When I first started using linux it took me a month to install it and get it running. Then there was the command line and the need for installing various packages and their dependencies. This article is the begining of a series of articles that will provide easy to understand instructions on how to install and use linux.
You have probably heard of Linux as being an open source operating system. It is free with no licensing fees compared to Microsofts Windows operating system. There are a multitude of linux variations called distributions and it can be very confusing which distro to choose, especially if you are a beginner. There is Debian, Fedora, Mandriva, the ever popular Ubuntu and a list of other flavours. I have tried to install Ubuntu and see what its popularity is all about, but I have never been able to get past the installation splash screen. After a great deal of research on linux and the various distrobutions and applications that would suit my needs I chose Debian. Some will argue that Ubuntu is the best distro you could ever use. But on closer inspection you will find Ubuntu is a similar to Debain anyway and as I said earlier, I haven't had any success installing ubuntu.
Why choose Debian?
Debian is the longest running linux distro. The developers are serious about providing a distro that works and is stable. Debian is very easy to install. I have been using Debian for 2 years now and I am pleased with its operations. It has kept running without any crashes. Compare that to microsoft windows operating systems. I have installed Debian many times and it only takes me an hour to install it. It might take you a little longer. By following these instructions you will save you a lot of time. I do mean a lot of time. I have provided this tutorial to make your transition to Linux/Debian a frustration free experience.
Create a Debian installation CD
Installing Debian is an easy process. I prefer to install Debian on the internet because you will install the latest stable version of Debian. If you are going to install Debian on a x86 or 32bit Intel PC you will need to down load the (i386) CD ISO.
When you have downloaded the CD ISO you will need to burn the ISO CD image onto a CD using Nero/Express, Magic ISO or Power ISO.
Debian Internet Installation
The PC you are installing linux on will need to be connected to the internet to complete the installation. The CD will install the basic operating system and software applictions and the rest will be done over the internet.
Start the PC and go to the BIOS to setup the boot sequence. Most computers use the [DEL] key to get into the BIOS.
Set the sequense as follows:
1. Floppy
2. CD ROM
2. Hard Drive or HDD0
Exit and save your changes.
Insert the CD in the PC. The PC will then boot from the CD and start the Debian installation.
When the computer boots up on the CD the ...Debian Splash Screen... will appear
Choose: Install
The next screen to appear is the language you speak. I choose English since it is the only language I know.
The next screen will let you choose what country you are located in. Since I live in Australia, my obvious choice was Australia.
The next screen will ask you what keyboard layout you are using. The default setting is American English. I accepted the default since my keyboard is generic.
The installatino will now start loading components, check what hardware you have etc.
---configure the network---
You will now be asked to enter a host name. I have choosen storeserver but you can call it anything you want. Write this down so you will remember the hostname.
Next you will be asked for a domain name this is incase you want to use the server as a domain server. I choose storehome which will replace my windows home group.
Next you will be asked to configure the clock. My location time is Sydney. You will need to select what time suits your country, state, city.
----partition disks---
Next you will be asked to partition the disk that Debian will reside. choose Guided - use entire disk
Next you will be asked to select the disk you want to partition and install Debian on. I have 2 disks (1) 40G (2) 80G. I chose (1) for my Debian OS. The (2) disk will be used as a network drive. More about this later.
Next we are asked how much of the disk to we want to use for Debian. It is recommended if you are a new user of Linux/Debian that you select: All files in one partition (recommended for new users)
Next we are asked if we are happy with our partition selections. If you are not happy with the settings select <Go Back> and make the necessary changes. If you are happy with he partition selections choose finish partitioning and write changes to disk
As an extra precaution we are asked if we want to write changes to disks. This gives you a second chance to change your partition selections if you made a mistake. If you happy with the partition selections. Select <Yes> and hit [Enter]
The installation will now partition your disk.
It will now install the base system
---Setup users and passwords---
You now will be asked to enter root password: ********* The root user is the administrator of Debian. The root user has full priviliges, controls and can change anything on the computer. So don't let anyone know what your root password is. It must be protected at all cost.
You will be asked to verify the root password: Re-enter password to verify: *********
You will now be asked to enter your new user name. The username is what you will login to Debian with. You have restricted privileges.
Your are next asked what username for your account. This can be an Alias. I accepted the default setting which is my username.
You will then be asked to choose password for the new user: **********
Next you will be asked to verify your new user password: Re-enter password to verify: *********
The installation will now ---Configure the package manager---
You will be asked to choose Debian archive country mirror. This is where you will complete the installation on the internet. The advantage of doing an internet installation is that you will have the updated version installed on your computer. I live in Australia so my obvious choice is Australia. You can choose what ever country suits your needs.
You will then be asked to Select Debian archive mirror. I choose the first one on the list. I'm not fussy.
You will then be asked to enter http proxy information (blank for none). I have always left this blank and it works.
The installatino will now ---configuring apt---
---configuring popularity contest---
You will now be asked to enter a popularity contest. This is asking if you will agree to share information about what applications you choose to use in Debian so they can see what additions can be made for futer Debian versions. I chose [No]
---Software Selection---
We will be asked to choose software to install. Accept the default which is Desktop environment/Standard system. We will be adding servers etc once Debian is installed.
Accept the Default.
The installation will now complete the installation. This may take 45 minutes depending on the speed of your CPU. So I would suggest you get a cup of tea, coffee or what ever, have a snack and let the installation do the resto of the work.
Next the installation will detect that you have no other operating system on the hard drive. You will be asked if you want to install Grub as your boot application. Choose <Yes>
The installation will now install Grub.
Next you notice your CD is ejected. The screen will tell you to remove the CD to finish the installation. Remove the installation CD
Select: Continue --> [Enter]
Your computer will now reboot and take you to the login screen.
Enter your username (not root, Debian will not allow the root to enter the computer. The root can only login when you are in the Debian desktop) and then enter your user password.
When you have logged in you will be greeted by the Debian desktop. You can change the appearance of the desktop but that is another story.
The next tutorial will show you how to install Webmin. You can access Webmin on any PC that has an internet connection. Webmin is an excellent tool for managing your linux server/s from a web browser.
I hope this tutorial has been helpful. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions in relation to this tutorial please feel free to leave a comment.
