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Chapter 1. Steps to Get You Started

1.4.2.2. Using the

dd

Command

To make a diskette under Linux (or any other Linux like operating system), you must have permission

to write to the device representing a 3.5 inch diskette drive (known as

/dev/fd0

under Linux).

First, label a blank, formatted diskette appropriately (such as "Boot Disk" or "Updates Disk"). Insert it

into the diskette drive (but do not

mount

4

the diskette). After mounting the Red Hat Linux CD ROM,

change to the directory containing the desired image file, and use the following command (changing

the name of the image file and diskette device as appropriate):

#

dd if=boot.img of=/dev/fd0 bs=1440k

To make another diskette, label that diskette, and run

dd

again, specifying the appropriate image file.

1.5. Which Installation Class is Best For You?

Usually, Red Hat Linux is installed on its own disk partition or set of partitions, or over another

installation of Linux.

Warning

Installing Red Hat Linux over another installation of Linux (including Red Hat Linux) does not preserve

any information (files or data) from a prior installation. Make sure you save any important files! To

preserve the current data on your existing system, you should back up your data and/or consider

performing an upgrade instead.

The following installation types are availble:

Personal Desktop

A personal desktop installation is most appropriate if you are new to the world of Linux, and

would like to give it a try. This installation will create a system for your home, laptop, or desktop

use. A graphical environment will be installed.

Workstation

A workstation installation is most appropriate if you would like a graphical desktop environment,

as well as software development tools.

Server

A server installation is most appropriate if you would like your system to function as a Linux 

based server, and you do not want to heavily customize your system configuration.

Custom

A custom installation allows you the greatest flexibility during your installation. You choose your

boot loader, which packages you want, and more. Custom installations are most appropriate for

those users more familiar with Red Hat Linux installations and for those afraid of losing complete

flexibility.

4. When you mount a floppy or CD ROM, you make that device's contents available to you. See the Official

Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide for more information.