Installing Stuff - Linux

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Installing Linux

You choose to install Linux on your computer. Very well! This is what you'll need next!

Bootable CD with Linux
A software to partition your hard disk (like Partition Magic).
An empty diskette
Some time (and something to eat and drink � don't laugh, because it's serious!!)

The installation will have more steps.

The partitioning

If you have Windows installed on your computer, and you don't plan to erase it, you would have to create a new partition on your HDD. This is a simple operation don't worry! But it needs to be done, because Linux and Windows are so different.

Well, helped by the partitioning software, you will have to make two new partitions : "LinuxExt" and "LinuxSwap".

"LinuxExt" � Linux extended is the place where the operating system is located. You'll need approximately 1.5 GB plus some space for temporary files and other programs. The full install provides you a list of servers like: Web server, FTP server, News server etc. I don't think you'll need those on your home computer. As an example, my Linux needs about 280 Mb.

"LinuxSwap" � usually, this partition should be twice bigger than the memory you use. In case your memory is >128 RAM, you won't need this Swap partition.

The installation

Take your CD and place it inside your CD-ROM. You must first set your computer to boot from CD first (that's made from the BIOS). Restart your computer and wait for the Linux installation to start. Now or never!

First, the installation program performs a series of tests to determine your HDD configuration.

You'll be asked some simple questions like: what is your native language?, the type of mouse and keyboard etc.

Setting the mounting point

You must see something like this on your monitor:

Mount point	Device	Requested	Actual	Type
<not set>	dev1	XX Mb	YY Mb	WinXP
<SWAP>	dev2	XX Mb	YY Mb	Linux Swap
<not set>	dev3	XX Mb	YY Mb	Linux native

Some of the fields may be different, but you don't need to be worry, this is just to see a similar example.

Hda1 is the partition where your Windows is installed.

You must choose the device where your Linux to be installed. Select the partition where you see "Linux native" and press �Space'. In the next window set the mounting symbol to �/', press OK. You just indicated that the root directory should be mounted on the Linux Native partition. DON'T CHOOSE ANOTHER PARTITION, BUT LINUX NATIVE.

Next, you'll be asked about the partition to be formatted. You must select the partition where Linux Native happens to be. Select '/dev/hda3' in the example above. Be careful not to format another partition.

You must tell what kind of installation you perform: desktop environment (GNOME, KDE), a server installation, and an upgrade for an old kernel. Select the individual packages. Press OK to start the installation.

Services configuration

After copying the packages to your HDD, you'll be asked to configure the X-Windows. Use the type of monitor you have and the type of your video card. Choose generic in case you don't find them, and use a lower resolution in the beginning.

Configure your mouse: just choose "Generic PS/2 Mouse�.

Then set the date.

The X Windows can be start any time by typing �startx'.

Configure your printer.

The users

Linux is a multi-user system. You should create more than one user. One is for the �administrator' (root) � with all the rights in the system, this is for the administration purposes. You must choose a password for root. After configuring this account, you can do one for the common user � this should be used usually, when you navigate the Internet for example.

The last step is to select the mode in which Linux starts. The most common is configuring LILO ( LInux LOad).

Now Restart & Enjoy

Change the BIOS to boot from the diskette. You'll see a promt:

"LILO
Press 'Enter' (or wait 10 seconds) to boot your Red Hat System from /dev/hda3.
You may override your default kernel parameters by typing "Linux <params>" if you like.

boot:

Press Enter and that's it!

Device driver install
Device driver manual install
Software Installation/Uninstall

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