The basic steps in installing Ubuntu are to plan, install, and configure. You have to decide how to boot to an install and how much room to devote to Linux. Then perform the install (a sample step-by-step installation is in Chapter 3, "Installing Ubuntu") and afterward, configure your system to host new users and specific software services. Much of the initial work is done during the install process because the installer walks you through partitioning, configuring the desktop, and configuration of any recognized network adapter. There are many different ways to install Ubuntu, and selecting an installation method might depend on the equipment on hand, existing bandwidth, or equipment limitations. Here are some of the most commonly used installation methods:
Note More esoteric installations might be possible. Some Linux distributions support booting to an install via an Iomega Zip drive, via the Parallel Port Internet Protocol (PLIP), and even a null-modem cable supporting the Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) or Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). Browse to http://www.tldp.org/ and read Gilles Lamiral's PLIP Install HOWTO to see how to install Red Hat 7.0 using your PC's parallel port. After booting and choosing to use either a graphical or text-based install interface, the installation procedure is nearly the same for each type of install. Chapter 3 walks you through a typical CD/DVDbased installation. Preparing to Install from a CD-ROMInstalling Ubuntu can be as simple as inserting the CD or DVD into your computer's CD drive and rebooting the computer. But if you choose this method, you should first make sure that your system's BIOS is set to boot from CD-ROM. Entering the BIOS to make this change is usually accomplished by depressing a particular key, such as Del or F2, immediately after turning on the computer. After entering the BIOS, navigate to the BIOS Boot menu, perhaps such as that shown in Figure 2.1. Figure 2.1. To boot to an install using your Ubuntu CD-ROM or DVD, set your BIOS to have your computer boot using its CD drive. |