Linux Install

Install Linux

Note: This next section is for installing Slackware Linux Only. Other flavors of Linux will not install the same way. To download a current Slackware ISO go to ftp.slackware.com. Download install.iso and write that file directly to a CD-R using a CD Recorder Drive. If you are need help installing another version of Linux you may try linuxnewbie.org.

Step 1: Boot Linux from the CD
- On most new systems there is an option in the computer BIOS to allow the system to boot from a CD-ROM drive. This option is usually under an advanced options menu.
- Change the first boot device to be the CD-ROM and insert the Linux install CD.
- Reboot the system and allow the computer to boot from the CD.

Step 2: Startup
- Slackware will prompt for special instructions before booting.
- Press [Enter] to load the default settings and wait for the login prompt.

Step 3: Login as root and set up your hard drive

Welcome to Linux 2.x.xx

darkstar login: root
Password: [No Password, just press Enter]

You have new mail.
root@darkstar:~# fdisk /dev/hda

Command (m for help): p

   Device Boot    Start       End    Blocks   Id  System
/dev/hda1             1       250   2008093+   c  Win95 FAT32 (LBA)

Note: Hopefully your partition looks something like this.

Command (m for help): n

Command action
   e   extended
   p   primary partition (1-4)
p
Partition number (1-4): 2
First cylinder (xxxx-yyyy, default xxxx): [Enter]
Using default value xxxx
Last cylinder or +size or +sizeM or +sizeK (xxxx-yyyy, default yyyy): +3000M
Note: This will make a 3 gigabyte drive for linux.  If the size needs to be bigger
      then simply increase the number appropriately.  However, remember that there
      needs to be enough space for the swap partition which should be about 128
      megabytes.
      
Command (m for help): n
Command action
   e   extended
   p   primary partition (1-4)
p
Partition number (1-4): 3
First cylinder (xxxx-yyyy, default xxxx): [Enter]
Using default value xxxx
Last cylinder or +size or +sizeM or +sizeK (xxxx-yyyy, default yyyy): [Enter]
Note: This will use the remaining space for a swap partition.

Command (m for help): t
Partition number (1-4): 3
Hex code (type L to list codes): 82
Note: This step shows how the t command can be used to change the partition type of
      the 3rd partition.  Partitions are set to 83 "Linux Native" by default.  Using
      this command will set the type to 82 or "Linux Swap".

Command (m for help): p

Disk /dev/hda: xxx heads, xx sectors, xxxx cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 bytes

   Device Boot    Start       End    Blocks   Id  System
/dev/hda1             1       xxx   2008093+   c  Win95 FAT32 (LBA)
/dev/hda2           xxx       xxx   2008125   83  Linux native
/dev/hda3           xxx       xxx    128055   82  Linux swap
Note: When finished the partition table should look something like this.

Command (m for help): w
Syncing disks.

root@darkstar:~# setup

Step 4: Setup

- Select "Swap" and press [Enter]
- Select the Swap Partition [Enter]

Note: Let setup guide you through the installation. Most of the time take setup's suggestions. The default packages will work for this install. Make sure when in the install menu, to select "Full Install". This will cut down on the amount of prompting the setup program will do. After the installation of software is done. Setup will prompt to configure the system. Make sure to have the system's network setting handy. Also keep a floppy handy to make a boot floppy. When the menu comes up to setup lilo, choose the "Automatic" Option. This should work 95% of the time. Once the system is configured, go to exit, press [Enter], and type "reboot"[Enter] to restart the computer.