW (copy on write) on the root filesystem using device mapper. I do this manually after installation. I'd like to see this type of setup integrated into anaconda. Although I have a specific need, I see many other possible applications for CoWs that could use this type of feature. o Embedded flash devices with persistence that are easy to clear or reset. o Stateless installations where the CoW(s) are cleared at reboot or logout. o Testing installations where you may have several CoWs for for testing a single base installation that are easy to cleared or reset. o Virtual installations that using the same root filesystem with modifications by the different instances saved in different CoWs I would like to see this handled in the anaconda partition setup where you could define a partition as a CoW for one of the mounted filesystems. Add a kernel parameter similar to the ?root=? except something like ?cow=? to define a root filesystem CoW and have a similar file as ?fstab? except maybe ?cowtab? that defines non-root filesystem CoWs and where they are located. I think you may even have more ideas. I think even the LiveCDs that use device mapper with an in-memory CoW due to the read-only CD media would benefit from anaconda support (add a kernel parameter something like ?cow=RAM=100mb?. Am I crazy or alone in my needs? Keith Adamson
