What is Lguest?

Lguest allows for the simultaneous operation of multiple instances of a 32-bit kernel, and you can start it by executing the command modprobe lg followed by Documentation/lguest/lguest to create a new guest. I highly recommend trying it out because lguest is incredibly easy to set up and use. Its advantages are noteworthy: I can boot kernels for testing in under a second, which is about ten times faster than qemu and a hundred times quicker than traditional boot methods. Furthermore, by utilizing a pty for console access, you can perform operations like piping outputs through grep. Lguest includes a full kernel patch, featuring the launcher, and is compatible with versions 2.6.23-git13 and newer. The main purpose of lguest is to maintain the isolation of guests, preventing them from directly accessing the host system, except via virtual devices provided by the host, even in cases where the guest may pose a security threat. However, a potentially dangerous guest kernel can still pin host memory, but this is restricted to the amount allocated for the guest itself. While many images are set up to create virtual consoles such as (/dev/tty0, etc.), lguest designates its console as /dev/hvc0, which enhances its functionality. This unique console setup, along with its rapid boot times, makes lguest an invaluable resource for developers looking to efficiently test kernel modifications without the complexities associated with full virtualization environments. Thus, lguest stands out as both a practical tool for quick testing and a means to ensure the integrity of the host system.

Integrations

No integrations listed.

Screenshots and Video

Lguest Screenshot 1

Company Facts

Company Name:
Lguest
Company Location:
Australia
Company Website:
lguest.ozlabs.org

Product Details

Deployment
Linux
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Support
Web-Based Support

Product Details

Target Company Sizes
Individual
1-10
11-50
51-200
201-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001-10000
10001+
Target Organization Types
Mid Size Business
Small Business
Enterprise
Freelance
Nonprofit
Government
Startup
Supported Languages
English

Lguest Categories and Features