This manual focuses on a CD-ROM-based installation and is ideal for users (both new and old) who want a quick and simple installation solution. It helps you prepare your system and walk you through the installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux includes multiple installation CD-ROMs. Note that only the first CD-ROM (CD #1) is bootable. The additional installation CD-ROMs are required, even for a minimal installation. Red Hat also provides supplementary CD-ROMs containing source RPMs and documentation for all the packages, as well as a Linux Applications CD (LACD).

In general, this document distinguishes between i5/p5 which use the Power 5 processor, and iSeries/pSeries, which use earlier versions of the POWER processors. Any references to iSeries do not include i5 systems, nor do references to pSeries include p5 systems.

If you are an experienced user and you do not need a review of the basics, you can skip ahead to Chapter 2, Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux to begin the installation process.