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install [2015/05/09 08:09]
slackermedia
install [2021/06/03 19:48] (current)
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 ====== The Installer ====== ====== The Installer ======
  
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 Slackware itself will take care of creating the filesystem, later. Slackware itself will take care of creating the filesystem, later.
  
-<WARN alert>+<WRAP alert>
 Slackermedia assumes that you are using new drives, or at least drives that you Slackermedia assumes that you are using new drives, or at least drives that you
 have already backed up, because //​everything//​ in this section will **destroy** any have already backed up, because //​everything//​ in this section will **destroy** any
 existing data on the drives. //That is the intent//. Do not follow this section existing data on the drives. //That is the intent//. Do not follow this section
 verbatim if you have valuable data on your drive that you do not intend to erase. verbatim if you have valuable data on your drive that you do not intend to erase.
-</WARN>+</WRAP>
  
 The way Linux sees hard drives is by identifying what controller they are connected to on the motherboard,​ and then by assigning a letter to denote the order in which they were detected. The prefix for a hard drive is ''​sd''​ ([[http://​tldp.org/​HOWTO/​Partition/​devices.htm|for The way Linux sees hard drives is by identifying what controller they are connected to on the motherboard,​ and then by assigning a letter to denote the order in which they were detected. The prefix for a hard drive is ''​sd''​ ([[http://​tldp.org/​HOWTO/​Partition/​devices.htm|for
 historical purposes]]). So the identifier for the first hard drive on a system would be ''​sda'',​ and the second drive would be ''​sdb''​. historical purposes]]). So the identifier for the first hard drive on a system would be ''​sda'',​ and the second drive would be ''​sdb''​.
  
-You can verify what drives Linux finds by looking in the device, or ''/​dev'',​ directory. ​You can see this by typing this:+You can verify what drives Linux finds by looking in the device, or ''/​dev'',​ directory. ​Do not type the ''#''​ mark; that just represents the root prompt on your screen. However, the question mark is literal; type exactly ''​sd?''​
  
 <​code>​ <​code>​
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 </​code>​ </​code>​
  
-<WARN important>​ +A friendlier view of devices attached to your computer, use ''​lsblk''​:
-Do not type the ''​#'' ​mark; that just represents the root prompt on your screen.+
  
-However, the question mark is literal; type exactly ''​sd?''​ +<​code>​ 
-</WARN>+# lsblk 
 +</code>
  
 On a laptop, you probably only have one drive, so the result will likely be ''/​dev/​sda''​ but a desktop can (and arguably should) have multiple drives, so results might be ''/​dev/​sda''​ ''/​dev/​sdb''​ ''/​dev/​sdc'',​ and so on to the last drive. On a laptop, you probably only have one drive, so the result will likely be ''/​dev/​sda''​ but a desktop can (and arguably should) have multiple drives, so results might be ''/​dev/​sda''​ ''/​dev/​sdb''​ ''/​dev/​sdc'',​ and so on to the last drive.
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 Whether you have one or three or more drives, each drive must have a partition in order for an OS to be installed. Whether you have one or three or more drives, each drive must have a partition in order for an OS to be installed.
  
-<WARN alert>+<WRAP alert>
 Mistakes are easy to make. Disconnect any drive that you do not intend to erase while you create partitions, just in case you type in the wrong drive and erase something you did not mean to erase. Mistakes are easy to make. Disconnect any drive that you do not intend to erase while you create partitions, just in case you type in the wrong drive and erase something you did not mean to erase.
  
 In other words: only the drives you intend to erase should be attached to your computer, to prevent accidental data loss. In other words: only the drives you intend to erase should be attached to your computer, to prevent accidental data loss.
-</WARN>+</WRAP>
  
 To create an MBR (for use with BIOS or UEFI-in-BIOS-mode) partition label (replace ''​sdX''​ with the appropriate drive identifier, and do not type the ''#''​ mark, which is your Linux prompt): To create an MBR (for use with BIOS or UEFI-in-BIOS-mode) partition label (replace ''​sdX''​ with the appropriate drive identifier, and do not type the ''#''​ mark, which is your Linux prompt):
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 </​code>​ </​code>​
  
-<WARN alert>+<WRAP alert>
 If you are using multiple drives, then you should only make a swap partition on one non-SSD drive. You do not need swap space on each physical drive. If you are using multiple drives, then you should only make a swap partition on one non-SSD drive. You do not need swap space on each physical drive.
-</WARN>+</WRAP>
  
 On old systems, swap space was a necessity in the event that you ran out of RAM. This is less of an issue now that RAM is relatively cheap, so if you have heaps of RAM then you probably do not need swap space. If you are using a desktop and do not require hibernation,​ or you just don't anticipate needing hibernation,​ then you can opt to forsake the swap partition and just create a single partition that spans the entire drive: On old systems, swap space was a necessity in the event that you ran out of RAM. This is less of an issue now that RAM is relatively cheap, so if you have heaps of RAM then you probably do not need swap space. If you are using a desktop and do not require hibernation,​ or you just don't anticipate needing hibernation,​ then you can opt to forsake the swap partition and just create a single partition that spans the entire drive:
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 The installer will offer to format each drive for you. It is usually safe (and quickest) to perform a standard Format with no bad block checking. Use ''​ext4''​ or ''​jfs''​ for your filesystem type. The installer will offer to format each drive for you. It is usually safe (and quickest) to perform a standard Format with no bad block checking. Use ''​ext4''​ or ''​jfs''​ for your filesystem type.
 +
 +<WRAP tip>
 +Slackermedia recommends ''​jfs''​ solely based on experiential data. In some ways, it has fewer features than something like ''​ext4''​ but it is a good, stable open source filesystem that is useful on both SSD and standard drives, and it is backed by IBM and used by IBM on large amounts of data in very large data centers. It makes the most sense for Slackermedia,​ and has successfully powered
 +Slackermedia machines that are in production for years (including one that is exclusively SSD).
 +
 +If you anticipate requiring re-sizing your filesystem at some point, then ''​ext4''​ is a superiour choice. If you know Linux well and have some other reason to prefer ''​ext4''​ or ''​xfs''​ or some other filesystem type, then use your better judgement to build your system.
 +</​WRAP>​
  
 Once your drives are formatted, select the source of the installation. Once your drives are formatted, select the source of the installation.
 +
 Presumably you are installing from a DVD, so select the first option. Allow the Presumably you are installing from a DVD, so select the first option. Allow the
 installer to perform an automatic scan for the disc. (This option probably installer to perform an automatic scan for the disc. (This option probably
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 desktop, otherwise it is safe to leave it deactivated. desktop, otherwise it is safe to leave it deactivated.
  
-The next menu confirms that you wish to perform a full and automated install of +The next menu confirms that you wish to perform a full and automated install of all package sets. Slackermedia only supports a full install. If you turn any other package set off, you risk unexpected incompatibilities. The full install is not large compared to the standard install of other operating systems, and yet you get an amazing amount of software, development headers, libraries, and
-all package sets. Slackermedia only supports a full install. If you turn any +
-other package set off, you risk unexpected incompatibilities. The full install +
-is not large compared to the standard install of other operating systems, and +
-yet you get an amazing amount of software, development headers, libraries, and+
 tools. In short, install everything. tools. In short, install everything.
  
-Uncompressing and copying thousands of installable files takes time. You can +Uncompressing and copying thousands of installable files takes time. You can use this time for a coffee break, but if you're very new to Linux, then 
-use this time for a coffee break, but if you're very new to Linux, then +watching the installer may prove interesting,​ just so that you get some idea of what gets installed on a fully-featured operating system.
-watching the installer may prove interesting,​ just so that you get some idea of +
-what gets installed on a fully-featured operating system.+
  
-Once all packages have been installed, you have the opportunity to create a USB +Once all packages have been installed, you have the opportunity to create a USB boot loader disc. It is safe to skip this step on modern hardware; if anything goes wrong, you can generally perform a rescue with your install disc.
-boot loader disc. It is safe to skip this step on modern hardware; if anything +
-goes wrong, you can generally perform a rescue with your install disc.+
  
 In order for your computer'​s BIOS or UEFI to pass control over to an operating In order for your computer'​s BIOS or UEFI to pass control over to an operating
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 that governs this is known as a boot loader. that governs this is known as a boot loader.
  
-The boot loader that Slackware uses is called LILO and should be installed to +The boot loader that Slackware uses is called ​''​LILO'' ​and should be installed to the MBR (master boot record). From a user perspective,​ it just amounts to a menu at boot time that lets you choose what drive or OS to boot into. Since 
-the MBR (master boot record). From a user perspective,​ it just amounts to a +Slackermedia recommends having only one OS, this menu is surplus to requirements,​ but since it is necessary for the boot precess, and not a bad
-menu at boot time that lets you choose what drive or OS to boot into. Since +
-Slackermedia recommends having only one OS, this menu is surplus to +
-requirements,​ but since it is necessary for the boot precess, and not a bad+
 tool to have around for troubleshooting,​ installing it correctly is important. tool to have around for troubleshooting,​ installing it correctly is important.
  
-If you are using BIOS or UEFI-in-BIOS-mode,​ you can use the simple option of +If you are using BIOS or UEFI-in-BIOS-mode,​ you can use the simple option of letting the installer auto-detect your settings, and then configure and install ​''​LILO'' ​for you.
-letting the installer auto-detect your settings, and then configure and install +
-LILO for you.+
  
 If you are using UEFI with GPT partitions (which you will probably only do if If you are using UEFI with GPT partitions (which you will probably only do if
 you have a drive that is larger than 2TB), then choose to skip this step for you have a drive that is larger than 2TB), then choose to skip this step for
-now. A manual ​LILO install will be performed after the install.+now. A manual ​''​eLILO'' ​install will be performed after the install.
  
 Next, choose a resolution for your monitor. On modern LCD panels, the highest Next, choose a resolution for your monitor. On modern LCD panels, the highest
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 standard option. standard option.
  
-The next few prompts are well documented in themselves. Continue on until you +<WRAP important>​ 
-are prompted to configure GPM. This defaults to Yes but it is safe to choose No +This resolution does not affect the GUI; that will be auto-detected when you start the desktop. This resolution setting governs the initial ​text console. 
-if you do not anticipate using your mouse in a text-only console. ​If you are +</​WRAP>​
-unsure, choose No.+
  
-Configuring the network is the next major option that deserves some special +The next few prompts are well documented onscreen, so read the info provided and continue with the install until you are prompted to configure ''​GPM''​. This defaults to **Yes** but it is safe to choose **No** if you do not anticipate using your mouse in a text-only console. If you are 
-attention. You certainly want to configure your network. The first field is for +unsure, choose **No**. 
-a hostname for your computer. You can give your computer any hostname you like, + 
-but short and simple is usually better. Many sys admins have a complex naming +Configuring the network is the next major option that deserves some special attention. You certainly want to configure your network. The first field is for a hostname for your computer. You can give your computer any hostname you like, but short and simple is usually better. Many sys admins have a complex naming scheme (ie, name all computers in one department after famous spaceships, all 
-scheme (ie, name all computers in one department after famous spaceships, all +computers in another after sea animals, and so on) but for personal use, you can use anything you please, and unless you intend to set up and use internal DNS, you will probably never actually use it directly.
-computers in another after sea animals, and so on) but for personal use, you +
-can use anything you please, and unless you intend to set up and use internal +
-DNS, you will probably never actually use it directly.+
  
 The next field is a domain name. Again, unless you actually intend to set up a The next field is a domain name. Again, unless you actually intend to set up a
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 simple is probably best. simple is probably best.
  
-Finally, choose how to configure your network. This entirely depends on your +Finally, choose how to configure your network. This entirely depends on your network. An in-depth lesson on network design is out of the scope of a book about multimedia workflows, so if you intend to create a complex intranet, you should know how you intend to distribute IP addresses. If you are not sure yet, then choose ​''​NetworkManager''​.
-network. An in-depth lesson on network design is out of the scope of a book +
-about multimedia workflows, so if you intend to create a complex intranet, you +
-should know how you intend to distribute IP addresses. If you are not sure yet, +
-then choose NetworkManager.+
  
 For the sake of complete documentation,​ here is a summary of each option, plus For the sake of complete documentation,​ here is a summary of each option, plus
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 Network Configuration Options Network Configuration Options
  
-static IP+  * static IP: set your own IP address based on either what your sys admin tells you, or what your ISP tells you.\\ 
 +\\ 
 +This is fairly rare for home users, since usually you will have a router or modem between you and your ISP (so the router or modem may have a static IP, or else a dynamic one being managed by the ISP, so that your computers do not have to). Even in large businesses, these sorts of things are often handled by the server rather than on the client side. 
 +  * DHCP: tells your computer to ping a server or router for an IP address. This is very common on home connections,​ with wired connections. It is also very common on business networks.\\ 
 +\\ 
 +This is not what you want if you use wireless connections to a router (unless you intend to use the ''​wicd''​ network manager). 
 +  * loopback: this could be used if you had no network, or intend to use a dialup modem. 
 +  * NetworkManager:​ uses the NetworkManager application to dynamically let you decide what 
 + ​connection to use. You can plug in and use a wired connection, or unplug and switch to wireless. You can set static IP addresses, or use DHCP, or VPN, and much more. This is what you expect from a modern computer and is almost certainly what you want on a laptop, and possibly a desktop. 
 +  * Wicd: this is not an option at this stage, but it is an extra package on the install media, which you can install later. It is a more unixy version of ''​NetworkManager'',​ and popular with geeks who want the convenience of dynamically changing wireless networks combined with the option to easily 
 + ​deactivate network management, or who are concerned about simple and modular code.\\ 
 +\\ 
 +To use ''​wicd'',​ choose DHCP for now and install wicd later.
  
-    Set your own IP address based on either what your sys admin tells you, or +<WRAP important>​ 
-    ​what your ISP tells you.+If you do not understand why any of those things are significant, or are confused about what to choose, then you should choose ''​NetworkManager''​. 
 +</​WRAP>​
  
-    ​This is fairly rare for home userssince usually you will have a router ​or +Next, you are provided with a list of startup options. ​This is largely geared toward sys admins, or computer users who like to do sys admin tasks (like reading logsplaying on the networkstart up various services, and so on).
-    modem between you and your ISP (so the router or modem may have a static +
-    IPor else a dynamic one being managed by the ISP, so that your computers +
-    do not have to). Even in large businesses, these sorts of things are often +
-    handled by the server rather than on the client side.+
  
-DHCP 
- 
-    Tells your computer to ping a server or router for an IP address. This is 
-    very common on home connections,​ with wired connections. It is also very 
-    common on business networks. 
- 
-    This is not what you want if you use wireless connections to a router 
-    (unless you intend to use the <​applciation>​wicd</​applciation>​ network 
-    manager). 
- 
-loopback 
- 
-    This could be used if you had no network, or intend to use a dialup modem. 
- 
-NetworkManager 
- 
-    Uses the NetworkManager application to dynamically let you decide what 
-    connection to use. You can plug in and use a wired connection, or unplug 
-    and switch to wireless. You can set static IP addresses, or use DHCP, or 
-    VPN, and much more. This is what you expect from a modern computer and is 
-    almost certainly what you want on a laptop, and possibly a desktop. 
- 
-Wicd 
- 
-    This is not an option at this stage, but it is an extra package on the 
-    install media, which you can install later. It is a more unixy version of  
-    NetworkManager,​ and popular with geeks who want the convenience of 
-    dynamically changing wireless networks combined with the option to easily 
-    deactivate network management, or who are concerned about simple and 
-    modular code. 
- 
-    To use wicd, choose DHCP for now and install wicd later. 
- 
-If you do not understand why any of those things are signficant, or are 
-confused about what to choose, then you should choose NetworkManager. 
- 
-Next, you are provided with a list of startup options. This is largely geared 
-toward sys admins, or computer users who like to do sys admin tasks (like 
-reading logs, playing on the network, start up various services, and so on). 
 Each item that gets started at boot time unsuprisingly adds to boot time, so if Each item that gets started at boot time unsuprisingly adds to boot time, so if
-you are on a laptop or you anticipate rebooting often, then you should choose +you are on a laptop or you anticipate rebooting often, then you should choose no extra services here and in fact can safely deactivate ​''​rc.inetd'' ​(assuming that you are using ''​NetworkManager''​, and even ''​rc.syslog''​. If these are required at
-no extra services here and in fact can safely deactivate rc.inetd (assuming +
-that you are using NetworkManager,​ and even rc.syslog. If these are required at+
 some later time, you can easily reactivate them. some later time, you can easily reactivate them.
  
 Further boot time optimisations will be made later. Further boot time optimisations will be made later.
  
-The next option is to customise the font used in the text console. It is safe +The next option is to customise the font used in the text console. It is safe to choose No here.
-to choose No here.+
  
-Remember when you were mucking about with BIOS and UEFI? here is another place +Remember when you were mucking about with BIOS and UEFI? here is another place where that will pay off: in the next menu screen, you need to tell Slackware whether your system clock is set to local or to GMT/UTC time. If it is set to
-where that will pay off: in the next menu screen, you need to tell Slackware +
-whether your system clock is set to local or to GMT/UTC time. If it is set to+
 local, the next screen will require you to define your location. In practise, local, the next screen will require you to define your location. In practise,
-this does not necessarily matter that much, because you can always set an +this does not necessarily matter that much, because you can always set an offset for your clock, or use an NTP server, but it's tidier if you make the
-offset for your clock, or use an NTP server, but it's tidier if you make the+
 effort. effort.
  
-The next screen asks you to set a default desktop. Unlike commercial operating +The next screen asks you to set a default desktop. Unlike commercial operating systems, Linux'​s GUI desktop is treated not as the window into the OS, but as just another application;​ it can be swapped out with an entirely different one, much as you would choose to use a different web browser, or video player, and so on. Slackware ships with the most robust desktop of them all, [[http://​kde.org/​|KDE]], as well as with some alternatives for the adventurous. Slackermedia recommends KDE, because it is flexible and highly configurable,​ and yet basically just works as-is. If you choose a different desktop, then you will need to do extra 
-systems, Linux'​s GUI desktop is treated not as the window into the OS, but as +configuration that this handbook does not address.
-just another application;​ it can be swapped out with an entirely different one, +
-much as you would choose to use a different web browser, or video player, and +
-so on. Slackware ships with the most robust desktop of them all, KDE, as well +
-as with some alternatives for the adventurous. Slackermedia recommends KDE, +
-because it is flexible and highly configurable,​ and yet basically just works +
-as-is. If you choose a different desktop, then you will need to do extra +
-configuration that this handbook does not address. If you are not comfortable +
-with multimedia on Linux yet, then choose KDE to keep things simple and to +
-maintain a set of known variables. You can always launch different desktops in +
-your own spare time, since you have already installed all of them. This menu +
-simply sets the default.+
  
-The final (more or less) screen asks you to set a password for the +If you are not comfortable with multimedia on Linux yet, then choose KDE to keep things simple and to 
-administrator ​of the computerThe administrator'​s name is rootno matter +maintain a set of known variablesYou can always launch different desktops in your own spare timesince you have already installed all of them. This menu simply sets the default.
-what. This is the first user, the primary owner of the computer. Set the +
-password to whatever you want, but do not forget it.+
  
-The scripted installer process is now over. Whether ​or not your job is done +The final (more or less) screen asks you to set a password for the administrator of the computerThe administrator'​s name is root, no matter 
-depends on whether or not you are using UEFIIf sothen you skipped the LILO +whatThis is the first user, the primary owner of the computer. Set the passphrase to whatever you wantbut do not forget it.
-boot loader install, so if you were to reboot now, you would have no way of +
-getting into your OS without a rescue discIf you did accidentally reboot +
-before reading this paragraphthen reboot using your install media and follow +
-the instructions in the appendix for recovering a lost passwordand then +
-return here.+
  
-Exit out of the installer, and use this command to enter your freshly installed +The scripted ​installer ​process is now over. 
-system:+
  
 +=== eLILO ===
 +
 +Whether or not your job is done depends on whether or not you are using UEFI. If so, then you skipped the ''​LILO''​ boot loader install, so if you were to reboot now, you would have no way of getting into your OS without a rescue disc. If you did accidentally reboot before reading this paragraph, then reboot using your install media and follow
 +the instructions for [[recovery|recovering a lost password]], and then return here.
 +
 +Exit out of the installer, and use this command to enter your freshly installed system:
 +
 +<​code>​
 # chroot /mnt # chroot /mnt
 +</​code>​
  
 This changes the root directory from being the install disc to being the root This changes the root directory from being the install disc to being the root
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 system before actually booting into it. system before actually booting into it.
  
-To configure the boot loader, use the nano text editor, which runs as a +To configure the boot loader, use the nano text editor, which runs as a semi-graphical application within the text console:
-semi-graphical application within the text console:+
  
 +<​code>​
 # chroot /​etc/​lilo.conf_example # chroot /​etc/​lilo.conf_example
 +</​code>​
  
 Midway through this file, you will see several VGA options. Below that section Midway through this file, you will see several VGA options. Below that section
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 You can use one as a starting point, creating an entry that looks like this: You can use one as a starting point, creating an entry that looks like this:
  
-insert lilo.conf here +<​code>​ 
-foobar+image=bzImage 
 +  label=Slackermedia 
 +  read-only 
 +  root=/​dev/​sda1 
 +</​code>​ 
 + 
 +<WRAP alert> 
 +The location of your root partition may differ, depending on how you installed the system. Generally, it will be the partition into which you chroot'​d. 
 + 
 +For more information on creating EFI and UEFI systems, see [[http://​docs.slackware.com/​howtos:​slackware_admin:​installing_on_uefi_hardware]] 
 +</​WRAP>​
  
-When you have finished editing, press control+o to "write Out" the file. In the+When you have finished editing, press ''​control+o'' ​to "write Out" the file. In the
 buffer that appears near the bottom of the screen, rename the file to buffer that appears near the bottom of the screen, rename the file to
-lilo.conf.+''​lilo.conf''​
  
-Press control+x to exit.+Press ''​control+x'' ​to exit.
  
-Now run LILO to instantiate the configuration.+Now run ''​lilo'' ​to instantiate the configuration.
  
 +<​code>​
 # lilo # lilo
 +</​code>​
 +
 +
 +===== The Big Reboot =====
  
 It is now safe to reboot the computer. The best way to do that is to press  It is now safe to reboot the computer. The best way to do that is to press 
-control+alt+F2 to log back into your install media. Login as root again, and+''​control+alt+F2'' ​to log back into your install media. Login as root again, and
 then issue this command: then issue this command:
  
 +<​code>​
   # reboot   # reboot
 +</​code>​
  
-This reboots your computer. Make sure that the install media is ejected so that +This reboots your computer. Make sure that the install media is ejected so that your BIOS or UEFI does not boot back into the installer.
-your BIOS or UEFI does not boot back into the installer.+
  
 Now that you have installed the OS, your next step is to set up your user Now that you have installed the OS, your next step is to set up your user
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 +<WRAP centeralign>​
 +<wrap fa>​[[pre|R]]</​wrap>​ <wrap fa>​[[start|S]]</​wrap>​ <wrap fa>​[[user|Q]]</​wrap>​
 +</​WRAP>​
  
-[[{arrown.png|border:​0;​background:​none;​width:​0;​display:​inline-block;​position:​absolute;​bottom:​0;​right:​0;​}pre|]] 
- 
-[[{arrowp.png|border:​0;​background:​none;​width:​0;​display:​inline-block;​position:​absolute;​bottom:​0;​left:​0;​}user|]]