Re: ThinkPad install [redhat refuses to help]

["Kevin D. Colby" <kevin marcal com>]

>I'm trying to get Redhat 4.1 installed on a ThinkPad 760EL. Since RH does
>'support' my CDRom devices AND I ran out of my 30 day free email support, I
>would like some help (if possible) on the following install method:
>
>1. get rid of as much DOS/Win stuff off my HD
>2. defrag my 810 MB drive
>3. parition my drive:
>   a. 1st 200MB - emtpy
>   b. 2nd 600MB - windose & dos 

I will assume that this is done.

>4. copy some parts (which ones?) of Redhat CD to 2nd partion (enough
contents of 
>   Linux CDROM to make a minimal system)

Not too sure, try and get it all if possible...  ;^)

>5. somehow install Linux in 1st partition

You will need bott/root disk(s).  Provided you have a RedHat combo boot+root
disk, this should be in the setup selections as a way of installing.

>6. give the 2nd partition to Linux

After Linux is up and running in the new partition, simply run fdisk and rework
the partitions, re-mounting as needed.  I can give more details if need when
you have details about what you want where, etc.  Wait until you get #5.

>7. install other Linux/RH packages

Probably rpm, but this depends highly on where the "packages" came from.

>DIATRIBE: Why did I pay $50 for Redhat when I only get 30 days of support?
>Why does Redhat only offer email support?

First a disclaimer:  I am not in any way affiliated with RedHat, nor do I
personally know anyone who is.

I think 30 days may be a little harsh, but I understand that RedHat simply
cannot fully support forever Linux setups on varies hardware.  The cost
of maintaining a support staff for those purposes would be staggering.
BTW - When did you get NT for $50, and did it come with _helpful_
support?

>Why is it that I learn that my laptop is not supportd by Redhat
>AFTER I spent $50?  Why is it that the Redhat web page does NOT
>state that my laptop is NOT supported? Why does Redhat tell me
>that their web page DOES tell me that my laptop is not supported?

Maybe they're confused.  Of, course, unless I see something listed
as "supported" _I_ would assume "not yet".  A better question
would be: "Why will IBM not release info on MWave so that
people may write Linux drivers for it?"

>Why didn't I get Slackware or Caldera?

You didn't get Caldera because it stinks.
You didn't get Slackware because you don't want to be a Unix God
to set up a basic system.  (I personally admire that Slackware
seems often more up-to-date, but RedHat has more "worked-out").

>Why don't I just spend the time and get Linux for free instead
>of being a good husband and father?

You'd be exactly where you are now, without a CD.

>Tom R. Loden       |  UNIX:clay :: NT:brick   |   loden world std com
>Unix Sys. Engr.    +--------------------------+   tloden csc com
>CSC                 #include "std/disclaimer"  

May I ask what the brick--clay is supposed to mean?
...NT is brittle?  ;^)

        - Kevin Colby
          kevin marcal com