Choose an Installation Class
Choose whether you would like to perform a full installation or an upgrade (see Figure 3-5).
If you choose to install, Red Hat Linux is normally installed on a clean disk partition or set of partitions, or over another installation of Linux.
 | Backup Your Important Data Before the Installation |
|---|---|
Installing Red Hat Linux over another installation of Linux (including Red Hat Linux) does not preserve any information (files or data) from a prior installation. Make sure you save any important files! If you are worried about saving the current data on your existing Red Hat Linux system (without making a backup on your own), you should consider performing an upgrade instead. |
When you choose to perform an installation, you must also choose the class of the installation. Your options are Workstation, Server System, or Custom System.
Red Hat Linux includes four different classes or types of installations. The classes give you the option of simplifying the installation process (with some potential for loss of configuration flexibility), or retaining flexibility by using a more complex installation process. The classes are the following:
Workstation — A workstation-class installation is most appropriate if you are new to the world of Linux and would like to give it a try.
Workstation Installations Will Erase All Data on Linux Partitions A workstation-class installation will erase all information in all Linux-related partitions from every system hard drive.
If you choose automatic partitioning, a workstation-class installation will remove all existing Linux partitions on all hard drives in your system; non-Linux partitions will not be removed. A workstation-class installation uses all free unpartitioned disk space to create the following partitions:
A 64MB swap partition.
A variable-sized root partition (mounted as /) in which all other files are stored (the exact size of this partition is dependent on your available disk space).
A 16MB partition (mounted as /boot) for the Linux kernel and related files.
Please Note You'll need at least 900MB of free disk space in order to perform a workstation-class installation.
A workstation-class installation will install your choice of a GNOME or KDE (or both) desktop environment and the X Window System.
A workstation-class installation will not allow you to customize your group package selection. If you do not want the installation program to select packages for you, please choose a custom-class installation.
Unlike earlier workstation-class installations, performing a Red Hat Linux 7.0 workstation-class installation will not install the network daemon xinetd (inet services). Withholding xinetd results in a more secure installation;[1] however, inbound network-related services such as finger, telnet, talk, and ftp will not work. If you require these types of services, choose a server-class or custom-class installation.
Server — A server-class installation is most appropriate for you if you'd like your system to function as a Linux-based server, and you don't want to heavily customize your system configuration. The X Window System and the GNOME and KDE desktop environments will not be installed during a server-class installation, unless you customize the set of packages to be installed and select the X Window System and desktop packages that you want.
Server Installations Erase Everything on All Partitions A server-class installation will erase all partitions (both Linux and non-Linux) from every system hard drive.
The recommended disk space requirements for a server-class installation are as follows:
Server (minimum): 500 MB
Server (choosing everything): 1 GB
If you plan to choose all group packages, as well as select additional individual packages, you may want to allow yourself 2 GB or more of disk space. This will provide space for additional data to be written.
The custom-class installation provides the most flexibility during your installation. The workstation-class and server-class installations automatically go through the installation process for you and omit certain steps. During a custom-class installation, you need to decide how disk space will be partitioned. You have complete control over the packages that will be installed on your system. Unless you have prior experience with Red Hat Linux or another flavor of Linux, you should not select the custom-class installation method.
The recommended disk space requirements for a custom-class installation are the following:
Custom (minimum): 500 MB
Custom (choosing everything): 2 GB
The custom-class installation allows you the most flexibility. The workstation-class and server-class installations go through the installation process for you and omit certain steps. However, partitioning control is an option during workstation-class and server-class installations, so you can now partition your drives manually during these types of installations, if you so desire.
Upgrade — If you already have a version of Red Hat Linux 3.0.3 (or greater) running on your system and you want to quickly update to the latest packages and kernel version, then you can choose to upgrade rather than do a fresh installation. To perform an upgrade, please refer to Chapter 4.