User's Manual

Section 4.1:Things You Should Know 67
4 Installing Red Hat Linux via Text Mode
This release of Red Hat Linux features a graphical, mouse-based installation program, but you can also
install Red Hat Linux using a text mode, keyboard-based installation program. This chapter briefly
explains how to use the text mode installation program. Here are some recommendations:
• If you are new to Linux installations, read Chapter 3, Installing Red Hat Linux first. The main
focus of the chapter is the graphical installation process, but most of the concepts apply to the text
mode installation as well. After reading that chapter, Section 4.1, Things You Should Know will
give you more information regarding the aspects of installing Red Hat Linux that do not apply to
the graphical installation process.
Additionally, Appendix E, An Introduction to Disk Partitions may be helpful to you, since it dis-
cusses disk partition resizing. If you plan to install Red Hat Linux on a disk where another oper-
ating system is currently installed, this knowledge will be crucial.
• If you plan to install over a network (via NFS, FTP, or HTTP), you must make a network boot
disk. Booting the Installation Program from an LS-120 Diskette in Section 2.2.3 explains how to
do this.
• If you have never used the text mode installation program, or need a refresher on its user interface,
read the next sections.
• To begin installation without further delay, turn to Section 4.3, Starting the Installation Program.
4.1 Things You Should Know
Before attempting to install Red Hat Linux, you should collect information about your system. This
information will help prevent any surprises during the installation. You can find most of this informa-
tion in the documentation that came with your system, or from the system’s vendor or manufacturer.
The most recent list of supported hardware can be found at http://hardware.redhat.com. You should
check your hardware against this list before proceeding.
Note
You can perform a text mode installation of Red Hat Linux 7.2 by follow-
ing the instructions in this chapter. However, if you are installing from a
CD-ROM, you might prefer to use the graphical installation mode, which
is easy to use and provides a flexible, custom installation mode. For more
information on graphical installations, turn to Chapter 3, Installing Red Hat
Linux.