Chapter 3.

Installing Red Hat Linux

This chapter explains how to install Red Hat Linux from the CD ROM. The following topics are

discussed:

Becoming 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

Note

If you already have another operating system installed and want to create a dual boot system so that

you can use both Red Hat Linux and the other operating system, please read Appendix G for more

information.

3.1. The Graphical Installation Program User Interface

If you have used a graphical user interface (GUI) before, you will be familiar with this process;

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 Section 3.2 for a brief overview of text mode installation instructions.

3.1.1. 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 3 1 for a listing of the virtual consoles, keystrokes used to switch to them, and their contents.

Generally, there is no reason to leave the default console (virtual console #7) unless you are attempting

to diagnose installation problems.