Archive for August, 2009

How to Configure Smoothwall

Posted in How To's by Shafkat Shahzad, M.Sc - Senior Technical Content Manager on August 16th, 2009

Welcome to the tutorial guide. The guide will provide the user with a brief introduction on how to configure Smoothwall Express 3.0. After the successful installation of Smoothwall, if you want to configure Smoothwall, then please follow advise and guidance as below:
Smoothwall can be best managed by using its Web based GUI by connecting to it from another local computer on the network. You can simply open the web browser and then type in the https address

It will ask you for your username and a password. If you have entered your username and password, a brand new theme which contains a variety of tabs will be displayed. Some of the tabs such as control, about, services and networking are provided below:

- Control
This is the front page of smoothwall and allows the user to see the status of their smoothwall in terms of uptime, bits transferred and a little scrolling map of traffic rate. A user can also shutdown/reboot the firewall from here or get detailed help. Apart from rebooting, a user can also register his/her Smoothwall by simply clicking on the large ‘My Smoothwall’ logo in the centre of the page.

About
The ‘about’ tab provides with details of whats running on the server. The main benefit of this tab is that it is useful for troubleshooting or just if you want to view the network usage and it’s history via six additional tabs, ’status’, ‘advanced’, ‘traffic graphs’, ‘bandwidth bars’, ‘traffic monitor’ and ‘my smoothwall’.

- Status tab. The ’status’ tab shows what services are currently running, and whether or not there is a problem with them
- Advanced tab
The ‘advanced’ tab brings up nice graphs of memory usage, inode usage, disk usage, uptime and users and more. You can’t actually do anything here, just see what is going on usage wise on your smoothwall server.
- Traffic grahs tab
The ‘traffic graphs’ tab shows how much traffic is being used up on your GREEN and RED interfaces

- Bandwidth tab
This tab shows the bandwidth usage in scrolling bars and the ‘traffic monitor’ which shows realtime network bandwidth usage graphs

- my smoothwall tab
This tab allows the user to carry out the registration of their interest in the product with the smoothwall team to receive email notifications

Services
In services, a user can carry out the configuration within Smoothwall. Services has got tabs such as web proxy, im proxy, pop3 proxy, dhcp service. Now, let’s go through the mentioned service tabs.

- Web proxy tab
The web proxy tab allows the user to configure smoothwalls integrated caching web proxy.

- im proxy
The im proxy tab allows a user to configure the Instant message proxy to monitor Msn, Yahoo, ICQ, IRC and AIM and even swear-word filtering.

- pop3 proxy
The pop3 proxy tab allows a user to remove viruses from emails that are retrieved using the POP3 protocol.

- sip proxy
The sip proxy tab allows a user to configure logging level, call logging and number of clients that can use the proxy
- dhcp service
The dhcp service presents with options such as network boot, static assignments, DNS, NTP, WINS, NIS
- dynamic DNS
The dynamic DNS allows a user to configure smoothwall to auto login to those domains so that they get the correct IP reported.
- static DNS
The static DNS allows a user to add static DNS entries to smoothwall’s inbuilt DNS server.
- Intrusion detection system (ids)
The ids is useful if a user wants to see potential security breach attempts

- remote access tab
If you are planning to use linux and like to ssh in to a box, you can do this on the ‘remote access‘ tab, by simply enabling it and ssh in from another box.
- time tab
The time tab will allows a user to change timezone or enable the built in time server.

Networking
Networking category will allow a user to block ips. Networking has tabs such as incoming, outgoing, time access tab.
- incoming
A user can provide instructions to smoothwall on how to forward specific TCP or UDP ports and to which machines on the local network.
- outgoing
A user can limit users on the GREEN interface to specific internet based services. A user can also use the pre-defined rules to allow or block services such as ftp, MSN, sftp, etc.

If a user wants to access a port on his/her GREEN network then he/she has to configure that in the internal tab.

external
A user can use external in order to let specific traffic in to SmoothWall services. A user can click on ip block tab in networking in order to block another person. This is done by clicking on the ip block tab and then adding his/her ip to the list of blocking rules.

timed access
The time access tab allows a user to configure individual rules for IP’s on his/her network, and also define whether to allow or reject the requests. In other words, a user can disable a computers internet access by an automated rule.

quality of service (qos)
This option enables a user to enforce different speeds for different appliactions/services. For example a user can give 30% of his/her bandwidth to VoIP or any other application on the network.

advanced tab
This tab allows a user to configure ICMP settings and can also block IGMP packets.

ppp
This allows a user to configure his/her ppp devices.

interfaces
The interfaces provides a user with a list of his/her network cards (RED/GREEN and more) and dns/gateway settings.

Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
The VPN allows a user to VPN multiple smoothwalls.

Logs
After a successful configuration of services such as im, ids, sip, pop3, web proxy, etc., a user can browse his/hvr logs and vies details sorted by date or time, IP address or website URL.

- System logs
The system logs provide a user with detailed information for smoothwall. If a user has a DHCP server problem, then he/she can check in that section of the system logs for any errors.
- Web proxy log
The web proxy log displays urls and ips of websites visited.
- Firewall log
This log lets a user view all the blocked attacks on his/her smoothwall.
- ids log
An ids log lets a user mark an ip in the firewall log and add it to the ‘block list’. A user can also use this log to do a lookup.

- The Instant messages
The instant messages shows real-time ‘chats’ as they happen,and it also shows who was chatting and when.

- The email logs
The email logs presents a user with a log of all emails passing though the POP3 proxy and Anti Virus engine.

Tools
The tools has got tabs such as: ip information, ip tools.

- ip information
ip information allows a user to perform a ‘whois’ lookup on an ip address or domain name,
- ip tools
ip tools lets a user ping or traceroute an ip

Maintenance
The maintenance has got tabs such as updates, modem, speedtouch usb firmware’, ‘passwords’, ‘backup’, ‘preferences’ and ’shutdown’.

If you have followed all advise and guidance as provided in this tutorial guide then you will have successfully configured Smoothwall.

Bookmark Us
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • MisterWong
  • Netvouz
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Wists

How to install a Smoothwall Express 3.0

Posted in How To's by Shafkat Shahzad, M.Sc - Senior Technical Content Manager on August 16th, 2009

Welcome to the tutorial guide. The guide will provide the user with a brief introduction to Smoothwall Express 3.0 and it will also provide the user with advise and guidance on how to install a Smoothwall Express 3.0. Let’s find out what Smoothwall Express 3.0 is. A Smoothwall Express 3.0 is a network firewall, designed with home and small business users.

The Smoothwall Express 3 has following features
- POP3 Email antivirus proxy – email scanning with market-leading ClamAV
- Purple network interface – keep wireless clients like laptops safely off the main network
- Inline Proxy support for Instant Messaging
- Universal Plug n Play Support
- Bandwidth Management – prioritize important traffic & speed up browsing with a new web
- Real-time Graphs & per IP Traffic Stats
- New and easier update system
- Network time server

Now, let’s go through the installation process. An important thing for you is to find out which version of the Smoothwall is required to meet your needs and requirements before you plan to download the ISO. Remember that there are 4 separate ISOs, Smoothwall Express 3.0, and Smoothwall Express 3 Developers Edition. After you make a choice for your ISO, the next step for you is to download it. After you download it, then you have to burn it to a CD and then select a computer on which you would like to install it. It is a good idea to ensure that the hardware can work with the Smoothwall Express 3.0

The very first screen that is displayed when you boot from the CD presents a warning to you saying that if you install Smoothwall Express 3.0, that it will wipe out all the data on your hard disc. If the data on your hard disc is valuable for you then please exit from the install and do a backup before proceeding.

If the data on your hard disc is of no value to you, then simply press the ENTER key and it will start the linux kernel and begin the installation process. After pressing enter, you will notice that a number of screens will appear. Each screen will ask you a set of questions and choices. after you have selected your choices if you would like to make any changes then you will be provided with an opportunity to do this at a later stage. This can be done by logging in to the box locally and typing ’setup’ at the console, or via a web based java shell. Please note that the installation screens are split into two sections. The first section is the installation of the OS and the second part is how you want it configured.

After the Smoothwall is installed, you need to know few things such as the GREEN network is your local computers talking to each other, the RED network is the Internet, so one network card on your smoothwall handles the local network (GREEN) and the other network card handles the internet (RED).

Bookmark Us
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • MisterWong
  • Netvouz
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Wists

How to install Yellow Dog Linux 6.1 on a Playstation 3

Posted in How To's by Shafkat Shahzad, M.Sc - Senior Technical Content Manager on August 10th, 2009

Welcome to the tutorial guide. The guide will provide you with guidance and instructions on how to install a yellow dog Linux on a playstation 3.

Let’s start with the process of formatting the Playstation hard drive.

• Please in the Playstation interface go to Settings -> System Settings -> Format Utility and
• Select the “Format Hard Disk” option.
• Select YES ,then you will be asked if you would like to format the hard disk and follow the steps below:
• Select “Custom” for a partition setting for the hard disk.
• Select the “Allot 10GB to the OtherOS” option.
• Select the “Quick Format” option.
• Select YES when asked if you want to format the hard drive.

You will have to wait for a couple of seconds while the format operation is in process. After a successful format, a message will be displayed saying that format is completed. Now please press X button to restart the system.” The PS3 will be restarted.

After going through the format, now let’s go through the process of installing the OS boot loader.

• Please insert the Yellow Dog Linux 6.1 DVD into the Blu-Ray player of the PlayStation 3 and
• go to Settings -> System Settings -> Install OtherOS. The PS3 will scan for the otheros.bld file and when it will find it
• please press the “Start” button on the screen to perform the installation. Wait a few seconds.
• When it finishes, a confirmation message will be displayed. Also, information regarding how to switch to the OtherOS will be displayed.

Now, let’s go through the process of switching to other operating systems. Please note that a reboot for the play station is required in order to start the Yellow Dog Linux 6.1 installation,

Please follow steps as below:
• go to Settings -> System Settings -> Default System,
• press the X button and select the “OtherOS” entry.
• select YES when you are asked if you want to leave the PS3 system and start the OtherOS.

Please note that at the end of the boot process you will see “kboot:” following commands can be typed in for different HD TVs:

- install_ps3_1080p
- install_ps3_1080i

After typing in the commands, you have to press Enter so that the installation process starts. It is important to note if you are aware about the maximum resolution of your HD TV, then then please type in the mentioned commands, otherwise you can just press the Enter key at the kboot prompt and Yellow Dog will be able to set the best resolution for your TV.

If you don’t want to continue with the installation process of Yellow Dog then just type in ps3-boot-game-os. After typing in, please press Enter key.

After the successful completion of preparing the playstation process, let’s go through the process of installing Yellow Dog Linux 6.1

Please go through following steps as below:

• Click the “Next” button on the Welcome screen. After you click on the next button, you will requested to select the language that you require for the installation process.
• Choose your keyboard layout and press the “Next” button.
• If you formatted your hard drive, you will see a message that the partition table is unreadable. Please click on “Yes.”
• Now you have to select the “Remove Linux partitions on selected drives and create default layout” option (default) and then click “Next.”
• Please click “Yes” when asked only if you are sure that you want to remove all Linux partitions on the /dev/ps3da drive.
• Now click “Yes” if it is OK to turn SWAP immediately
• On the network configuration screen, you will come across two entries: eth0 (LAN ethernet connection) and wlan0 (Wireless network connection).

Please follow steps below if you want to set up your network connections

For DHCP (dynamic IP) users without wireless:
If you are a DHCP user without wireless then please follow the steps as below:

• Leave the eth0 entry as it is.
• Uncheck the wlan0 entry.

For DHCP (dynamic IP) users with wireless:
Please leave the eth0 entry as it is.
• Now, select the wlan0 entry and click on the “Edit” button. Uncheck the “Enable IPv6 support” option and enter your ESSID and Encryption Key for the wireless network you want to connect to.
• now, please click “OK” and finish.

For non-DHCP (static IP) users without wireless:
If you are a non DHCP user without wireless, then please follow the steps as below:

• Please select the eth0 entry and click on the “Edit” button. Select the “Manual configuration” option under the “Enable IPv4 support” and input the IP address and netmask from your provider. Also, uncheck the “Enable IPv6 support” option. Click “OK” to return to the main window. Enter a name for the computer (it can be anything you want, e.g. softpedia-ps3), the Gateway and DNS information from your provider.
• Now, uncheck the wlan0 entry.

For non-DHCP (static IP) users with wireless:
If you are a non DHCP user with wireless, then please follow the steps as be

• Please select the eth0 entry and click on the “Edit” button.
• Now, uncheck the “Enable IPv6 support” option and input the IP address and netmask from your provider. Click “OK” to return to the main window and enter the gateway and DNS information from your provider.
• Now, select the wlan0 entry and click on the “Edit” button. Uncheck the “Enable IPv6 support” option and enter your ESSID and Encryption Key for the wireless network you want to connect to. Click “OK” when you have finished.
• Click “Next” when have finished with the network configuration.
• Choose your location.
• Click “Next.”
• Now, please input a root password.
• Click “Next.”
• On the software configuration screen you can add or remove applications by selecting the “Customize now” option. I you are a regular user then you should just click on the “Next” button to continue with the installation process.
• Click on the “Next” button to begin the installation process of Yellow Dog Linux 6.1.

Please note, when the Yellow Dog Linux will start, you will see two YDL icons, representing the two cores of the CELL processor, followed by six Fixstars logos, representing the 6 available Synergistic Processing Elements of the CELL processor.

After a few seconds time, you will view the Yellow Dog Linux 6.1 boot splash. When the boot process is over, you will be prompted by a first-boot configuration process. When you are prompted with a boot configuration process, then please follow the steps as mentioned below:
• Please click “Forward” on the Welcome screen.
• You have to accept the license agreement if you want to continue
• Now, click on the “Forward” button.
• Select the trusted services for the Firewall or disable it if the PS3 is connected in a network environment with a powerful firewall.
• If you are asked to override the firewall configuration, then please choose “Yes”
• Please leave the Kdump option unchecked and click “Forward.”
• You can input your YDL.net account information, if you have one, or click “Forward” to continue.
• Now, please set up the date and time.
• After setting up the date and time, please
• click “Forward.”
• You can create a regular user for the system.
• Click “Forward” when it is finished.
• Test the sound card of the PlayStation 3.
• In the end, please click on the “Finish” button.

If you followed all the steps as mentioned in this tutorial guide, then you will have successfully installed Yellow Dog Linux 6.1 on Playstation 3.

Bookmark Us
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • MisterWong
  • Netvouz
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Wists

How to set up the Client to see the Shared Printer on a Client running Freespire/Linspire and the Server/Host computer is also Freespire/Linspire

Posted in How To's by Shafkat Shahzad, M.Sc - Senior Technical Content Manager on August 10th, 2009

Welcome to the tutorial guide. The guide will provide you with step by step guidance on how to set up the Client to see the Shared Printer on a Client running Freespire/Linspire and the Server/Host computer is also Freespire/Linspire.
Let’s follow the steps as mentioned below:

• On the Freespire/Linspire Client computer please goto Launch >>> Settings >>> Control center >>> Peripherals >>> Printers.
• Now click on Administrator Mode button and enter the password;
• then: Print Server >>> Access Printers on Local Network >>> Enable Browsing.

Please note that it may take a few seconds for the Printer name to appear and applications you wish to print from may need to be restarted before you can print from that application.
You will see that the printer information says “Type: Remote Printer” and the URI includes the network address of the Host computer.

I hope that this guide proved helpful for you to set up the Client to see the Shared Printer on a Client running Freespire/Linspire and the Server/Host computer is also Freespire/Linspire

Bookmark Us
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • MisterWong
  • Netvouz
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Wists

How to set up the Server Computer to Share its Printer On a Server/Host running Linspire

Posted in How To's by Shafkat Shahzad, M.Sc - Senior Technical Content Manager on August 10th, 2009

Welcome to the tutorial guide. This guide will provide you with advise and guidance on how to set up the Server Computer to Share its Printer On a Server/Host running Linspire. Please follow the steps as provided below:

• On the Freespire/Linspire Server/Host computer,
• please goto Launch >>> Settings >>> Control center >>> Peripherals >>> Printers.
• Please click on Administrator Mode button and enter the password.
• Then Print Server >>> Share Printers on Local Network >>> Enable Sharing.
• Then:Print Server >>> Access Printers on Local Network >>> Enable Browsing.

You will note that the printer information sayhs “Type: Local Printer” and the URI includes “localhost”.

If you followed the guidance and steps as mentioned, then you will be able to set up the Server Computer to Share its Printer On a Server/Host running Linspire.

Bookmark Us
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • MisterWong
  • Netvouz
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Wists

How to install Linspire 4.5

Posted in How To's by Shafkat Shahzad, M.Sc - Senior Technical Content Manager on August 10th, 2009

Welcome to the Tutorial guide. The guide will provide you with advise and instructions on how to install Linspire 4.5. Before we go ahead with the installation process, it is a good idea to know what is Linspire. Linspire is a new distribution in the Linux operating systems arena
Installing Linspire 4.5. Now, let’s go through the process of installing Linspire. The workstation that we will be using is VMWare workstation 4.5. The length of time that it will take for the installation process will be about 8 minutes.

Pre-requisites for Linspire
It is good to know the requisites for Linspire. These are provided below:
• PC with 800 MHz or higher processor
• 128 MB of RAM
• Hard disk
• 1024 x 768 or higher resolution and monitor
• CD-ROM or DVD drive, Keyboard & Mouse
• Linspire-compatible sound card and speakers or headphones
• Linspire-compatible 56 Kbps hardware modem, cable modem, or DSL modem
• Ethernet card for Internet/LAN connectivity

Requirements for using Linspire
It is a good idea to know the requirements for using Linspire in virtual machine technology. These requirements are provided below:
• 3 GB Hard disk
• Operating system set to Linux and version set to other Linux.
• Knowledge of how to install VMWare tools in the shell environment.

Please note if you don’t have the right requirements then there is a risk that you will not be able to get the best VMtools to install. It is a good idea to install the VMWare tools manually. Linspire has a boot sector on the CD-ROM, making it able to boot from CD-ROM.
During the installation process, you will be provided with 2 options which are install or diagnostics.
If you choose the install option then you will be presented with a series of installation options. Please remember, install launches the GUI based installation procedure and diagnostics diagnoses why the installation might fail in a semi (DOS) shell like way. If you choose the first option, then Linspire will set up the hard disk.
The next option which will be displayed will be the computer name and root/administrative password.
When all the options and choices are made, Linspire will install followed by a reboot. You will see the same choices screen as with the install, but this time the screen will have three options. These option are as below:
• Linspire,
• diagnostics again and
• redetect (hardware)

If you choose Linspire, then it will install automatically, but if video card is not recognized then it will start in the (DOS like) shell. Now you will be able to login as root and install the VMWare tools manually. Now, the question is how to install VMWare tools. It is a simple and easy process to install VMWare tools. This is because you have to basically copy the VMWare tools to local hard disk and then unpack it. Remember that you have to mount the CD-ROM drive before you can copy it. After that you have to run the install command. Please leave the default option when it asks you where to install.
The only weakness for a user who is not good at C++ is that VMWare tools require a C++ compiler for the last step. The last step creates a shared folder option between host and guest operating system so it’s best to skip that option and it should display that it is carrying out installation.

After that, please type startx in order to start the GUI or you can type in reboot to let the virtual machine restart. In this way, you don’t have to install any VMWare tools.
I hope that you found the guide useful.

Bookmark Us
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • MisterWong
  • Netvouz
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Wists

Installing Slackware Linux - part 2

Posted in How To's by Shafkat Shahzad, M.Sc - Senior Technical Content Manager on August 2nd, 2009

Welcome to the tutorial guide. The guide will provide instructions and advise on how to install Slackware. This is the second part of the installation.

- Type in setup and
- press enter
- Slackware Linux setup screen will appear

Please note that you will have several options as provided in the setup. It is best to go through options one by one. Let’s start with the keyboard. If it is a US keyboard, then you have to begin the setup at ADDSWAP.

- Please highlight the ADDSWAP option and then press Enter.

Another thing that you need to know is that if you have changed the swap partition filesystem type to Linux swap during partitioning stage then it will be automatically detected.

If you remember the first partition is swap, the setup wizard will prompt us before formatting the swap partition.

- After the swap partition is configured, a message will prompt you.

- The next step is to select ther root partition. By recalling the partition table as mentioned in the part a of the tutorial, as root partition was created second, therefore so it has label hda2.

- After that, you will be asked if you would like to format the root partition. It is a good idea to go for a slow format so that to check for bad blocks.

- You havIt is a good idea to go for a slow format
- You have to select the inode density for the partition.
- After the successful configturation of the root partition, you need to set up the remaining partitions such as hda3.
- We can format it by using ext3 and set the inode density to default.
- we have to specify the mount point of the partition. We can mount hda3 as home,
- After successful configuration of the partitions, a message saying that partitioning is done will be displayed

Please note that after the disks have been prepared, the installation options will need to be configured. You have to specify the source of installation.

The wizard will suggest to scan for the right drive containing the source media. It is best to let it auto scan.

- Now you have to select the installation mode. The best choice will be to install all of the packages

- After you select the mode, the install will start.

- After the packages are installed, you will be asked to specify the source for the kernel. The source for the kernel is the DVD.

The installation DVD contains a range of kernels. The wizard will prompt you for the most suitable kernel, based on your hardware. The default choice will be the most adequate.

- The next step is to create a bootdisk.
- Now, we can configure the modem.
Please note that if you have a modern computer, then you need to enable HOTPLUG

Another important point that you need to take into account is the configuration of the bootloaderlackware that uses LILO. Now we need to install LILO.

When loading, LILO can display a splash logo. Due to graphical problems associated with old computers, it is best to use the standard console

The next stage is to define extra parameters. If you know about these extra parameters, then just press Enter to proceed.

After that we have to install the bootloader. The best option is to install it to Master Boot Record

The next step is to configure the mouse.

General Purpose Mouse configuration is the next step.
This driver provides with the functionality to copy and paste text between virtual consoles.

Please note that you can enable or disable the driver at any time after the installation.

The next step is Network configuration. If you are a home user then the choice of the host and domain names is arbitrary. You have an opportunity to select any names you like.

You are most likely to be assigned a dynamic IP address every time you connect to the Internet. Remeber that you will need to provide a static IP address

After you have made your choices, now you have to confirm.

Now you have to setup your network services. For most users, the default choice will be adequate. However, if you intend to run a web server, a mail server or any other custom service, you will need to enable some other options, too.

The next option allows to use custom screen fonts. You have to setup our hardware clock and time zone next.

The choice of the Windows Manager is the next one. You can choose the Xfce desktop.

Root password is another step that you need to go through. It is recommended to choose a strong password.

Now your setup is complete.

If you would like to restart your computer, then please do so by typing reboot

If you had followed all the steps as mentioned in this tutorial guide then you will have fully installed slackware.

Bookmark Us
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • MisterWong
  • Netvouz
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Wists

Installing Slackware Linux - part 1

Posted in How To's by Shafkat Shahzad, M.Sc - Senior Technical Content Manager on August 1st, 2009

Welcome to the tutorial guide. The guide will provide instructions and advise on how to install Slackware in VMware Server. Slackware uses few Graphical User Interfaces. Most of the work is carried out by using command line.

It is good to know about the strengths and weaknesses associated with Slackware. Some of them are mentioned below:

Slackware is more complicated than other distributions
The common commands have a different syntax.
Slackware is a highly stable platform - simple, robust and secure.
Slackware support is available online and most fo the problems can be easily resolved

Requirements for Slackware
- A computer - 486 a bare minimum, P2 or higher for graphical environments
- Slackware DVD
- Patience and spare time
- a virtualization product like VMware Player or Server.

Please note following points if you are planning to install slackware as a virtual machine or planning to install it for real.

- First of all, please ensure that your PC and installation disks are ready
- If you are planning to install Slackware as a virtual machine, then please ensure that the VMware Player or Server is configured and you have necessary .vmx and .vmdk files
- If you are installing Slackware for real, make sure that you have dedicated the necessary space on your hard disk for the installation - it can be an existing partition or some free space.

Let’s begin the installation process by using a VMware product:

- Please place the Slackware DVD in the DVD-ROM tray.
- Now, start the VMware Player / Server
- and open the Slackware .vmx file
- With the virtual PC booting, please press Esc button to enter the BIOS setup.
- select option 3.
- CD-ROM Drive.
- Press Enter to start booting from CD.

Please note that after a few seconds, you will be prompted what kernel you want to boot. Remember that the Slackware DVD includes a number of kernels, adapted to work with different hardware profiles. If you don’t know what kernel to select then please don’t unselect the automatically selected option as this is the most appropriate option.
- Now, please press Enter to proceed
- The option will be about selecting the keyboard

After going through the mentioned steps, the installation process will start. Please note that before going through the installation process, two points should be taken into account. These steps are as following:

Preparation of partitions
You need to create partitions and this can be done by using cfdisk. After you make the partitions successfully, you have to commence the standard setup.

Setup of the distribution itself

In order to begin the installation process,
- please login as root
- type root and
- press Enter.

once you have logged in, you will be prompted to partition the hard drives.

- go to Start cfdisk and type cfdisk and
- press Enter.

If you are interested in creating partitions such as swap, root and home then you have to decide what size would you like to allocate to these partitions. Let’s go through the process of creating partitions by following steps as mentioned below:

- The first step that you need to create a partition is to move the highlight mark to the New command and press Enter. Please note that you will be prompted to select the type of the partition . Let’s select primary partition

- The next step us is to set the size for the new partition.

- Now, you have to plan if you would like to create the partition at the beginning or at the end of the free space. It is a good idea to create a small boot partition at the beginning of a drive.

- In this way, you will be able to create the partition. The partition is displayed as hdal
- The next step is to set its type. Please note that by default, every partition is marked as Linux, but you have to mark it as swap. Now you have to highlight Type and press Enter.

- Now you are looking for the designation of swap. Please note that if you are looking for a desired filesystem then you will be able to find it under the entry 82 Linux swap. Please make a note of the number and press any key to continue.

- Please write down the number and press Enter.

The Linux swap has been configured successfully configured.
Now you need to create a new partition for root and home

This can be done by highlighting the New command and then create a new partition. Remember you need to set necessary parameters.

Another important point to note is that after creating root partition, you need to ensure that it is made bootable.

The last partition i.e., home partition can be created in a similar way as mentioned for creating swap and root partitions.

Now you need to write the partition table, but before you write the partition table, you have to ensure that you are not overwriting existing, important data on a disk. If you are happy with all the choices that you have made then please highlight the [Write] command and press Enter.

You will be asked to confirm your choice. If you are happy then please type yes and press Enter.

- After the partition table is written successfully, you will notice a message displayed at the bottom of the screen. Now quit the program.

After following all the steps as mentioned, you will have successfully completed the first part of the installation.

Bookmark Us
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • MisterWong
  • Netvouz
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Wists

Next entries »