[DMC2]

Hi,

I want to install Linux (red hat probably) but I've never done it before.

I have two HDs.

C: 14.6GB [WinXP Pro] 1st Partition of HD
D: 59.8GB [My files] 2nd Partition of HD
E: 7.18GB [EMPTY]

I'd like to install it on E:, which is currently empty. How might I go abouts it?

Thanks for your time.

[codejockey]

Most (major) Linux distributions will offer you a choice of where you'd like to install and automatically partition and format the (portions of) the drive(s) you choose. There's not much you need to do except to consider how much space to devote to Linux and how you'd like to divide your space among the filesystems that Linux will install (that last bit is a tremendous over-simplification, but the bottom line is that most distributions will happily install even if you just select the defaults suggested during the installation).

Hope this helps.

[s_gnome654]

In addition to what codejockey had said, you also may want to create additional partitions within E:. A basic installation will include a root partition and a swap partition. You may also want to create a /home, /usr/ and /opt partition to allow for a more structured filesystem. But whatever you do, try to shy away from using the autopartition tool. That will only lead to problems.



____________________________________________________
~hacking is like sex, you get in, get out and hope that you haven't left anything behind to identify yourself!

[DMC2]

Thanks for the replies. Hope you all had a nice xmas.

I think I need more advice on this matter though.

• How much space does the O.S. usually need?
• Should I just use partition magic to create the partition?
• What file system should I use?

• To install it, how do I start the installation? I'm assuming I can't do it within windows. Do I do it in DOS with a startup disk or can I just boot from the CDs? If from DOS, what file do I execute?

I'm a total novice at this and don't have a clue. Too used to using Windows. XD

Thanks.

[codejockey]

Most (major) distributions use a bootable CD that will partition and format your drive(s) for you, based on your selection of where you'd like to install Linux. These distributions also recognize if you have an existing Windoze (or other) installation, and arrange to make the data available to you within Linux. Some distributions include utilities to re-size existing partitions and move data. In general, the only reason you might need Partition Magic or a similar program is to re-size existing partitions and move data -- if you're not doing either of those, you likely can set aside Partition Magic.

Your choice of filesystem is just that -- your choice. The "standard" Linux filesystem is ext2, which is fast and stable -- but old. You can add journaling capability by choosing ext3 (a good idea) or choose reiserfs -- a fast, balanced filesystem with journaling, and arguably, the new standard. Of course, there are other alternatives such as xfs (SGI) and jfs (IBM) as well. Recommendation: reiserfs, ext3, ext2 (in that order). If you want to experiment, have a look at xfs and jfs, but be prepared to jump through some hoops to get things working ...

Your space requirements depend a lot on how much you install, and what you intend to do with your system. You can certainly run Linux (including the development tools, full networking, multiple desktop managers and a full suite of applications) in 5 Gbytes of space (with space left over), but this is probably too small an allotment if you plan to download lots of video or music files. I'd suggest 10 Gbytes for a full installation with some room to grow.

Hope this helps.

[WFKY9G]

Not sure if this was mentioned but be sure not to install the linux loader in the MBR, instead install it in the first partition. Windows will overwrite anything in the MBR

[lynch]

If you install windows first or if you already have windows installed you can install the bootloader to the MBR w/o probs.
lynch

[baliyans]

Hi,
you want to install linux on empty E partition .it is very easy.
first set the option in bios to boot from cdrom,then boot from linux cd then you are asked to choose the partition ,choose the E
partion and allote space to swap ,linux etc . proceed you have installed linux.
good bye

[DMC2]

Thanks for all the replies. I've booted from the CDROM, been checking the CDs as it recommended...turned out CD5 was faulty. So I re-downloaded it, but that was faulty too. Now I'm getting it elsewhere.... D'oh!

[DMC2]

Third time lucky. Disc 5 PASS. It kind of froze when it asked me whether I wanted to create a recovery disk though and I had to reboot on CD2. Is that a problem? I didn't even use the other 3 CDs. If it's a problem, how do I continue startup.

Right now, I can use commands and I know some of those and can navigate.

Also, how do I run KDE? (Assuming it's installed properly). I want to see the GUI.

Thanks.

[DMC2]

OK. Reinstalled it. I appear to be up and running. Had to fiddle a bit with the Partitions. with Mount Points and all. Having a small drive made it more challenging. Any general tips for using this thing?

There's some problems with the sound still.....

Thanks