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Chapter 2. Before You BeginWhile installing Red Hat Linux is a straightforward process, taking some time prior to starting the installation can make things go much more smoothly. In this chapter, we'll discuss the steps that should be performed before you start the installation.
There are five tasks you should perform prior to installing Red Hat Linux:
Let's start by making sure you have the correct components needed for your Red Hat Linux installation. Getting the Right Red Hat Linux ComponentsIf you've purchased the Red Hat Linux boxed set, you're ready to go! However, mistakes occasionally happen, so now is a good time to double-check the contents of your boxed set. If you haven't purchased a Red Hat Linux boxed set, skip to the section called No Boxed Set? No Problem! . Contents of the Red Hat Linux Boxed SetThe Red Hat Linux boxed set contains the following items:
Let's take a quick look at each item: The Official Red Hat Linux Installation GuideThe Official Red Hat Linux Installation Guide is what you're currently reading. It contains the information necessary to install Red Hat Linux. The Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started GuideThe Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide contains information on what to do after the installation has taken place. We believe it is both well written and informative, and will guide you through the necessary steps of actually using your system once the installation is in place. The Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide covers topics ranging from learning the basics of your system, to navigating your system, to GNOME, to connecting to the Internet. The Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide is availabe in the Deluxe and Professional boxed sets, but not in the Standard boxed set. The Official Red Hat Linux Reference GuideThe Official Red Hat Linux Reference Guide contains information on configuring your system, text-mode installations, package list information, and more. Once you have installed your system and mastered the basics of navigation, you can use this guide to help you configure and fine tune Red Hat Linux to your specific needs. The Official Red Hat Linux Alpha/SPARC Installation Addendum
CDs 1 and 2These compact discs contain the entire Red Hat Linux distribution, including source code. CD 1 contains all the binary packages built for your type of computer (Intel, Alpha, or SPARC). CD 2 contains the source packages that were used to build the binary packages on CD 1. Linux Applications Library
Boot Disks
License and Registration InformationAs a Red Hat Linux 6.1 owner, you are entitled to the benefits of support once you have registered. Our new registration program offers you free priority FTP access and your own home base at www.redhat.com . Sign up by going to www.redhat.com/now and entering your personal product ID found in your Red Hat Linux boxed set. Once that has been done, you can go to www.redhat.com/support for further support-related information. Missing Something?If you've purchased the Official Red Hat Linux boxed set from Red Hat, Inc., (or one of its distributors) and you're missing one or more of the items listed above, please let us know! One thing to keep in mind is that Red Hat partners with companies (international and domestic) so that we can make Red Hat Linux available to you in the most convenient form. Because of this, you might find that your Red Hat Linux boxed set may not have been actually produced by Red Hat. Not sure how to identify our official boxed set? Here's how: The bottom of our box has an ISBN number next to one of the bar codes. That ISBN number should be in this form: 1-58569- xx - y (The xx and y will be unique numbers.) If your box has an ISBN number in this form, and you're missing something, feel free to call us at 1-888-733-4281 (+1-919-547-0012 outside the USA), or to send mail to < presales@redhat.com > . If your box has a different ISBN number (or none at all), you'll need to contact the company that produced your boxed set. Normally, third-party producers will include their logo and/or contact information on the outside of the box; an official Red Hat Linux boxed set has only our name and contact info on the outside. If your Red Hat Linux boxed set is complete, please skip ahead to the section called Checking for Updated Diskette Images and Manual Information . No Boxed Set? No Problem!Of course, not everyone purchases a Red Hat Linux boxed set. It's entirely possible to install Red Hat Linux using a CD created by another company, or even via FTP. In these cases, you may need to create one or more diskettes to get started.
Checking for Updated Diskette Images and Manual InformationFrom time to time, we find that the installation may fail, and that a revised diskette image is required in order for the installation to work properly. In these cases, we make special images available via the Red Hat Linux Errata. Since this is a relatively rare occurrence, you will save time if you try to use the standard diskette images first, and then review the Errata only if you experience any problems completing the installation. There are also times where the manuals may have significant errors in documentation (due to changing installation code or other factors). Documentation updates are also available via the Red Hat Linux Errata. There are two ways to review the Errata:
For now, concentrate only on the Errata entries that include new diskette images (the filenames always end in .img ). If you find an entry that seems to apply to your problem, get a copy of the diskette images, and create them using the instructions in Appendix B . |