Red Hat LINUX 7.1 - PSERIES, Linux 7.1 User Manual

Red Hat Linux 7.1

The Official Red Hat Linux pSeries Installation

Guide

ISBN: N/A

Red Hat, Inc.

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Contents

Red Hat Linux 7.1

Chapter 1 Introduction.......... ..................... ..................... ......... 7

1.1 Documentation Conventions .................................................... 7

1.2 How to Use This Manual......................................................... 9

Chapter 2 Steps to Get You Started............ ..................... ...... 11

2.1 Step 1 - Do You Have the Right Red Hat Linux Components? .............. 11

2.2 Step 2 - Is Your Hardware Compatible?........................................ 12

2.3 Step 3 - Do You Have Enough Disk Space?................................... 12

2.4 Step 4 - Can You Install Using the Red Hat Linux CD-ROM? ............... 14

2.5 Step 5 - Which Installation Class is Best For You?............................ 16

Chapter 3 Installation Options and System Requirements

Tables

............... ..................... ..................... ................. 21

Chapter 4 Installing Red Hat Linux.......... .................. ............ 27

4.1 The Installation Program User Interface ....................................... 27

4.2 Starting the Installation Program................................................ 28

4.3 Selecting an Installation Method................................................ 31

4.4 Beginning the Installation........................................................ 31

4.5 Language Selection .............................................................. 33

4.6 Keyboard Configuration.......................................................... 34

4.7 Mouse Configuration ............................................................. 35

4.8 Welcome to Red Hat Linux ...................................................... 37

4.9 Install Options..................................................................... 37

4.10 Disk Partitioning .................................................................. 38

4.11 Partitioning Your System...... ..................... ..................... ......... 40

4.12 Partitioning with fdisk............................................................. 45

4.13 Formatting Partitions ............................................................. 46

4.14 Installing YABOOT................................................................ 47

iii

4.15 Network Configuration ........................................................... 50

4.16 Firewall Configuration............................................................ 51

4.17 Language Support Selection.................................................... 55

4.18 Time Zone Configuration ........................................................ 56

4.19 Account Configuration ........................................................... 57

4.20 Authentication Configuration .................................................... 59

4.21 Package Group Selection........................................................ 61

4.22 GUI X Configuration Tool ........................................................ 67

4.23 Preparing to Install ............................................................... 71

4.24 Installing Packages............................................................... 71

4.25 Installation Complete............................................................. 72

Chapter 5 Installing Red Hat Linux via Text Mode. .............. 75

5.1 Things You Should Know ........................................................ 75

5.2 The Installation Program User Interface ....................................... 77

5.3 Starting the Installation Program................................................ 79

5.4 Installation Cross-reference Table .............................................. 80

5.5 Identify Disk Partition to Install From ........................................... 81

5.6 Installing over a Network......................................................... 82

5.7 Configuring Your Video Adapter ................................................ 86

5.8 Configuring the X Window System ............................................. 86

Appendix A Removing Red Hat Linux............ ..................... ...... 93

Appendix B Getting Technical Support......... ..................... ...... 95

B.1 Remember to Sign Up ........................................................... 95

B.2 An Overview of Red Hat Support ............................................... 95

B.3 Scope of Red Hat Support ...................................................... 96

B.4 How to Get Technical Support .................................................. 97

B.5 Questions for Technical Support ................................................ 98

B.6 Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)................................... 99

Appendix C Troubleshooting Your Installation of Red Hat

Linux

............. ..................... ..................... ................. 101

C.1 You are Unable to Boot Red Hat Linux......................................... 101

C.2 Trouble Beginning the Installation............................................... 101

C.3 Trouble During the Installation .................................................. 102

C.4 Problems After Installation....................................................... 104

Section 1.1:Documentation Conventions 7

1 Introduction

Welcome to the Official Red Hat Linux pSeries Installation Guide. The Official Red Hat Linux pSeries Installation Guide contains useful information to assist you during

the installation of Red Hat Linux. From fundamental concepts such as installation preparation (gathering information about your current system) to the step-by-step installation procedure, this book will be a valuable resource as you install Red Hat Linux.

This manual will walk you through a typical installation using the Red Hat Linux CD-ROMs. Once you have completed the installation as outlined in this manual, you will have a fully functioning Red Hat Linux desktop system.

1.1 Documentation Conventions

When you read this manual, you will see that certain words are represented in different fonts, typefaces, sizes and weights. This highlighting is systematic; different words are represented in the same style to indicate their inclusion in a specific category. The types of words that are represented this way include the following:

command

Linux commands (and other operating system commands, when used) are represented this way. This style should indicate to you that you can type in the word or phrase on the command line and press

[Enter] to invoke a command. Sometimes a command contains words that would be

displayed in a different style on their own (like filenames). In these cases, they are considered to be part of the command, so the entire phrase will be displayed as a command. For example:

Use the cat testfile command to view the contents of a file, named testfile, in the current working directory.

filename

Filenames, directory names, paths, and RPM package names are represented this way. This style should indicate that a particular file or directory exists by that name on your Red Hat Linux system. Examples:

The .bashrc file in your home directory contains bash shell definitions and aliases for your own use.

The /etc/fstab file contains information about different system devices and filesystems. The /usr/share/doc directory contains documentation for various programs. Install the webalizer RPM if you want to use a Web server log file analysis program.

8 Chapter 1:Introduction

application

This style should indicate to you that the program named is an end-user application (as opposed to system software). For example:

Use Netscape Navigator to browse the Web.

[key]

A key on the keyboard is shown in this style. For example: To use

[Tab]

completion, type in a character and then press the [Tab] key. Your terminal will

display the list of files in the directory that start with that letter.

Combinations of keystrokes

A combination of keystrokes is represented like this:

[key]-[key]. For example:

The

[Ctrl]-[Alt]-[Backspace] key combination will restart the X Window System.

Sequences of commands in Graphical User Interface (GUI) menus

If you need to type in a sequence of commands from a GUI menu, they’ll be shown similar to the following example:

Click on

Programs=>Applications=>Emacs to start the Emacs text editor.

Additionally, we use several different strategies to draw your attention to certain pieces of information. In order of how critical the information is to your system, these items will be marked as a note, a caution, or a warning. For example:

Note

Remember that Linux is case sensitive. In other words, a rose is not a ROSE is not a rOsE.

CAUTION

Do not do routine tasks as root — use a regular user account unless you need to use the root account to administer your system.

Section 1.2:How to Use This Manual 9

WARNING

If you choose not to partition manually, a server-class installation will remove all existing partitions on all installed hard drives. Do not choose this installation class unless you are sure you have no data you need to save.

1.2 How to Use This Manual

This manual focuses on a CD-ROM based installation, so it is ideal for users (both new and old) who want a quick and simple installation solution. It will help you prepare your system, walk you through the installation, and assist you in the configuration of Red Hat Linux.

If you are an experienced user who wants to perform a Red Hat Linux CD-ROM installation, and you do not need a review of the basics, you can skip ahead to Chapter 4, Installing Red Hat Linux to begin the installation process.

Tip

Refer to the Red Hat Frequently Asked Questions for answers to questions and problems that may occur before, during, or after the installation. You will find the FAQ online at:

http://www.redhat.com/support/docs/faqs/rhl_general_faq/FAQ.html

10 Chapter 1:Introduction

Section 2.1:Step 1 - Do You Have the Right Red Hat Linux Components? 11

2 Steps to Get You Started

Before you install Red Hat Linux, you will need to perform the following steps:

2.1 Step 1 - Do You Have the Right Red Hat Linux Components?

If you have purchased the Official Red Hat Linux boxed set, you are ready to go! However, mistakes occasionally happen, so now is a good time to double-check the contents of your boxed set.

A black, red, and white Registration Information card is included in your boxed set. A list of the contents of your boxed set version is on the back of the card. Please read over the list and check to make sure that you have all the CDs and manuals that are included with the version of Red Hat Linux that you purchased.

If you have purchased the Official Red Hat Linux boxed set from Red Hat, Inc. (or one of its distributors), and you are missing one or more of the items listed, please let us know! Contact information is also available on the Registration Information card.

How to identify our official boxed set: The bottom of our box has an ISBN number next to one of the bar codes. That ISBN number should be in this form:

1-58569-x-

(The x and y will be unique numbers.) Red Hat partners with companies (international and domestic) so that we can make Red Hat Linux

available to you in the most convenient form. Because of these partnerships, you might find that your Red Hat Linux boxed set may not have been actually produced by Red Hat.

If your box has a different ISBN number (or none at all), you will need to contact the company that produced your boxed set. Normally,third-party producers will include their logo and/or contact information on the outside of the box; an official Red Hat Linux boxed set lists only our name and contact information.

2.1.1 Where to Find Other Red Hat Linux Manuals

If your particular boxed set did not include all of the printed Red Hat Linux manuals, you can find them online or on the Red Hat Linux Documentation CD.

To find the manuals in both HTML and PDF formats online, visit http://www.redhat.com/support/manuals.

12 Chapter 2:Steps to Get You Started

2.1.2 Why You Should Register Your Red Hat Linux Boxed Set

If you have purchased an official Red Hat Linux 7.1 boxed set, you should register your product. Registration offers many useful services, such as installation support, priority FTP access, and more.

To register your product, go to http://www.redhat.com/apps/activate/. You will find your Product ID on the Registration Information card in your Official Red Hat Linux boxed set. Once registered, you will have access to all the extras that Red Hat provides to its registered users.

For more information on registering and the scope of Red Hat’s technical support offerings, see Appendix B, Getting Technical Support.

2.1.3 No Boxed Set? No Problem!

Of course, not everyone purchases a Red Hat Linux boxed set. It is entirely possible to install Red Hat Linux using a CD created by another company, or even via FTP. In these cases, you may need to create one or more diskettes to get started.

For information on downloadingand installing Red Hat Linux, refer to http://www.redhat.com/download/howto_download.html.

For people installing Red Hat Linux from a CD-ROM not from Red Hat, you may need a boot disk, or if you are using a PCMCIA device during the installation , a PCMCIA boot disk. It may also be possible to start the installation directly from the CD. We will discuss this in more detail when we outline the various installation methods.

For information on making diskettes, see Section 2.4.2, Making Installation Diskettes .

2.2 Step 2 - Is Your Hardware Compatible?

Hardware compatibility is particularly important if you havean older system or a system that you built yourself. Red Hat Linux 7.1 should be compatible with most hardware in systems that were factory built within the last two years. However, hardware specifications change almost daily, so it is hard to guarantee that your hardware will be 100% compatible.

First, gather all the system hardware information you can; Chapter 3, Installation Options and System RequirementsTablesand Chapter 5, Installing Red Hat Linux via Text Mode have instructions (including instructions for Windows users) which may assist you.

2.3 Step 3 - Do You Have Enough Disk Space?

Nearly every modern-day operating system (OS) uses disk partitions, and Red Hat Linux is no exception. When you install Red Hat Linux, you may have to work with disk partitions. If you have not

Section 2.3:Step 3 - Do You Have Enough Disk Space? 13

worked with disk partitions before (or need a quick reviewof the basic concepts) read An Introduction to Disk Partitions in the appendix of the Official Red Hat Linux Reference Guide before proceeding.

If Red Hat Linux will share your system with another OS, you will need to make sure you have enough available disk space on your hard drive(s) for this installation.

The disk space used by Red Hat Linux must be separate from the disk space used by other OSes you may have installed on your system, such as Windows, OS/2, or even a different version of Linux. Two partitions (/ and swap) must be dedicated to Red Hat Linux.

Before you start the installation process, one of the three following conditions must be met:

• Your computer must have enough unpartitioned disk space for the installation of Red Hat Linux.

• You must have one or more partitions that may be deleted, thereby freeing up enough disk space to install Red Hat Linux.

2.3.1 Installation Disk Space Requirements

Workstation-class

A workstation-class installation, choosing to install GNOME or KDE, requires at least 1.2 GB of free space. Choosing both GNOME and KDE requires at least 1.5 GB of free disk space.

Server-class

A server-class installation requires 650 MB for a minimal installation and at least 1.2 GB of free space if every package is selected.

Custom-class

A custom-class installation requires 300 MB for a minimal installation and at least 2.4 GB of free space if every package is selected.

Note

To use automatic partitioning, you must have enough free disk space available (1.2 GB or more); if you do not have enough free disk space available, this option will not appear during your installation.

If you are not sure that you meet these conditions, or if you want to knowhow to create free disk space for your Red Hat Linux installation, please refer to the partitioning appendix in the Official Red Hat Linux Reference Guide.

14 Chapter 2:Steps to Get You Started

2.4 Step 4 - Can You Install Using the Red Hat Linux CD-ROM?

There are several methods that can be used to install Red Hat Linux. This manual focuses on installing from the CD-ROM. For instructions on alternative installation methods, refer to Chapter 5, Installing Red Hat Linux via Text Mode.

Installing from a CD requires that you have purchased a Red Hat Linux 7.1 boxed set, or you have a Red Hat Linux CD-ROM, and you have a CD-ROM drive. Most new computers will allow booting from the CD-ROM. If your system will support booting from the CD-ROM, it is an easy way to begin a local CD-ROM installation.

Your BIOS may need to be changed to allowbooting from your CD-ROM drive. For more information about editing your BIOS, see Section 4.2.1, Booting the Installation Program.

2.4.1 Alternative Boot Methods

If you cannot boot from the CD-ROM drive, the following alternativeboot methods are also available:

Local Boot Disk

You may need a local boot disk or PCMCIA boot disks, if you cannot boot from the CD-ROM drive.

If you need a local boot disk, you must create it. The local boot disk image file, boot.img, is located in the images directory on your Red Hat Linux/x86 CD. Refer to Section 2.4.2, Making Installation Diskettes for more information on making a boot disk.

PCMCIA Boot Disks

You may need PCMCIA boot disks if you are using a PCMCIA device to install Red Hat Linux. If you need PCMCIA boot disks, you must create them. Refer to Section 2.4.2, Making Instal- lation Diskettes for those instructions.

The following checklist can help you determine if you will need to create PCMCIA boot disks:

• You will install Red Hat Linux from a CD-ROM, and your CD-ROM drive is attached to your computer through a PCMCIA card.

• You will use a PCMCIA network adapter during the installation.

The PCMCIA boot disks image files, pcmcia.img and pcmicadd.img, are located in the

images directory on your Red Hat Linux/x86 CD. Refer to Section 2.4.2, Making Installation Diskettes for more information on making a boot disk.

Section 2.4:Step 4 - Can You Install Using the Red Hat Linux CD-ROM? 15

Note

Although it is not required to boot your installation, you may occasionally find that a driver disk is needed to continue with the installation. The Driver Disks appendix in the Official Red Hat Linux Reference Guide explains why a driver disk may be necessary for your installation, and how to obtain one if needed.

2.4.2 Making Installation Diskettes

You may need to create a diskette from an image file; for example, you may need to use updated diskette images obtained from the Red Hat Linux errata page or you may need to create a boot disk.

An image file contains an exact copy (or image) of a diskette’s contents. Since a diskette contains filesystem information in addition to the data contained in files, the image file is not usable until it has been written to a diskette.

To start, you will need a blank, formatted, high-density (1.44MB), 3.5-inch diskette. You will need access to a computer with a 3.5-inch diskette drive. The computer must be able to run either an MS-DOS program or the dd utility found on most Linux-like operating systems.

The images directory on your Red Hat Linux CD contains the boot images for Red Hat Linux/x86. Once you have selected the proper image, transfer the image file onto a diskette.

Using the rawrite Utility

To make a diskette using MS-DOS, use the rawrite utility included on the Red Hat Linux CD in the dosutils directory. First, label a blank, formatted 3.5-inch diskette appropriately (such as "Boot Disk" or "Updates Disk"). Insert it into the diskette drive. Then, use the following commands (assuming your CD is drive d:):

C:\> d: D:\> cd \dosutils D:\dosutils> rawrite Enter disk image source file name: ..\images\boot.img Enter target diskette drive: a: Please insert a formatted diskette into drive A: and press --ENTER-- : [Enter] D:\dosutils>

First, rawrite asks you for the filename of a diskette image; enter the directory and name of the imageyouwish to write (for example, ..\images\boot.img). Then rawrite asks for a diskette driveto write the image to; enter a:. Finally, rawrite asks for confirmationthat a formatted diskette

16 Chapter 2:Steps to Get You Started

is in the drive you have selected. After pressing [Enter] to confirm, rawrite copies the image file onto the diskette. If you need to make another diskette, label that diskette, and run rawrite again, specifying the appropriate image file.

Using the dd Command

To make a diskette under Linux (or any other Linux-like operating system), you must have permission to write to the device representing a 3.5-inch diskette drive (known as /dev/fd0 under Linux).

First, label a blank, formatted diskette appropriately (such as "Boot Disk" or "Updates Disk"). Insert it into the diskette drive(but do not issue a mount command). After mounting the Red Hat Linux CD, change directory to the directory containing the desired image file, and use the following command (changing the name of the image file and diskette device as appropriate):

# dd if=boot.img of=/dev/fd0 bs=1440k

To make another diskette, label that diskette, and run dd again, specifying the appropriate image file.

2.5 Step 5 - Which Installation Class is Best For You?

Usually, Red Hat Linux is installed on its own disk partition or set of partitions, or over another installation of Linux.

WARNING

Installing Red Hat Linux over another installation of Linux (including Red Hat Linux) does not preserve any information (files or data) from a prior installation. Make sure you save any important files! If you are installing this way, and you want to preserve the current data on your existing system, you need to back up your data and/or considerperforming an upgrade instead.

Red Hat Linux provides three different classes, or types, of installations:

Workstation

A workstation-class installation is most appropriate if you are new to the world of Linux, and would like to give it a try. By answering a few installation questions, you can be up and running Red Hat Linux in no time!

Server

Section 2.5:Step 5 - Which Installation Class is Best For You? 17

A server-class installation is most appropriate for you if you would like your system to function as a Linux-based server, and you do not want to heavily customize your system configuration.

Custom

A custom-class installation allows you the greatest flexibility during your installation. You choose your partitioning scheme, which packages you want and more. Custom-class installations are most appropriate for those users more familiar with Red Hat Linux installations and for those afraid of losing complete flexibility.

Note

The custom-class installation allows you the most flexibility. The workstation- and server-class installations go through the installation process for you andomit certain steps. However,partition flexibilityhas beenaddedto workstation- and server-class installations, so you can now partition your drives manually during those classes of installations, if you choose to.

These classes give you the option of simplifying the installation process (with some potential for loss of configuration flexibility), or retaining flexibility with a slightly more complex installation process. Next, take a detailed look at each class, so you can see which one is right for you.

2.5.1 Workstation-Class Installations

Most suitable for new users, the workstation-class installation will install your choice of the GNOME or KDE desktop environments, or both, and the X Window System.

WARNING

A workstation-class installation will erase all information in all Linuxrelated partitions from every one of your computer’s hard drive(s).

Below are the minimum recommended disk space requirements for a workstation-class installation.

• Workstation choosing GNOME: 1.2 GB

• Workstation choosing KDE: 1.2 GB

• Workstation choosing both GNOME and KDE, and games: 1.5 GB

18 Chapter 2:Steps to Get You Started

If you plan to choose all group packages (for example, GNOME is a group of packages), as well as select additional individual packages, you may want to allow yourself 1.5 GB or more of disk space. If you provide this extra space, you will have room for additional data, if needed.

Note

Unlike workstation-class installations previous to Red Hat Linux 7.0, performing a Red Hat Linux 7.1 workstation-class installation will not install the network daemon xinetd (inet services). When xinetd is not installed, you will have a more secure installation. However,in-boundnetwork-related services such as finger, telnet, talk, and FTP will not work.

If you require these types of services, please go back and choose a server- or a custom-class installation.

What a Workstation-Class Installation Will Do

If you choose automatic partitioning, a workstation-class installation removes all Linux-related partitions on all installed hard drives (and uses all free unpartitioned disk space) to create the following partitions:

• A 64 MB swap partition.

• A 4 MB PReP boot partition in which the Linux kernel or the bootloader resides.

• A variable-sized root partition (mounted as /) in which all other files are stored (the exact size of this partition is dependent on your available disk space).

2.5.2 Server-Class Installations

A server-class installation is most appropriate for you if you would like your system to function as a Linux-based server, and you do not want to heavily customize your system configuration.

The recommended disk space requirements for a server-class installation are as follows:

• Server (minimum): 650 MB

• Server (choosing everything): 1.2 GB

If you plan to choose all group packages, as well as select additional individual packages, you may want to allow yourself 1.2 GB or more of disk space. This will provide space where additional data may be written.

For example, you can telnet out to other systems, but other systems cannot telnet in to your system.

Section 2.5:Step 5 - Which Installation Class is Best For You? 19

WARNING

A server-class installation will erase all partitions (both Linux and nonLinux) from every one of your computer’s hard drive(s).

What a Server-Class Installation Will Do

During the server-class installation, the X WindowSystem is not configuredand no GUI will be loaded when the system boots, unless you choose to install the appropriate packages during package selection. If you choose automatic partitioning, the installation program deletes all data in all existing partitions of any kind and decides how to partition the disk for the new version.

If you choose automatic partitioning, a server-class installation removes ALL existing partitions on ALL installed hard drives, so choose this installation class only if you are sure you have nothing you want saved! When the installation is complete, you will find the following partitions:

• A 256 MB swap partition.

• A 256 MB partition (mounted as /).

• A partition of at least 512 MB (mounted as /usr).

• A partition of at least 512 MB (mounted as /home).

• A 256 MB partition (mounted as /var).

• A 4 MB PReP boot partition in which the Linux kernel or the bootloader resides. This disk partitioning scheme results in a reasonably flexible filesystemconfigurationfor most server-

class tasks.

2.5.3 Custom-Class Installations

The custom-class installation allows you the most flexibility during your installation. The workstation-class and server-class installations automatically go through the installation process for you and omit certain steps. During a custom-class installation, you must decide how disk space should be partitioned. You have complete control over the packages that will be installed on your system.

The recommended disk space requirements for a custom-class installation are as follows:

• Custom (minimum): 300 MB

• Custom (choosing everything): 2.4 GB

20 Chapter 2:Steps to Get You Started

What a Custom-Class Installation Will Do

As you might guess from the name, a custom-class installation puts the emphasis on flexibility. During a custom-class installation, you can choose how disk space should be partitioned. You have complete control over which packages will be installed on your system.

The following list may help those of you who are trying to decide which installation class will better suit your needs. If you think you will have trouble performing any of the tasks on this list, you should not perform a custom-class installation without reading through this manual and clarifying any questions you may have.

• Selecting and Installing Packages — This step is performed after your partitions have been configured and selected for formatting. You are allowed to select groups of packages, individual packages, a combination of the two, or choose an

Everything install.

• YABOOT Configuration — In a custom class installation, you are able to choose whether you would like YABOOT to be installed.

• Authentication Configuration — During a custom-class installation, you can set up network passwords using authentication configuration.

If you choose automatic partitioning, a custom-class installation removes all Linux-related partitions onallinstalledhard drives(andusesall free unpartitioned disk space) to create the followingpartitions:

• A 64 MB swap partition.

• A 4 MB PReP boot partition in which the Linux kernel or the bootloader resides.

• A variable-sized root partition (mounted as /) in which all other files are stored (the exact size of this partition is dependent on your available disk space).

Installation Options and System Requirements Tables 21

3 Installation Options and System Requirements Tables

This chapter provides you with several reference tables to help make the installation of Red Hat Linux go more smoothly.

The first set of tables provides an overview of each installation class (workstation, server,and custom). As each screen is encountered, you can check it off in the space to the left. On the right, a listing of each screen and the corresponding installation material as found in this manual is provided.

The last table is the system requirements table, which will help you keep a record of your current system settings and requirements.

Table 3–1 Workstation-Class Cross-Reference Table

User Reference Screen Reference

Language Selection, Section 4.5, Language Selection Keyboard Configuration, Section 4.6, Keyboard Configuration Mouse Configuration, Section 4.7, Mouse Configuration Welcome to Red Hat Linux, Section 4.8, Welcome to Red Hat Linux Install Options, Section 4.9, Install Options Automatic Partitioning, Section 4.10, Disk Partitioning Partitions — if you choose to manually partition using Disk Druid,

Section 4.11, Partitioning Your System Choose Partitions to Format — if you choose to manually partition using

Disk Druid, Section 4.13, Formatting Partitions Network Configuration — if you have a network card, Section 4.15,

Network Configuration

22 Chapter 3:Installation Options and System Requirements Tables

User Reference Screen Reference

Selecting Package Groups, Section 4.21, Package Group Selection Individual Package Selection — if you choose to select individual

packages, Section 4.21.1, Selecting Individual Packages Unresolved Dependencies — if you selected individual packages

and there were dependency problems, Section 4.21.5, Unresolved

Dependencies

X Configuration, Section 4.22, GUI X Configuration Tool Monitor Configuration, Section 4.22.2, Configuring Your Monitor Customize Graphics Configuration, Section 4.22.3, Custom

Configuration

About to Install, Section 4.23, Preparing to Install Installing Packages, Section 4.24, Installing Packages Installation Complete, Section 4.25, Installation Complete

Table 3–2 Server-Class Cross-Reference Table

User Reference Screen Reference

Section 4.11, Partitioning Your System Choose Partitions to Format — if you choose to manually partition using

Disk Druid, Section 4.13, Formatting Partitions Network Configuration — if you have a network card, Section 4.15,

Network Configuration

Installation Options and System Requirements Tables 23

User Reference Screen Reference

Firewall Configuration, Section 4.16, Firewall Configuration Time Zone Selection, Section 4.18, Time Zone Configuration Language Support Selection, Section 4.17, Language Support Selection Account Configuration, Section 4.19, Account Configuration Selecting Package Groups, Section 4.21, Package Group Selection Individual Package Selection — if you choose to select individual

packages, Section 4.21.1, Selecting Individual Packages Unresolved Dependencies — if you selected individual packages

and there were dependency problems, Section 4.21.5, Unresolved

Dependencies

X Configuration — if you selected the X WindowSystem during package group selection, Section 4.22, GUI X Configuration Tool

Monitor Configuration — if you selected the X Window System during package group selection, Section 4.22.2, Configuring Your Monitor

Customize Graphics Configuration — if you selected the X Window System during package group selection, Section 4.22.3, Custom

Configuration

About to Install, Section 4.23, Preparing to Install Installing Packages, Section 4.24, Installing Packages Installation Complete, Section 4.25, Installation Complete

Table 3–3 Custom-Class Cross-Reference Table

User Reference Screen Reference

24 Chapter 3:Installation Options and System Requirements Tables

User Reference Screen Reference

Automatic Partitioning, Section 4.10, Disk Partitioning Partitions — if you choose to manually partition using Disk Druid,

Section 4.11, Partitioning Your System Choose Partitions to Format — if you choose to manually partition using

Disk Druid, Section 4.13, Formatting Partitions YABOOT Configuration, Section 4.14, Installing YABOOT Network Configuration — if you have a network card, Section 4.15,

Network Configuration

Firewall Configuration, Section 4.16, Firewall Configuration Time Zone Selection, Section 4.18, Time Zone Configuration Language Support Selection, Section 4.17, Language Support Selection Account Configuration, Section 4.19, Account Configuration Authentication Configuration, Section 4.20, Authentication

Configuration

Selecting Package Groups, Section 4.21, Package Group Selection Individual Package Selection — if you choose to select individual

packages, Section 4.21.1, Selecting Individual Packages Unresolved Dependencies — if you selected individual packages

and there were dependency problems, Section 4.21.5, Unresolved

Dependencies

X Configuration, Section 4.22, GUI X Configuration Tool Monitor Configuration, Section 4.22.2, Configuring Your Monitor Customize Graphics Configuration, Section 4.22.3, Custom

Configuration

About to Install, Section 4.23, Preparing to Install Installing Packages, Section 4.24, Installing Packages Installation Complete, Section 4.25, Installation Complete

Installation Options and System Requirements Tables 25

Table 3–4 System Requirements Table

hard drive(s): type, label, size; ex: IDE hda=1.2 GB

partitions: map of partitions and mount points; ex:

/dev/hda1=/home, /dev/hda2=/ (fill this

in once you know where they will reside)

memory: amount of RAM installed on your system; ex: 64 MB, 128 MB

CD-ROM: interface type; ex: SCSI, IDE (ATAPI)

SCSI adapter: if present, make and model number; ex: BusLogic SCSI Adapter, Adaptec 2940UW

network card: if present, make and model number; ex: Tulip, 3COM 3C590

mouse: type, protocol, and number of buttons; ex: generic 3 button PS/2 mouse, MouseMan 2 button serial mouse

monitor: make, model, and manufacturer specifications; ex: Optiquest Q53, ViewSonic G773

26 Chapter 3:Installation Options and System Requirements Tables

video card: make, model number and size of VRAM; ex: Creative Labs Graphics Blaster 3D, 8MB

sound card: make, chipset and model number; ex: S3 SonicVibes, Sound Blaster 32/64 AWE

IP, DHCP, and BOOTP addresses: four numbers,

separated by dots; ex:

10.0.2.15 netmask: four numbers,

separated by dots; ex:

255.255.248.0 gateway IP address: four

numbers, separated by dots; ex: 10.0.2.245

one or more name server IP addresses (DNS):

one or more sets of dot-separated numbers; ex: 10.0.2.1

domain name: the name given to your organization; ex: Red Hat’s would be

redhat.com

hostname: the name of your computer; your personal choice of names; ex: cookie,

southpark

If any of these networking requirements or terms are unfamiliar to you, contact your network administrator for assistance.

Section 4.1:The Installation Program User Interface 27

4 Installing Red Hat Linux

This chapter explains how to install Red Hat Linux from the CD-ROM using the graphical, mousebased installation program. The following topics will be discussed:

• Getting familiar with the installation program’s user interface

• Starting the installation program

• Selecting an installation method

• Configuration steps during the installation (language, keyboard, mouse, etc.)

• Finishing the installation

4.1 The Installation Program User Interface

If you have used a graphical user interface (GUI) before, you will be familiar with this process. If not, simply use your mouse to navigate the screens, "click" buttons, or enter text fields. You can also navigate through the installation using the

[Tab] and [Enter] keys.

Note

If you do not wish to use the GUI installation program, the text mode installation program is also available. To start the text mode installation program, use the following boot command:

boot: text

Please refer to Chapter 5, Installing Red Hat Linux via Text Mode for an overview of text mode installation instructions.

4.1.1 A Note about Virtual Consoles

The Red Hat Linux installation program offers more than the dialog boxes of the installation process. Several different kinds of diagnostic messages are available to you, in addition to providing a way to enter commands from a shell prompt. The installation program displays these messages on five virtual consoles, among which you can switch using a single keystroke combination.

These virtual consoles can be helpful if you encounter a problem while installing Red Hat Linux. Messages displayed on the installation or system consoles can help pinpoint a problem. Please see Table 4–1, Console, Keystrokes, and Contents for a listing of the virtual consoles, keystrokesto switch to them, and their contents.

28 Chapter 4:Installing Red Hat Linux

Table 4–1 Console, Keystrokes, and Contents

Console Keystrokes Contents

[Ctrl]-[Alt]-[F1]

installation dialog

[Ctrl]-[Alt]-[F2]

shell prompt

[Ctrl]-[Alt]-[F3]

install log (messages from installation program)

[Ctrl]-[Alt]-[F4]

system-related messages

[Ctrl]-[Alt]-[F5]

other messages

7 [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[F7]

X graphical display

Generally, there isno reason to leave the default console (virtual console #7) unless you are attempting to diagnose installation problems.

4.2 Starting the Installation Program

To start the installation, you must first boot the installation program. Please make sure you have all the resources you will need for the installation. If you have already read through Chapter 2, Steps to Get You Started and followed the instructions, you should be ready to begin.

Note

Occasionally, some hardware components require a driver disk during the installation. A driver disk adds support for hardware that is not otherwise supported by the installation program. The driver disk could be produced by Red Hat, it could be a disk you make yourself, or it could be a disk that a hardware vendor includes with a piece of hardware.

If a screen appears prompting you to insert a driver disk, and you have a vendor-supplied driver disk, please do so. Another source for finding driver disks is http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/. For more information about driver disks, refer to Appendix C. Driver Disks in the Official Red Hat Linux Reference Guide.

Section 4.2:Starting the Installation Program 29

4.2.1 Booting the Installation Program

Note

If you need to create a boot disk, please refer to Section 2.4.2, Making Installation Diskettes.

During the initial power on, you will see icons appear on the desktop, unless you are performing a serial installation. When you see the graphical

keyboard, you will hear a beep — after the beep press

[F1] to perform a graphical installation or press [1] to perform a serial installation.

Select the

Install From

icon and press [Return].

Using the

[Spacebar], select the SCSI CD-ROM device.

Next, select

Red Hat Linux 7.1 using the [Spacebar].

The next screen will be the

Yaboot firmware bootloader screen. When you see the boot: prompt,

press

[Return] or wait 10 seconds for the installation to begin automatically.

Note

To perform a serial installation, type linux console=ttyS0,9600 at the boot: prompt.

You can boot the Red Hat Linuxinstallation program using any one of the followingmedia (depending upon what your system can support):

• BootableCD-ROM— Your machine supports a bootable CD-ROMdriveand you want to perform a local CD-ROM installation.

• Local boot disk — Your machine will not support a bootable CD-ROM and you want to install from a local CD-ROM or a hard drive.

• Network boot disk — Use a network boot disk to install via NFS, FTP and HTTP.

• PCMCIA boot disks — Use PCMCIA boot disks when you need PCMCIA support, but your machine does not support booting from the CD-ROM drive or if you need PCMCIA support in order to make use of the CD-ROM drive on your system. The PCMCIA boot disks can be used for all installation methods (CD-ROM, hard drive, NFS, FTP, and HTTP).

After a short delay, a screen containing the boot: prompt should appear. The screen contains information on a variety of boot options. Each boot option also has one or more help screens associated

30 Chapter 4:Installing Red Hat Linux

with it. To access a help screen, press the appropriate function key as listed in the line at the bottom of the screen.

As you boot the installation program, be aware of two issues:

• Onceyou see the boot: prompt, the installation program will automatically begin if you take no action within the first minute. To disable this feature, press one of the help screen function keys.

• If you press a help screen function key, there will be a slight delay while the help screen is read from diskette.

Normally, you will only need to press

[Enter] to boot. Watch the boot messages to see whether the

Linux kernel detects your hardware. If it does not properly detect your hardware, you may need to restart the installation in expert mode. If your hardware is properly detected, please continue to the next section.

Kernel Options

Options can also be passed to the kernel. For example, to instruct the kernel to use all the RAM in a 128 MB system, enter:

boot: linux mem=128M

After entering any options, press [Enter] to boot using those options. If you need to specify boot options to identify your hardware, please write them down. The boot

options will be needed during the LILO configuration portion of the installation (please see Section

4.14, Installing YABOOT for more information).

Booting Without Diskettes

The Red Hat Linux/x86 CD-ROM can be booted by computers that support bootable CD-ROMs. Not all computers support this feature, so if your system cannot boot from the CD-ROM, there is one other way to start the installation without using a boot disk. The following method is specific to x86-based computers only.

If you have MS-DOS installed on your system, you can boot directly from the CD-ROMdrivewithout using a boot disk.

To do this (assuming your CD-ROM is drive d:), use the following commands:

C:\> d: D:\> cd \dosutils D:\dosutils> autoboot.bat

This method will not work if run in a DOS window — the autoboot.bat file must be executed with DOS as the only operating system. In other words, Windows cannot be running.

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