Re: Help with Installing Linux (No CD-ROM writer)

From: Markku Kolkka (markku.kolkka_at_iki.fi)
Date: 09/22/04

  • Next message: Randy McLaughlin: "vsftpd - limit time of day access" 
    Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2004 01:18:41 +0300

    Rolleston wrote:
    > I have found few references in the patchy documentation of many
    > distros to installing from a hard disk. But I was able to verify that
    > the fedora core comes with a floppy boot image will allow such
    > an installation.

    Only FC1, but not FC2 or later versions.

    > Or, at least, it offered that kind of installation as
    > an alternative when I ran it. Can it read the fedora core installation
    > files from my XP filesystem?

    Yes, if it's a FAT32 filesystem but not from NTFS.

    > Now, the fedora "core" seems to be absolutely huge. Do I really
    > have to download all four CD ISOs?

    A minimal installation should be possible just from CD1.

    > They may contain stuff that
    > I will never use. I just want a basic installation in which I can
    > compile the drivers for my modem and test the connection to the
    > internet,

    That's not a minimal installation anymore, you need software development
    tools (possibly kernel development) and text-based Internet at least.
    You need the whole CD set.

    > Regarding the ISO images: do I have to unpack them?

    No, you _must not_ unpack them for HD install.

    > And can
    > I avoid having the fedora installation mucking about with my MBR?

    Yes, you can choose to store the boot loader in the boot sector of Linux
    partition.

    > And if I have repartitioned my drive manually, will it use a partition
    > I make available, or do I have to leave unallocated space for the
    > installer to format and use?

    You can install in preallocated partitions.

    > The questions go on and on and bleeding on. I'm sorry to ask
    > about so many things, but I've found it difficult to find the
    > information by other means.

    Read the Red Hat Linux 9 Installation Guide:
    http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-9-Manual/install-guide/
    Fedora uses a later version of the same installation program, and most
    of the information still applies. 

    -- 
 Markku Kolkka
 markku.kolkka@iki.fi
  • Next message: Randy McLaughlin: "vsftpd - limit time of day access"

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