Page 8 - DCAP602_NETWORK_OPERATING_SYSTEMS_I

Network Operating Systems-I

notes introduction

Installation routines and hardware support in Linux at the time were much less advanced than
they are today; Red Hat was still at a relatively early stage in its evolution, Mandriva had yet to
be created, and SuSE was just coming out from under the shadow of Slackware.

This unit explains how to perform a custom installation of Red Hat Linux from the CD-ROM,
using the graphical, mouse-based installation program.

1.1 redHat Linux

There is quite a variety of Linux distributions from which to choose from. Each distribution offers
the same base Linux kernel and system tools, but differ on installation method and bundled
applications. Each distribution has its own advantages as well as disadvantages, so it is wise
to spend a bit of time researching which features are available in a given distribution before
deciding on one.
The installation of a Linux system requires a little more up-front research than does a Windows
installation. As many Linux device drivers are created through community-based reverse-
engineering, rather than by those devices’ manufacturers, it’s important to check a number of
hardware compatibility lists prior to commencing the installation. This will help you ensure that
drivers exist for the devices on your server.
Linux support can take many forms, the most popular being Web-based lists and forums. This
approach truly represents the spirit of community in the open source world, where user experience
is relied upon to provide solutions to Linux issues. All commercial Linux distributors provide
some level of paid support, though the support period may vary widely from one distributor to
another.
Linux systems can be installed with a full complement of graphical tools, or as a minimal text-
based system. The installers follow suit, providing options to complete an installation from a
graphical environment, or from a purely text-based environment.
Unlike Windows systems, the desktop environment is not inextricably bound to the operating
system kernel code. Instead, the X Windows and desktop management systems are distinct
systems that run in their own space. This feature of Linux allows for the creation of a fully
operational, text-based system, which boasts a very small installation code base. However, most
users will opt for a graphical system based on X Windows and any of a number of desktop
managers.

Did u know? Do Linux support can take many forms, the most popular being Web-based
lists and forums?

1.2 installing redHat Linux

To begin the installation, put the first installation CD in the CD-ROM drive and reboot the
machine. If your machine is configured to boot from the CD-ROM, you’ll see the screen shown in
Figure 1.1, when the machine starts.

2 LoveLy professionaL university