Read-only root using an overlayfs allows standard Linux to function as the underlying software for an Internet of things device expected frequently to experience sudden power loss.On that note, I'm wondering how well overlayfs works or if it's too quirky to use for a standard Linux server. It's primary purpose is to obviously reduce writes to cheap flash media which is important because the PI has no SATA ports for reliability. I'm not sure how well it works in practice--I imagine a user-friendly way to e.g. automatically commit changes on package install/update/removal.
viewtopic.php?t=161416
The above instructions can be adapted to many different Linux distributions. I've used a similar idea to boot a lab of x86 PCs from a single read-only iSCSI block device with Debian, Mint or Void Linux. I don't know much about Ansible, but if the Pi does not have enough RAM for overlayfs, you could try booting into a BTRFS snapshot.
For a server I'd get a powered USB enclosure and a decent hard disk or SSD.
I've had some luck with
https://www.amazon.com/Syba-SY-ENC50104 ... 076ZH262B/
however, smaller, newer and cheaper options are likely available and would also work.
Statistics: Posted by ejolson — Thu Jun 26, 2025 2:25 am