Linux Versions

Several versions of Linux, known as distributions, are available for download free of charge. Fedora is a good free version with extensive installation instructions and documentation. Several minimalist versions are also available if you just want to learn Linux. If you simply want to simulate the Linux environment on a PC, you can try cygwin. Linux need not actually be installed as an OS on the hard disk; Live CD versions simply boot directly from a CD. Most major Linux distributors also offer Live CD versions of their products. This chapter provides pointers on OS and package installation. Most concepts covered here are covered in greater detail in the following chapters; skip hard parts and come back to them later. The following section will give you a better idea about the steps involved in installing a version like Fedora.

1. A high-speed Internet connection is integral to downloading a version like fedora (close to 650MB in size) in order to install on your hard disk.
2. A CDRW or DVD read write drive is also necessary as the easiest way to install is to write the ISO image or DVD image of the downloaded distribution to a set of CDs or a DVD (bittorrent is the recommended download method for Fedora). Special utilities like cdrecord are required to accomplish this step
3. If another OS (such as Windows XP) is installed on the computer, the hard disk should be repartitioned to accommodate Linux - this is an involved process that requires some expertise. The following steps assume that only Linux will be installed on the hard disk or that the hard disk with a current OS has been repartitioned to accommodate Linux
4. First, boot the System from the first CD or the DVD burned using the ISO/DVD image of the installation.
5. Each CD should be verified against a listed SHA1 checksum to ensure that it is uncorrupted using the following command at the 'boot:' prompt. boot: linux mediacheck

Screenshot 5a: Media check Command Result

6. The media check command should be used to scan all the disks in order. Finally, the first disk should be inserted again. Click 'continue' to start installation.

Screenshot 5b: Start Installation

7. In the next screen, scroll to CD-ROM and select OK and press enter.

Screenshot 5c: Select Media

8. Select a language and keyboard layout. Highlight the appropriate option in each screen and select next
9. The system may be partitioned using either just the free space available or by removing all existing partitions (check the boxes next to all the partitions on your computer to do the latter).
10. In the next screen, scroll to CD-ROM and select OK and press enter.
11. Creating a default layout is simple and is often sufficient for beginners
12. You may use Disk Druid to set up a custom partition (if you are really feeling adventurous). Following are some recommendations:
    Swap Partition - As close as you can get to the RAM memory of your System (256MB? 512MB? 128MB?)
    / - Root - 500MB at least
    /boot - 500MB or so
    /usr - Holds local software. Minimum of 600MB, Recommended 1.5 GB or more.
    /var - Holds mail, spool, and log files. Recommended size of 1 GB
    /home -Most User data goes here - all remaining available space.

Screenshot 5d: Disk Partitioning

13. Ignore this step if you chose the default partition. A mount point is a directory to which a device or partition is attached. Set the mount point of "/" (root filesystem) to an appropriate partition (If you want to set root to the first partition of an IDE drive, the "/dev/hda1" drive should point to "/".) You will have to select a type of partition (swap etc.)
14. Boot loaders bootstrap a system when the power is turned on and start up the OS. The Linux Loader (LILO) variant used by Fedora is called GRUB. The next step involves GRUB installation. Grub should typically be installed as the MBR or master boot record for a system that runs on Linux (other options are available but we won't go into these as they are very complicated).
    Note: GRUB will boot most other OS. Simply use the 'add' button to add an additional OS that should be booted using GRUB. Select the type of OS and the partition on which it is installed. Sometimes, GRUB will automatically detect other OS; you may not have to use the 'Add' button at all. If you are booting two Operating Systems and if Windows XP is the other OS, do not use the hibernation mode; this mode overwrites GRUB and you will not be able to start Linux again.
15. After the network configuration (do not attempt anything manual here) and time zone screens and so on, you will finally have to supply a root password. Bear in mind that this is the Linux super user/administrator password. The superuser administers the Linux OS and has access to all files and many special commands. You should specify a good password and remember this password.