From b415f972e9f7f720427b4b7cd86044101ab214fb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: gferg <> Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 15:27:29 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] new entry --- .../docbook/Pre-Installation-Checklist.sgml | 1310 +++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 1310 insertions(+) create mode 100644 LDP/howto/docbook/Pre-Installation-Checklist.sgml diff --git a/LDP/howto/docbook/Pre-Installation-Checklist.sgml b/LDP/howto/docbook/Pre-Installation-Checklist.sgml new file mode 100644 index 00000000..7f152c82 --- /dev/null +++ b/LDP/howto/docbook/Pre-Installation-Checklist.sgml @@ -0,0 +1,1310 @@ + + + +
+ + + GNU/Linux pre-installation checklist + + + + + + Algologic Research & Solutions + +
+ algolog (at) hd1.vsnl.net.in +
+ + + + + + 2.6.0 + 28 November 2000 + + + Initial release using docbook sgml. + + + + + + + + This document provides a checklist for installing GNU/Linux (hereafter referred + to as Linux) as well as hints and tips along the way. + Translations in Japanese, Dutch, and French are available in . + The most current version of this checklist will be posted online at: + + http://members.tripod.com/~algolog/lnxchk.htm. Sgml source for this document + is located here. + + + + + + + + +Introduction + + + + Are you a Linux newbie ? Are you a Linux guru ? In both cases, you will find + this checklist of great help to you. How many times have you found yourself + fumbling in the middle of a Linux installation process, because some vital + information about the target hardware is not known ? + + + + Have you ever crossed your fingers when you were asked by the installation + procedure, a simple question, like: to which COM port is the mouse + connected ? + + + + Let's face it, all of us have, at one time or another, felt we should have + been better prepared before starting to install Linux. Here is a simple + solution, brought to you by Algologic Research & Solutions + + + + + +Copyright Information + + + This document is copyrighted (c) 2000 + Algologic Research & Solutions + and is distributed under the terms of the Linux Documentation Project + (LDP) license, stated below. + + + + Unless otherwise stated, Linux HOWTO documents are + copyrighted by their respective authors. Linux HOWTO documents may + be reproduced and distributed in whole or in part, in any medium + physical or electronic, as long as this copyright notice is + retained on all copies. Commercial redistribution is allowed and + encouraged; however, the author would like to be notified of any + such distributions. + + + + All translations, derivative works, or aggregate works + incorporating any Linux HOWTO documents must be covered under this + copyright notice. That is, you may not produce a derivative work + from a HOWTO and impose additional restrictions on its + distribution. Exceptions to these rules may be granted under + certain conditions; please contact the Linux HOWTO coordinator at + the address given below. + + + + In short, we wish to promote dissemination of this + information through as many channels as possible. However, we do + wish to retain copyright on the HOWTO documents, and would like to + be notified of any plans to redistribute the HOWTOs. + + + + If you have any questions, please contact + linux-howto@metalab.unc.edu + + + + + +Disclaimer + + + No liability for the contents of this documents can be accepted. + Use the concepts, examples and other content at your own risk. + As this is a new edition of this document, there may be errors + and inaccuracies, that may of course be damaging to your system. + Proceed with caution, and although this is highly unlikely, + the author(s) do not take any responsibility for that. + + + + All copyrights are held by their respective owners, unless + specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this document + should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark + or service mark. + + + + Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen + as endorsements. + + + + You are strongly recommended to make a backup of your system + before major installation and continue to do so at regular intervals. + + + + + +Translations + + + This checklist is available in: + + + + + Japanese as a text-only + or html version. + + + + + + Dutch as html. + + + + + + French as html. + + + + + + + + + +Acknowledgements + + + Algologic acknowledges with gratitude the useful suggestions + and inputs from many members of the Linux community, for + preparation of this checklist. This checklist is proof of the + cooperation and goodwill which exists between Linux users. + Algologic submits this checklist to the Linux community, as a + humble tribute to the spirit of Linux. Many thanks to the following people: + + + + + + + Mrs. Chie Nakatani for the translation into Japanese. You can also + visit her home page by clicking here. + jeanne (at) mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp + + + + + + Pierre-Charles David for the translation into French. + david (at) essi.fr + + + + + + + Linux werkgroep HCC afdeling Groningen + for the translation into Dutch. + + + + + + Jesse Goerz for converting the document to docbook sgml. + jgoerz (at) linuxfreemail.com + + + + + + + + + +Who should read/use this? + + + If you are planning to install Linux on somebody else's machine, or + in a location which is not your own work place, you must absolutely get + this checklist completed in advance. It is important to get this + questionnaire answered by your host, so that you go adequately prepared + for the installation. + + + + If you are planning to organize an "Install fest" (we Indians + call it "Linux mela"), ask your participants to come with this + checklist answered. + + + + Conversely, if you are going to an Install fest (aka Linux mela), to get + Linux installed on your machine, do your home-work. Go with answers to + this checklist. + + + + If you are going to ask someone to come over and install Linux for + you, send him/her this questionnaire with as many responses as you know. + + + + If you are the D-I-Y type, you must start by answering all these questions, + so that you can save time for enjoying your Linux! + + + + + + + +What does this checklist (aim to) achieve? + + + This is a memory aid which may make installation of Linux a pleasant + experience for you. It fills an important role in the promotion of Linux. + + + + It will help you to be prepared with all the answers which may be needed + during the course of installation of Linux on your machine or on anybody + else's machine. Sometimes, it is very inconvenient and even impossible + to find out some details in the middle of an installation procedure. This + becomes all the more difficult when you are installing Linux on somebody + else's machine, and in somebody else's office. + + + + This checklist, when filled up, will help you go through your Linux + documentation and verify in advance whether certain hardware is supported + by the distribution you are planning to install. It will also help you + to be prepared with the packages you would need to install, and the + configuration choices which need to be done. + + + + The idea is to reduce the chances of frustrating surprises. + + + + This checklist is only for installing Linux on PCs. You may use this + checklist as a model for other classes of machines (e.g.SUN, Alpha, ...) + also. + + + + + + +Where do I find more about Linux? + + + If you want professional (PAID) help with Linux -- ask Algologic. + Algologic Research & Solutions is listed in the official CONSULTANTS-HOWTO of the + Linux Documentation Project. + + + + This checklist does not give any details about hardware compatible with + Linux, or other details about actually procuring or installing Linux. + If you want details, please reference the + Linux hardware howto, + the Distribution howto, + and the Installation howto, + which are all located online at the Linux Documentation Project. + + + + If you are the impatient type, and want help on installation directly, + please reference and skip the pre-installation checklist. + + + + ATTENTION: We are actually overwhelmed by the number of general + inquiries about procuring, installing and using Linux. We DO NOT answer such general mail. We strongly + advise you to check out the Linux Documentation Project + for finding other sources of help. Please DO NOT send us any general Linux questions. + + + + + + +Conventions used + + WARNING! + + Warnings are admonitions which if disregarded, + will result in an inoperable system + , which may or may not be recoverable. + + + + + + + Caution! + + Cautions are admonitions which if disregarded, + will result in an inoperable application + or cause the loss of data, configuration + files, or leave the system in an unbootable state. + + + + + + + Note + + Notes state important facts which may be necessary + to perform an operation. + + + + + + + Tip + + Tips provide shortcuts or foresight to make performance + of operations easier. + + + + + + + + + + + + +Linux pre-installation checklist + +Before you fill out the checklist + + + Welcome to the world of Linux. Your first step in installing + Linux on your PC will begin by answering a few simple + questions about your hardware. + + + + This checklist will make it easy for you and us to go through + the installation, painlessly and without surprises. Please + take your own time and fill up the following checklist. + Wherever possible, and necessary, we have given some + suggestions and hints, for your convenience. + + + + If you don't know all the details, you should be able to find + them in your computer's manuals. Or, ask your hardware + vendor, or your local hardware "guru." + + + + If you still have problems finding answers, don't worry -- + you can just ignore any areas you don't know. Bring in + your machine and ALL manuals you have. The installation + may succeed with some trials and a lot of luck. + + + + Remember, Linux, like many other software products, is a + growing product. Some of your hardware may still not be + supported in the version of Linux which is being installed. + + + + Each question below can be identified by the section number followed by + the question number (e.g. .1 is a question on processor speed). If you + need any assistance/clarifications about the questions asked + in this form, please specify the section identifier + and the question number, and send an email to: + algolog (at) hd1.vsnl.net.in It is imperative that + you also include the version number of the checklist. The version number of + this checklist can be found on the first page of the document. + + + + Assumptions: + + + + + + You are interested in installing Linux on a PC (386 upwards). + + + + + + + You have a CDROM drive on your PC. You have made sure that + your proposed version of Linux supports this CDROM drive. + Check latest version of the + hardware howto at the Linux + Documentation Project (LDP). + + + + + + You have at least one 3½" floppy diskette drive on + your system. + + + + + + The 3½" diskette drive is a BOOTABLE drive. + + + + + + You will keep readily available, three, bad-sector-free, + formatted (3½"), blank diskettes, for use in the + installation procedure. + + + + + + + If you wish to install Linux over a LAN, you have + confirmed that your network interface card is supported + by your version of Linux. Check latest version of the + hardware howto at the LDP. + + + + + + + +About you + + + + + + Your Name ____________________ + + + + + + Your contact phone numbers: + + + + + + Your email address ____________________ + + + + + + Have you used Linux before ? What distribution? + + + + + + Have you used any version of Unix before ? Which one ? + On what hardware platform ? + + + + + + Is this an upgrade to an existing Linux distribution ? + + + + + + What will be the end-use of this Linux installation ? + + + + + + Do you wish to retain DOS/Win/any other OS along with + Linux, on your system ? + + + + + + Any other detail you want to add: + _____________________________________________________ + _____________________________________________________ + + + + + + + + +General + + + + + + + + CPU type [i386, i486 DX2...]: + + + + + + Bus type [ISA, EISA, VESA, PCI, MCA ... ]: + + + + + + Processor speed (MHz) ? + + + + + + What size is your RAM (minimum 4 MB needed) ? + + + + + + Do you want X Window System (i.e. Graphic User + Interface for Linux) to be installed on your system ? + + + + + + How many serial ports (COM ports) do you have on your PC ? + + + + + + Are you planning to add dumb terminals to your PC ? + How many ? + + + + + + Please mention below, any additional details you wish to add: + __________________________________________________ + __________________________________________________ + __________________________________________________ + + + + + + + + + +Mouse + + + + + + To which port is your mouse connected ? What IRQ ? + + + + + + What type of mouse are you using + [Microsoft, Busmouse, PS/2 ..] ? + + + + + + How many buttons does the mouse have ? + + + + + + + + + +CD-ROM + + + Tip + + If you are not sure if your CDROM is bootable or + not, power on the machine and go to BIOS settings (do not let + the PC bootup). Look for bootable drive options in the BIOS + settings. + + + + + + + + What is the make and type of CDROM drive + [e.g. IDE ATAPI, Sony, S-B Pro/Panasonic, SCSI, true IDE ..] ? + + + + + + On which drive interface [1st IDE, 2nd IDE, 3rd IDE, + 4th IDE, SCSI, proprietary interface] and which drive + [drive 1 , drive 2, SCSI-ID 5] is the CDROM connected + (e.g. drive 2 of 1st IDE, SCSI-ID 5 of built-in SCSI + interface) ? + + + + + + Is your CDROM a bootable drive ? + + + + + + + + + +Floppy drives + + + + + + Do you have a 3½" floppy drive? + + + + + + Is the 3½" floppy drive a bootable drive ? + + + + + + Do you have a 5¼" floppy drive? + + + + + + Is the 5¼" drive a bootable drive ? + + + + + + + + + +Tape drives + + + + + + What type of tape drive do you have (can be NONE) + [floppy interface type, SCSI, parallel port ..] ? + + + + + + Do you have a secondary floppy controller for your + tape drive? + + + + + + + + + +Disk drives + + + + Tip + + At this point, you must be clear about how your + Linux will be installed and on which disk etc. You must also + be clear how your Linux will be booted (there are + different possibilities). + Read the Installation howto + before you answer the following questions. + + + + + + + + What type of drive do you have [IDE, SCSI, RLL, MFM ....] ? + + + + + + How many partitions are there on your first disk drive ? + Name, type, size ? Collect these details also for other + disk drives you may have on this machine. + + + + + + On which drive are you planning to install Linux (e.g. drive + 2 of first IDE, or SCSI-ID 5 of built-in SCSI interface) + + + + + + Can we re-partition your disk ? (All existing data + will be lost) + + + + + + Which partitions can be reformatted to become Linux + partitions ? Note: All information recorded in this + partition will be erased. + + + + + + How much of disk space can you give for Linux [50 MB minimum] ? + + + + + + What is your second hard disk (if any)? + + + + + + What is your third hard disk (if any)? + + + + + + What is your fourth hard disk (if any)? + + + + + + What is your fourth hard disk (if any)? + + + + + + Do you have any SCSI device ? Which SCSI controller do + you have (if any)? + + + + + + Do you plan to boot from your hard disk or floppy? + + + + + + On which hard disk partition do you want LILO boot + loader to reside? + + + + + + Do you wish to retain the original boot sector/master + boot record that is currently on your hard disk? + + + + + + On which disk partitions will your Linux root reside? + + + + + + Do you access the IDE drive in LBA mode (check your BIOS + settings) ? + + + + + + + + + +Video Display Units (Monitor and controller) + + + + Tip + + If you do not have good documentation on your + VDU, try to look at the sticker (nameplate) on the back of + your VDU, you may find the answers to some of the questions + given below. + + + + + + + + What kind of monitor do you have [Monochrome, Color] + [EGA, VGA, CGA ..] ? What make ? + + + + + + Size of screen [14", 15", 19"] ? Is it an + interlaced monitor ? + + + + + + What are the resolutions, and number of colors + possible on this monitor [600x480, 800x600, 1024x768]? + + + + + + What is your monitor's vertical refresh rate / vertical + sync. frequency (could be a range)? + + + + + + What is your monitor's horizontal refresh rate / horizontal + sync. frequency (could be a range) ? + + + + + + Monitor's bandwidth ? + + + + + + Video RAM size ? + + + + + + VDU Control card : make and model ? + + + + + + Chip set used in VDU control card ? + + + + + + What RAMDAC do you have ? + + + + + + + + + +Networking + + + + + + Are you using an internal modem | external modem ? + + + + + + What make ? + + + + + + On which COM port is the modem connected ? What IRQ ? + + + + + + What is the speed of the modem [bps] ? + + + + + + What serial interface chip does your computer use (e.g. + 8450, 16550C) ? + + + + + + Is it a "Windows only" modem [WIN-MODEM...] ? + + + + + + Which ethernet card do you have [10base2 or 10baseT; + NONE for none] ? What type ? + + + + + + Will this machine be a part of Internet or any + Intranet ? + + + + + + Will this machine use a dialup connection / PPP connection + to an Internet/Intranet server ? + + + + + + Will this machine be used as an Internet or Intranet server ? + + + + + + What will be the hostname of your computer (e.g. penguin) ? + + + + + + What will be the domain name, if any, of your computer + (e.g. family_name.city.country) + + + + + + What will be the IP address, if any, of your computer + (e.g. 123.1.2.3) ? + + + + + + What is the IP address of the DNS server (can be none) ? + + + + + + What is the IP address of the default router (can be none) ? + + + + + + + + + +Printers + + + + + + Have you connected any printer on the parallel port of + your PC ? + + + + + + What is the type, make of the printer ? + + + + + + + + + +Laptops + + + + + + Number and type of PCMCIA slots on your Laptop ? + + + + + + PC cards you plan to use ? + + + + + + Built-in devices on your laptop (e.g. trackball, + pointer, touchpad) ? + + + + + + COM ports used for the above built-in devices ? + + + + + + + + + +Miscellaneous + + + + Tip + + Try to make a consolidated hardcopy list of I/O + addresses, IRQs, DMA-addresses used by the different devices + in your machine. Take care to find out the configuration + details of your VDU-driver card, Ethernet card, SCSI card etc. + + + + + + + + Does your keyboard use a round connector (DIN-5) or + PS/2 connector? + + + + + + Do you plan to use keyboard mapping to any non-US + keyboards [French, Greek, Cyrillic, ..] ? + + + + + + Are you using any Plug & play devices ? + + + + + + Are you using any sound card ? What card ? What I/O, + IRQ, DMA does it use ? + + + + + + How many ISA spare slots do you have ? + + + + + + How many EISA spare slots do you have ? + + + + + + How many VESA spare slots do you have ? + + + + + + How many PCI spare slots do you have ? + + + + + + + How many other (describe) spare slots? + + + + + + What kind of other removable media do you have (can + be NONE)? + + + + + + Do you have any other interesting hardware? + + + + + + Please add any details you wish to highlight: + + __________________________________________________ + + __________________________________________________ + + __________________________________________________ + + + + + + + + + +Feedback + + + Did you find this form clear ? Any suggestions for + improvement ? + + + __________________________________________________ + + __________________________________________________ + + __________________________________________________ + + + + Thanks for filling out the form. + Please cross check the above responses, and keep the checklist + handy at the time of installation. + + + + + + + + + + + + +What next...? + + +
Confucious + Even the longest journey has to start with a small first-step. +
+ + + + Now that you have taken the first step of filling up the checklist, you would + like to prepare for the real installation. Here are a few tips, for starters: + + + + + + A very good installation guide is here. + You must visit this excellent site. It also gives tips to find answers for some of the questions asked in + the pre-installation checklist (e.g. video cards, monitor, chipset, modem, ...etc.). + + + + + + The official Installation HOWTO is here. + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +