I recommend the procedure I followed to install Linux on another
computer (it works fine, except for the modem but since you don't have
Internet access and presumably don't want to dial in to any BBS's I
suppose that doesn't matter ;-)
By the way, I'm working from memory here, so I'd appreciate it if any
mistakes could be corrected by the other people on the list.
I'll assume you're a newbie to Linux and partitions, so here's what you do:
1. First secure the CD (I used the one with the PCQ Linux issue, I
don't remember which one it was though) which has RedHat Linux 6.1 (or
maybe 6.2 from somebody with a CD-Writer... any volunteers?).
2. Pop the CD in, make sure your computer is set up to boot from the
CD (you can usually configure this in the BIOS) and reboot the
computer. A prompt will come up; just press ENTER to start the normal
installation program.
3. Most of the steps are self-explanatory. Regarding the partitions,
however, you would probably have to knock off the 5 GB Windows
partition and create a new partition for Linux if you don't have any
empty space on the disk. Note that I said ``disk'' and not
``partition'', because you need free space (i.e. space that is not
used by any partition) on the disk to create partitions. I recommend
atleast this minimal configuration -- 1 4864 MB partition mounted on /
and one 256 MB swap partition. However, I don't know if there are
problems with big swap partitions or anything, so I'd appreciate it if
somebody could shed some light on the matter.
4. You'll also have to configure the X Server for your machine, and
your display card. This should be fairly simple as long as your
display card and monitor are supported.
5. Of course, a big chunk of the installation is copying the files.
Depending on the speed of your computer, either go get a coffee or
take a nap at this point.
6. Finally, it'll ask you to restart. Just do that and, assuming you
configured LILO (LInux LOader), you'll be able to boot into Linux
6.1/6.2.
If you have problems with your X setup, follow these steps:
1. Wait until the graphical login screen comes up (a blue screen with
a box in the middle which asks for your login) and then press
CTRL+ALT+F1. This will take you to the console.
2. Now type (exactly as I've written) XF86Setup and press ENTER. This
is a utility for configuring your X server. Do a little tweaking
around until it works... otherwise, get in touch with one of the Linux
veterans-cum-gurus on the list.
I hope this helps.
-- Shiv JM
P.S. -- I request the other people on this list to help out with the details.
The mailing list archives are available at
http://lists.linux-india.org/cgi-bin/wilma/linux-delhi/
