Installing UMBC RedHat Linux

The install procedure for UMBC RedHat is fairly straightforward. There are just a few choices that need to be made by the user.

Keyboard & Mouse Configuration

The defaults for these choices should be fine for most users. If you know that you have a keyboard or mouse different from the default choices, change the selection to match your hardware.

Three Button Emulation

If you have a two button mouse, you should select Emulate 3 Buttons. This will allow you to use the third mouse button by pressing both of your current buttons at the same time. Three buttons are used under the X Window System in many cases, and some functions may not be available without support for three buttons. It is highly recommended that a 3 Button Mouse be used with the X Window System.

UMBC Networked & UMBC Dialup Configuration

There are two types of Configurations available for UMBC RedHat. The first is a UMBC Networked Configuration, which is for machines that will be connected to the Internet by Ethernet. The UMBC Dialup Configuration is for machines that will be using a modem to connect to the Internet. The difference between the Configurations is the following:

AFS is not installed by default in either configuration. AFS requires substantial bandwidth and is only recommended for On Campus users. If you are using a Cable modem, you may want to try AFS, but this is an unsupported configuration. Dialup users should not attempt to use AFS. For further information on AFS at UMBC, consult this page.

Disk Partitioning

There are several ways of partitioning the Hard disk. For most users, the automatic partitioning should be used. If you are familiar with the space requirements, you can use Disk Druid, but this should only be attempted by an expert user.

Warning about /boot Partition

During Automatic partitioning, a warning will appear about the /boot partition. This warning may be safely ingored.

Boot Loader Configuration

The default options should be fine in most cases.

Boot Loader Password

In general, a Boot Loader password is not needed. The Boot Loader password provides some extra security, similiar to a BIOS password, but it is very important that you not forget the password. If you don't feel comfortable setting the password, do not set it.

Timezone

The default timezone is Eastern Standard Time, which is correct for the UMBC area. If you are installing this on a machine that will be in a different timezone, set the timezone accordingly.

Account Configuration

This menu creates accounts for the Linux machine. You should create an account for each user on the machine. Adding additional accounts after installing the machine is simple, so do not think this is the only time you can create accounts.

Setting the root Password

It is required that you set a root password on the machine. You will need the root password to perform various administrative tasks, such as installing additional software, and making configuration changes after Linux is installed.

Create Your User Account

Create a user account for yourself. You should use your User Account for the majority of your work. Only access the machine as root when performing administrative activities, such as installing additional software, or updating software. By Using your User Account, you protect yourself from possibly damaging the Linux Operating System.

Package Group Selection

In most cases, the default Package Groups should not be changed. Laptop users will want to select the Laptop Support Group if you want to use PCMCIA devices.

AFS Support

If you are On Campus, you may select OpenAFS Package Group. This will give you access to AFS. If you are using a Cable Modem, you may be able to use AFS, but this is an unsupported configuration. Note that some areas in AFS are access restricted based on IP address, and Off Campus machines will not be able to access files in these areas.

Graphical Interface / X Window Configuration

Your Video Card and Monitor need to be identified to configure the Graphical Interface, the X Window System, in Linux. Your Video Card and Video Memory should already be selected. If the current selection is incorrect, select the correct Video Card and Memory.

Boot Disk Creation

A Boot Disk is not required, so this step can safely be skipped.

Monitor Configuration

Choose the appropriate Monitor from the list. In most cases, your Monitor should already be selected. If the selected Monitor is incorrect, select the correct Monitor. If you can not find your Monitor, you can manually enter the Horizontal and Vertical Sync Ranges. This information should be available in the documentation for your Monitor. If your ranges exceed the Manufacturer's Ranges, you may damage your Monitor.

Customize Graphics Configuration

You are given a choice of Resolution and Color Depth on this menu. You should choose a Resolution and Color Depth appropriate for your current hardware. Be sure to test your configuration with the Test Setting Button. If you do not see the test screen, try to decrease your Resolution and/or your Color Depth settings and test your configuration again.

Gnome and KDE are both available as the Default Environment. Choose whichever environment you want to use. You can easily change this selection after installing RedHat.

The Login Type is set to Graphical by default. This should not be changed.

Finishing the Installation

This should complete the installation of UMBC RedHat onto your Computer. Remember to remove your CD after you are finished installing UMBC RedHat.