Linux Solutions

It is important to note that when carrying out the network setup, YaST scans for available network cards. If more than one network card is found, then a user has to choose the card to configure from the list.

- If an ethernet network adapter is not already connected, a warning will open. Make sure the network cable is plugged in and choose Yes, Use It.
- If the network is equipped with a DHCP server, a user needs to choose Automatic Address Setup (via DHCP).
- If the user wants to manually set up the network then he/she has to choose Static Address Setup and specify IP Address, Netmask, Default Gateway IP, and the DNS Server IP.

Some networks require the use of a proxy server to access the Internet. Tick the check box Use Proxy for Accessing the Internet and enter the appropriate specifications. Click Accept to perform the network setup. The installation procedure will continue with the add-on products or repositories setup

Setting up clock and time zone
When setting up the clock and time zone, a user can select the region and time zone. Both are preselected according to the selected installation language.
- To change the preselected values, either use the map or the drop down lists for Region and Time Zone.
- When using the map, a user can point the cursor at the direction of the region and left-click to zoom.
- After that the user can then choose his/hercountry or region by left-clicking. Right-click to return to the world map.
- To set up the clock, choose whether the Hardware Clock is Set to UTC. If the user runs another operating system on his/her machine, such as Microsoft Windows, it is likely that the system uses local time instead. If the user only runs Linux on his/her machine, set the hardware clock to UTC and have the switch from standard time to daylight saving time performed automatically.
- If a network is already configured, the time is automatically synced via Network Time Protocol (NTP) with the openSUSE time server.
- Click Change to either alter the NTP settings or to Manually set the time.
- When finished, click Accept to continue the installation.

Desktop Selection
In openSUSE, a user has an opportunity to choose from various desktops, The major desktops are:
- KDE 4.x and
- GNOME

These desktops are powerful graphical desktop environments similar to Windows.

If a user prefers a different desktop, choose Other for more options. KDE 3.5.x is the predecessor of the KDE 4 desktop and is still widely used. The XFCE Desktop is a fast and lightweight desktop environment suitable for modest hardware. With Minimal X Window, install a graphical window manager that allows for running stand-alone X applications and console windows but does not provide the usual integrated desktop functionality. In Minimal Server Selection (Text Mode), only console terminals are available.

After a system analysis where YaST probes for storage devices and tries to find other installed systems on your machine, the installation modes available are displayed. It is important to note that this step is skipped when installing from a LiveCD, since this medium only supports a new installation with automatic configuration.

Now, let’s have a look at a set of options that can be chosen. These are as below:
New installation
Select this option to start a new installation from scratch.
Update
Select this option to update to a newer version.
Repair Installed System
Choose this option to repair a damaged system that is already installed.

It is good to know that by default, the Automatic Configuration is used when performing a new installation. In this mode the system automatically configures the hardware and the network, so the installation is performed with minimal user interaction. If necessary, a user can change every configuration that is set up later in the installed system using YaST.

In repair mode the automatic configuration attempts to fix errors automatically. Uncheck Use Automatic Configuration if a user prefers a manual configuration during the installation or to start the system reparation in expert mode.

The screen also offers to include add-on products during the installation. To include those products, a user can check Install Add-On Products from Separate Media. An add-on product can include extensions, third-party products or additional software for the system such as support for additional languages.
Click Next to proceed.
Add-On Products
Add-on products can be installed either from a local source (CD, DVD, or directory) or from a network source (HTTP, FTP, NFS, CIFS,…). When installing from a network source, a user needs to configure the network first, unless user is performing a network installation. Choose Yes, Run the Network Setup and proceed. If the add-on product is available locally, select No, Skip the Network Setup.

Click Next and specify the product source. Source types available are CD, DVD, Hard Disk, USB Stick or Disk, a Local Directory or a Local ISO Image, if no network was configured. If the add-on product is available on removable media, the system automatically mounts the media and reads it’s contents. If the add-on product is available on hard disk, choose Hard Disk to install from an unmounted hard drive, or Local Directory/Local ISO Image if it is located in the file system. Add-on products may be delivered as a repository or as a set of rpm files. In the latter case, check Plain RPM Directory. While a network is available, you can chooses from additional remote sources such as HTTP, SLP, FTP and others. It is also possible to specify a URL directly.

Check Download Repository Description Files to download the files describing the repository now. If unchecked, they will be downloaded once the installation starts. Proceed with Next and insert a CD or DVD if required. Depending on the product’s content it may be necessary to accept additional license agreements.

It is good to know that it is possible to configure add-on products at any time in the installed systems.

The installation process of openSUSE can be started by choosing the language that you require. Changing the language will automatically preselect a corresponding keyboard layout. This option can be overwritten by selecting a different keyboard layout from the drop-down menu. The language selected here is also used to assume a time zone for the system clock. It is importan to note that this setting along with the selection of secondary languages to install on your system can be modified later during the installation.

You can choose the License Translations… in order to display the license agreement full-screen for a better readability and to access translations. If you agree to the terms, check I Agree to the License Terms and click Next to proceed with the installation. If you do not agree to the license agreement, then you will not be able to install openSUSE. Click Abort to terminate the installation.

After selecting the installation medium, as discussed in the article:Installation of open SUSe with YaST, it is best to choose a suitable installation method and boot option that best match your needs:

There are different methods to choose from.
Installing from the openSUSE Media
A user can choose this option only if he/she wants to perform a stand-alone installation and do not want to rely on a network providing the installation data or the boot infrastructure.

Installing from a Network Server
This option is recommended only if you have an installation server available in your network or want to use an external server as the source of your installation data. This setup can be configured to use from physical media (Floppy, CD/DVD, or hard disk) for booting or configured to boot via network using PXE/BOOTP.

Installing with instlux from Windows
If you are looking for a smooth transition from using Windows to Linux, then choose this method. instlux allows you to boot into the openSUSE installation right from a running Windows by modifying the Windows boot loader.

openSUSE supports several different boot options from which you can choose depending on the hardware available and on the installation scenario you prefer. Booting from the openSUSE media or using instlux are the most straightforward options, but special requirements might call for special setups. . Please view table as below:
Table 1-1 Boot Options

Boot Option Description
DVD/CD-ROM This is the easiest boot option. This option can be used if the system has a local CD-ROM drive that is supported by Linux.
instlux instlux is installed under Microsoft Windows* and makes it possible to boot directly into the installation
Floppy The data for generating boot floppies are located on DVD 1 in the /boot/architecture/ directory. A README with instructions on how to create the boot floppies is available in the same directory.
PXE or BOOTP Booting over the network must be supported by the system’s BIOS or firmware and a boot server must be available in the network. This task can also be handled by another openSUSE system.
Hard Disk openSUSE installation can also be booted from the hard disk. To do this, copy the kernel (linux) and the installation system (initrd) from the directory /boot/architecture/loader on the installation media to the hard disk and add an appropriate entry to the existing boot loader of a previous openSUSE installation.

Installing from a Network Server Using SLP
If the network setup supports OpenSLP and the network installation source has been configured to announce itself via SLP, only then boot the system, press F4 in the boot screen and select SLP from the menu.

The installation program configures the network connection with DHCP and retrieves the location of the network installation source from the OpenSLP server. If the automatic DHCP network configuration fails, you are prompted to enter the appropriate parameters manually. The installation then proceeds with the exception of the network configuration step needed prior to adding additional repositories.

Installing from a Network Source without SLP
If your network setup does not support OpenSLP for the retrieval of network installation sources, boot the system and press F4 in the boot screen to select the desired network protocol (NFS, HTTP, FTP, or SMB/CIFS). Provide the server’s address and the path to the installation media.
The installation program automatically configures the network connection with DHCP. If this configuration fails, you are prompted to enter the appropriate parameters manually. The installation retrieves the installation data from the source specified. The installation then proceeds as described below with the exception of the network configuration step needed prior to adding additional repositories. This step is not needed as the network is already configured and active at this point.

Installing with instlux from Windows
instlux is a Microsoft Windows* application that prepares your computer to directly boot into the openSUSE installation without having to adjust BIOS settings. instlux is only available on DVD media. To use instlux, insert the openSUSE media under Windows. The openSUSE 11.1 Installer setup automatically starts. Choose a language for the installation and follow the instructions on the screen. The language you choose here is also preconfigured to be used for the openSUSE installation.
On the next reboot, the Microsoft Windows boot loader launches. Choose openSUSE 11.1 Installer to start the openSUSE installation. In order to proceed with the installation, you will be prompted to insert the installation media. The installation proceeds as described below. When Microsoft Windows is booted again, instlux is automatically uninstalled.

The Installation Workflow
The openSUSE installation is split into three main parts: preparation, installation, configuration. During the preparation phase you configure some basic parameters such as language, time, desktop type, users, passwords, hard disk setup and installation scope. In the non-interactive installation phase the software is installed and the system is prepared for the first boot. Upon finishing the installation the machine reboots into the newly installed system and starts the final system configuration. You can choose whether to do a fully automatic or a manual configuration. In this stage, network and Internet access, as well as hardware components such as printers, are set up.

System Start-Up for Installation
You can install openSUSE from local installation sources, such as the openSUSE CDs or DVD, or from network source of an FTP, HTTP, NFS, or SMB server. Any of these approaches requires physical access to the system to install and user interaction during the installation. The installation procedure is basically the same regardless of the installation source. Any exceptions are sufficiently highlighted in the following workflow description.

The Boot Screen
The boot screen displays a number of options for the installation procedure. Boot from Hard Disk boots the installed system and is selected default, because the CD is often left in the drive. Select one of the other options with the arrow keys and press Enter to boot it. The relevant options are:
Installation
The normal installation mode. All modern hardware functions are enabled. In case the installation fails, see for boot options that disable potentially problematic functions.

Repair Installed System
Boots into the graphical repair system. It is important to note that this option is not available when installing from CD.

Rescue System
Starts a minimal Linux system without a graphical user interface. For more information.

Check Installation Media
This option is only available when you install from media created from downloaded ISOs. In this case it is recommended to check the integrity of the installation medium. This option starts the installation system before automatically checking the media. In case the check was successful, the normal installation routine starts. If a corrupt media is detected, the installation routine aborts.

Firmware Test
Starts a BIOS checker that validates ACPI and other parts of your BIOS. This option is not available with the CD-KDE and CD-GNOME media.
Memory Test
Tests your system RAM using repeated read and write cycles. Terminate the test by rebooting. This option is not available with the CD-KDE and CD-GNOME media.

Use the function keys indicated in the bar at the bottom of the screen to change the language, screen resolution, installation source or to add additional driver from your hardware vendor:
F1Help
Get context-sensitive help for the active element of the boot screen. Use the arrow keys to navigate, Enter to follow a link, and Esc to leave the help screen.
F2Language
Select the display language and a corresponding keyboard layout for the installation. The default language is English (US).
F3Video Mode
Select various graphical display modes for the installation. Select Text Mode if the graphical installation causes problems.
F4Source
Normally, the installation is performed from the inserted installation medium. Here, select other sources, like FTP or NFS servers. If the installation is carried out in a network with an SLP server, select one of the installation sources available on the server with this option.
F5Kernel
In case you encounter problems with the regular installation, this menu offers to disable a few potentially problematic functions. If your hardware does not support ACPI (advanced configuration and power interface) select No ACPI to install without ACPI support. No local APIC disables support for APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controllers) which may cause problems with some hardware. Safe Settings boots the system with the DMA mode (for CD/DVD-ROM drives) and power management functions disabled.
If you are not sure, try the following options first: Installation—ACPI Disabled or Installation—Safe Settings. Experts can also use the command line (Boot Options) to enter or change kernel parameters.
F6Driver
Press this key to tell the system that you have an optional driver update for openSUSE. With File or URL, load drivers directly before the installation starts. If you select Yes, you are prompted to insert the update disk at the appropriate point in the installation process.
F7Arch
If you install from an installation medium supporting 32bit and 64bit architectures and have an AMD or Intel processor with 64-bit support, select whether to install a 64-bit or 32-bit system. By default, a 64-bit system is installed on a computer with 64-bit support. To install a 32-bit system, press F7 then select 32bit.
After starting the installation, openSUSE loads and configures a minimal Linux system to run the installation procedure. To view the boot messages and copyright notices during this process, press Esc. On completion of this process, the YaST installation program starts and displays the graphical installer.

The tutorial will provide you with advice and guidance on how to install openSUSE system with YaST. It is good to know what is YaST. YaST helps the user throughtout the installation process and provides basic configuration of your system. During the installation and configuration process, YaST analyses both the current system settings and your hardware components and proposes installation settings based on this analysis.

Choosing the Installation Media
It is interesting to note that when installing openSUSE, there is a wide range of media to choose from either online or in the retail box:

- DVD-retail
One DVD containing the openSUSE distribution with open source software (OSS) as well as non-open source software (non-OSS) for 32bit and 64bit systems. This installation option does not require any network access for installation, nor do you need to set up external repositories to install the full openSUSE.

- DVD-download
One DVD5, available via download, containing OSS and non-OSS software either for 32bit or 64bit systems. This installation option can be chosen only if you want a fully-fledged openSUSE system. There is no network connection required to make use of this installation option. Once the medium has been fully downloaded and the physical medium created, installation process can be commenced.

- KDE4/GNOME LiveCD
The LiveCD versions, available via download, include the KDE4 or GNOME desktops together with the most popular applications for 32-bit or 64-bit systems. This medium can be chosen if you want to have a look at openSUSE. The LiveCD version runs on your computer using RAM without touching the hard drive and no installation is required. There is no network connection required beyond the mere download of the medium.

In order to install from a LiveCD, boot the live system from CD. In the running system, launch the installation routine by clicking on the Install icon on the desktop. Phase one of the installation will be carried out in a window on the desktop. It is good to know that it is not possible to update or repair an existing system with a LiveCD, and only a new installation with automatic configuration can be performed.

- Mini CD
The Mini CD contains a minimal Linux system which is required to run the installation. The installation system itself and the installation data are loaded from a network source.

Those were different medias when installing open SUSE.

The tutorial guide will provide the user with a simple and user friendly way of installing Xubuntu 9.04 to a USB flash drive using Windows. Xubuntu is product of Canonical ltd that is based on Ubuntu but utilises the XFCE desktop environment. Xubuntu is designed to use less resources than it’s counterparts, making it a great Linux OS to run portably from a USB flash drive or USB Hard Drive.

Prerequisites for creating a Xubuntu 9.04 Live USB
It is important to know the prerequisites of creating a Xubuntu 9.04 live USB. These are as following:
- Windows PC to perform conversion
- Xubuntu 9.04 ISO (download using a bittorrent client)
- 2GB or larger USB flash drive (Fat32 formatted)
- XU904p.exe (contains the files to do the conversion)

How to Create a Live USB Xubuntu 9.04 Flash Drive
Now, let’s go through the process of creating a live USB Xubuntu 9.04 flash drive

- please download and launch XU904p.exe, extracting to your computer. A XU904p folder is automatically created.
- now please download the Xubuntu 9.04 torrent and use your favourite bittorent client to download the ISO
- copy the Xubuntu 9.04 ISO to the XU904 folder on your PC
- from the XU904 folder, click XU904.bat and follow the onscreen instructions

Once the script has finished, restart your PC and set your BIOS or Boot Menu to boot from the USB device, save your changes and reboot. Now you will have your personal Live USB Xubuntu 9.04 that will also save most of the changes that you make back to the USB device, restoring them on subsequent boots.

The tutorial guide will provide you with advice and information on USB Kubuntu 9.04 Persistent Install. Basically, the tutorial will show you how to install Kubuntu 9.04 to a USB flash drive using the custom batch installer within Windows.

USB Kubuntu 9.04 Flash Drive Creation Essentials:
It is important to note the essentials as required to create a USB Kubuntu 9.04 flash drive. These are as provided below:

- Windows PC to perform conversion
- Kubuntu 9.04 ISO
- 2GB or larger USB flash drive (Fat32 formatted)
- Ku904p.exe (contains the files to do the conversion)

Creating a Live Kubuntu 9.04 USB Flash Drive:Now, lets start the process of creating a live Kubuntu 9.04 USB flash drive.

- Please download and run KU904p.exe, extracting the contents to your PC. A KU904p folder is automatically created
- Now, please download the Kubuntu 9.04 torrent and proceed to download the ISO using your favourite bittorrent client
- place the Kubuntu 9.04 ISO in the KU904p folder on your PC
- From the KU904p folder on your PC, click KU904.bat and follow the onscreen instructions

Once the script has finished, restart your PC and set your BIOS or Boot Menu to boot from the USB device, save your changes and reboot. You should now be able to boot from your own Live USB Kubuntu 9.04. In addition any changes that you make should be saved and restored on subsequent boots.

The tutorial guide will show you how to use Windows to create a Portable Linux Mint 7 USB flash drive. Linux Mint 7 Gloria is based on Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope and is compatible with it’s current repositories. Originally launched as a variant of Ubuntu with integrated media codecs, Linux Mint has developed into an elegant Linux distribution.

USB Linux Mint 7 Flash Drive creation essentials
It is good to know the USB Linux Mint7 Flash Drive essentials. These are:
2GB or Larger USB Flash Drive (Fat32 formatted)
Linux Mint 7 Gloria ISO
fixmint7.exe

Linux Mint Flash Drive creation process
In order to start the process please follow the steps as below:
Download and run USBMint7.exe extracting the contents to your desktop, a USBMint folder is created
Download the LinuxMint-7.iso and copy it to the USBMint folder on your desktop
From the USBMint folder on your desktop, run fixmint.bat and follow the onscreen instructions
Reboot your PC and set your system BIOS or Boot Menu to boot from the USB device, save your changes and reboot booting from the USB memory stick

Upon reboot, you should have a successful launch of USB Linux Mint (Portable Linux Mint 7) from your flash memory stick.