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Installing Debian Sarge, net install, no DHCP
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Written by machiner
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Sunday, 24 April 2005 10:11 |
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[First Draft, textual how-to. For a Debian Etch install tutorial]
See these tutorials to assist with your hard drive partitions. Debian's own: Install Guide
Contrary to what you may have heard, installing Debian GNU/Linux is a breeze. Of course, you may face issues if you have a fancy new Dell (or similar) computer utilizing SATA hard drives, but this can (easily) be remedied with a quick trip to your bios. More on that in a moment**.
This tutorial will detail how I install Debian GNU/Linux on one of my computers at home. It's quick, painless and easy to do. As well, it will probably be the only time you need to do this, after all this ain't no Windows operating system. You install Debian GNU/Linux once, update periodically, and enjoy the current operating system forever. I run a home-made box with a ABIT Nf7-M motherboard (NForce-2 chip-set with peripherals on the board), an AMD 2700+ AthlonXP chip, and some Corsair Value RAM (1GB). Of course, your computer is probably different. You might take pause to wonder if your hardware will be supported, but know this: Debian (and Linux in general) supports much more hardware than Windows. If you're unsure, hesitant, or simply curious check this hardware compatibility site for peace-of-mind: Debian GNU/Linux System Requirements.
As well, I have a DSL account with Verizon. If you use a Broadband Cable connection, you will "be online" already during the install. If you have DSL from Verizon with no DHCP like I do, you are not yet connected and must do so following the initial installation. If you have a router with the pppoe protocol setup, you will probably get a dhcp connection upon install. Else, we'll set up pppoe later, piece of cake, read on...
As I recommend for all of my tutorials (because I am a lousy writer) it's important to read the whole thing through once before attempting the task. Also, go ahead and goto this website to download your terrific new operating system: Debian GNU/Linux download page. Keep in mind that this tutorial assumes an x86 architecture machine. Download the Net Installer disk, burn it and remember all the reasons why you are sick of suffering Windows. Now, let's go -----------------.
If you are using a Dell with SATA drives you must enter your BIOS and change your hard drive option from "Normal" to "Combination". You may change it back later, after we are finished. If you have a different setup and you know you have a SATA drive but have no idea what I am talking about, please do a little research before you attempt this task. Debian (Sarge kernels) does support SATA, however the installer does not and some people have reported issues. There are ways to get Debian installed on your SATA drive but those workarounds for Sarge are beyond the scope of these desktop tutorials.
**The new Debian installer (for Etch) installs on SATA drives, no worries. If you have a home-made box like mine and the installer doesn't see your drives do some quick research on your favorite search engine to remedy the issue. There are steps to take like opening a terminal at install (hit CTRL + ALT + F2 then modprobe driver) and loading "sata_nv" or sata for whichever chip-set you may have. I have had some trouble (there are workarounds - just research your board and chip-set) with some Debian installs on SATA, on both AMD64 boards and some 32bit boards. Try here, then modify the search if not satisfied.TIP:If you're building a new computer, or updating yours and you like SATA and AMD64, the Asus A8V motherboard works very well with both for your new Debian System. Just make sure that your SATA drive is in 150 mode. Match that setting in your BIOS as well.
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Boot to the install disc. If you are following my tutorials and you have already re-sized your Windows partition to make room for this install, you are in good shape. Otherwise I assume any of the following:
you already have another partition (hopefully 3) ready to install Debian on.
You have an empty formatted disk ready for the undertaking
You are installing over Windows, wiping that install out and rejoicing in your new computing freedom!
Upon booting to the install disc you will arrive at a prompt. If you want to take advantage of the newer kernel's hardware support (recommended if your computer is newer than 3 years old) you would type this at the prompt: linux26, then hit enter.
Go through the initial screens choosing your country, keyboard layout and the like. Debian will detect your hardware and then allow you to choose your Primary Network Interface. You will probably simply hit enter here. This tutorial does not assume modems, but NIC cards. You will probably see that Debian has already highlighted your eth0 card.
Next up is to configure your network. If you're using a Broadband cable connection you can probably just go through this section with defaults, after all you are already connected via DHCP. Otherwise, and this tutorials assumes this, you have a DSL connection (or modem which I am not covering). In this case please choose "Do not configure network at this time" and hit enter. Some Verizon and other xDSL ISPs employ connections with DHCP in this case you are connected as well.
Continuing, you can choose your hostname, like sleestack. Remember those? If the installer demands a "domain name" just make something up: nomorewindows.com - Hit enter. If you have a router, it'll have to jive with the domain name you just picked...you can remove it later from your networking widget if you need to. At this step I usually enter past the "domain name". leaving it blank.
Partition Manager is next and this is typically where people panic. You don't need to. It's your computer and you're in charge. Besides you have already followed my "resizing large Partition" tutorial so the hard part is complete.
On this screen you will see that Debian GNU/Linux is showing you your hard drive partitions. Remember, the first one listed is your Windows partition. You will be leaving that alone and starting with #2, hda2.
You will be choosing to "manually edit" your partitions. Select your partition by arrowing down to it. You can see information pertaining to your partition. Isn't that geeky? We like information.
Hit enter on #2.
You will see "Use As" is already highlighted. Hit enter, then enter again on "Ext3 journaling file system". Arrow down to "format the partition" hit enter so that "yes, format it" is chosen. Next, arrow down to "Mount Point", hit enter, then enter again on "/ - the root file system". See, isn't this easy? You go.
Next, arrow down to "Done setting up partition" and hit enter. Back on the partition table arrow down to #3. Go through the same steps choosing the same options except this time when you choose "Mount Point" you will be selecting"/home - user home directories". Finally, arrow down to #4 back at the partition manager screen. You should see that Debian has recognized that this is your swap file (remember the last tutorial?). You should simply have to arrow down to "done setting up partition" hit enter and be almost finished with this section.
Arrow all the way down (you're back at the partition manager screen) "Finish Partitioning & write changes". Select yes, hit enter and let it fly.
In a few moments you will see "Installing the Debian base system" Rejoice! You are almost there. Try to refrain from uncouth jubilation. This will come later.
The next step in the install asks you to install Grub, the Boot Loader. You will answer yes, which is already highlighted, and hit enter. Following this you will see your cd-rom eject. Leave the CD in the drive and close it. On your screen you will see that "continue" is highlighted
Hit enter to reboot your machine.
When your machine is going down for a reboot, prepare to hit your F2, F8 or Delete key to enter your BIOS (Setup) upon reboot. You need to change your boot device from cd-rom to your hard drive now. Probably reads "HDD-0".
When your machine reboots to your Debian install you will see that you're not quite finished. You've got more to do but it's quick - a little configuration here some questions - install some apps... Read on.
Hit enter at "OK" to continue the process. Let's roll.
Choose "no" when asked if your hardware clock is set to GMT. Next, choose your time zone.
Enter a root password next and be sure to make it tricky to guess, but one that you can remember. Write it down, study it, then eat the paper. Hit enter, re-type your root password, hit enter again. Next add a user (which is going to be you). Pick your favorite username. Go through the add user prompts. Add your password (twice).
If you are already connected via a broadband connection you will be allowed to download and install the rest of your system now. However, my DSL connection isn't on yet, and maybe yours isn't either. There's a little more to do first.
Next up is your "Apt Configuration". Hit enter on the already highlighted "cd-rom" choice. Apt configuration will ask you if you wish to add another cd-rom to your available software repository choices. You will choose "no". Hit enter. You will then be prompted to add another apt source. Again, we're on DSL so we're not connected. This step will fail, just choose "no" for now.
The next screen asks you what you would like to install. We're pretty limited here at this point and I always leave both choices empty. With both choices empty, hit enter.
You will see a little install action now. Only a couple software packages that were not already installed are being installed now. It will only take a moment.
You will be prompted next to configure your Exim4 mail server. Hit enter on the already highlighted "local delivery only, not on a network". Hit enter at the next screen when it prompts you for a "root and postmaster mail recipient" Your username is already chosen and this is what you want.
Technically you are finished. However, we want a desktop environment, and being that Linux is all about choice, we will install the 2 most popular ones. KDE and Gnome.
You are now at the Debian login prompt. Now we will get the ball rolling on our fancy new desktop. Let's become root.
At the prompt type "su" (no quotes), hit enter. Enter your root password, hit enter. Type the following: # nano /etc/apt/sources.list, hit enter. (You do not type the "#", this is a prompt, and # indicates that you are root.) You are now in a text editor (don't worry, there are fancier ones once you build your desktop). Arrow down to the security address and delete the # in front of it. Arrow down one line and type the following line:
deb ftp://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ sarge main contrib non-free (Leave out the "us" if you're not in America).
Next, hit ctrl+x, type y, then enter. You have just commanded the program to - exit, save what you've modified, and overwrite the original document. You're doing a terrific job. Makes you want to boot all those naysayers in the arse, ey?
Back at the root prompt you are now going to connect to the web. Type the following:
# pppoeconf
In the resulting box you are going to hit enter every time except for adding your username and password. HINT: the password is clear-text. If anyone is standing over your shoulder they will see your ISP password. Clear the room.
You are now connected to the internet and you can begin to download and install your Debian GNU/Linux system. I must high-five you for getting to the point you are at. If you listened to all that Microsoft FUD you wouldn't be here. You're a free-thinker and those that know you are proud.
At the prompt type the following:
# apt-get update You will see your computer access the Debian software repository and update itself to the current listings. Fascinating. It will complete in a moment leaving you at the prompt again.
Type the following: base-config Arrow down to "select and install software". Hit enter. Arrow down to "Desktop Environment". Hit your space bar to check it.
You could stop at this selection, but if you like to build web-sites or want to take advantage of all of the terrific free LAMP apps available to you (I have databases that are websites for: recipes, genealogy, movies, etc. Very cool and very free) you would check "web server" as well. I also choose "mail server" (it's already chosen - you already installed it). 
We are choosing to keep the mail server because Debian GNU/Linux will email you critical system information and other goodies from time to time. Occasionally, you will need to see these emails.
Tab to OK, hit enter and walk away. It will take about 20 minutes to over an hour (depending on your connection speed) to download and install all your software. Don't stay for too long because during the install you will be prompted for choices.
After all is downloaded you will make some configuration choices and be prompted to do so. Mostly you will simply be hitting enter as the defaults are appropriate. However, when prompted to allow "sshd" to run, please choose no. You don't need it, and it may open up unnecessary security aspects that you probably don't want to deal with. By all means, if you know what you're doing (why are you reading my tutorial?) then you choose what you want.
Choose "auto" for your sound daemon wrapper when prompted.
I always allow Debian GNU/Linux to auto-detect my hardware. It does a terrific job and has not been wrong yet. You can always modify choices later, after you boot to your fancy new desktop environment. Make sure you choose the correct keyboard layout, mouse type, document type (A4, letter, etc).
The install will continue. Near the end you will have to re-configure your (MTA) mail transfer agent. You've already done this, so hit enter all the way through.
Following this you will see "Finish configuring the base system", hit enter.
See that? You are finished. You have just completed what many computer users (gurus, HUH!) call a very difficult task. About 95% of computer users never install their own operating system and you just installed Debian. LINUX!! At the prompt type reboot, hit enter.
Now, have a beer, a smoke, dance your face off, or whatever it is that you do to shake loose and feel good. You've done it. You the (WO)MAN!
Watch as your new OS reboots and welcomes you to your new environment. At the login prompt (you get an image this time) type your username, hit enter, type your password. You're in! Occasionally, users notice that after installing and booting to their new Linux desktop, the screen resolution is pretty horrible. First thing to do is the following:
Fire up your terminal, become root and run the following command:# dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86You will go through setting up your mouse, video, monitor and the like. It's pretty important. If it doesn't work the first time, make sure you know the type of display (video card) and monitor you have. It's very helpful to know your monitors vertical and horizontal refresh rates.
Debian GNU/Linux boots to the Gnome desktop environment by default. I like it fine and use it all day. You may not like it. If you don't, just log out (from the Actions menu) and at your login prompt choose "Session" and choose KDE.
If you installed the Apache (Debian uses Apache2 now) it would behoove you to install a firewall. Hell, do it anyway. Do the following:
From your menu on the top of your desktop choose: Applications, System Tools, Synaptic. In Synaptic search for "firewall".
In the panel you will see that guarddog is now listed. Right-click on it, choose mark for installation. The next screen shows you that gawk needs to be installed as well, (apt is terrific). Click mark. In the toolbar click Apply. In the resulting box click apply. Guarddog (and dependencies) will now be downloaded and installed. You will see it install in the resulting terminal window. Finished. Close Synaptic (unless you're overjoyed at the better than 15,000 software packages now available to you. Try to use moderation.).
Back on your desktop type ALT + F2 (this is a "run" dialog box) and type gnome-terminal, hit enter. At the prompt become root by typing "su" (no quotes), hit enter. Enter your password, hit enter. Type guarddog, hit enter. You may now configure your firewall. I recommend doing a bit of research before you do this, unless you already have some experience.
Hooray for you! I hope you have found this tutorial beneficial. Spread the word .
Related Links and Articles:
Debian GNU/Linux Installation Manual
Install Debian on a Dell Laptop
Debian Tutorial Manual
Re-size Large Windows Partition (don't be ashamed, it's OK to dual-boot)
machiner
Sun, 24 April 2005 3:06 PM
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Last Updated on Sunday, 01 March 2009 09:08 |
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