Lecture #7 Installing UNIX/Linux

Learner Outcomes

• Identify whether a set of hardware is compatible with a Linux OS
• Complete a Pre-Installation checklist for a Linux OS Install
• Use LILO or GRUB to configure a system for dual booting purposes
• Install a Linux System according to a defined set of constraints
• Troubleshoot problems with an installation.

Activities

• Determine hardware information about your computer using system commands
• Complete the Installation Checklist
• Analyze different hardware configurations for a Linux installation.
• Run ksconfig and view the anaconda-ks.cfg and install.log files from an installation

Assignment

• Read Chapter 4 about the RedHat Package Manager, and the tar command.

Installation

1. Gathering System Information
   • Hardware Documentation
   • Linux Diagnostics:
     www.linuxgazette.com/issue37/tag/10.html
   • Windows System Information
   • Hardware Diagnostics
     ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/softlib/msfiles/msdzip.exe
2. Role of BIOS and Device Detection
   • Firmware or Read Only Memory (ROM)
   • Basic Input Output System (BIOS)
   • Plug and Play
3. RAM Requirements & Configuration Issues
   • The more RAM the better
   • Graphics (X Windows) runs best with a minimum of 64MB RAM
   • Swap space size should be 1.5 to 2 times RAM - up to 256 MB
     At 256 MB RAM and above, swap space should equal RAM
4. Peripheral Devices
   • CD-ROM Controllers
     • CD-ROM is a special type of mass storage
     • 12+ types of sound card CD-ROM drivers
     • ATAPE IDE CD-ROM drive interface
   • The Video Adapter
     • The video controller
     • Video memory
     • The graphic mode
5. The Monitor
   • Monitor Refresh Rates
   • Monitor Limits
     • The size of the display
     • The dot pitch of the phosphor units in mm
     • The maximum raster-scan sweep rate
   • Changing Graphics Modes
   • Is It Possible to Break Your Monitor?
6. Device Support Issues
   • Printers
   • Video Adapters
   • Modems
7. Hard Disk Partitioning
   • Primary vs. Extended Partitions
8. Hard Disk Partitioning Strategies
   • Automatic Partitioning
   • Manual Partitioning
   • Swap Partition Configuration
9. Multiple Operating System Booting
   • MS-Windows and Linux Sharing a Hard Disk
   • Emulation Instead of Coexistence
10. Network Configuration
    • Internet Protocol (IP) Address
    • Network Mask
    • Gateway
    • Domain Name Service
11. Installation Media Choices
    • Local Device Installation
    • Network Access Installation

Relevant Commands and Files