Installation Classes

Red Hat Linux includes three different classes, or types of installations. They are:

Workstation
Server
Custom

These classes give you the option of simplifying the installation process (with some potential for loss of configuration flexibility), or retaining complete flexibility with a slightly more complex installation process. Let's take a look at each class in more detail, so you can see which one is right for you.

Only the custom-class install allows you complete flexibility. The workstation- and server-class installations go through the installation process for you and omit certain steps. However, you now can choose to partition your drives manually in a workstation- or server-class installation.

The Workstation-Class Installation

A workstation-class installation is most appropriate for you if you're new to the world of Linux, and would like to give it a try. By answering very few installation questions, you can be up and running Red Hat Linux in no time!

What Does It Do?

If you choose not to partition manually, a workstation-class installation removes any Linux-related partitions on all installed hard drives (and uses all free unpartitioned disk space) to create the following partitions:

A 64MB swap partition.

A variable-sized (the exact size is dependent on available disk space) root partition (mounted as /) in which all other files are stored.

Intel: A 16MB partition (mounted as /boot) in which the Linux kernel and related files reside.

Alpha: A 2MB partition (mounted as /dos) in which the MILO boot loader is located.

This approach to disk partitioning results in the simplest filesystem configuration possible.

Please Note: You will need approximately 600MB of free disk space in order to perform a workstation-class installation.

If your system already runs Windows (Windows 3.1/95/98), a workstation-class installation will automatically configure your system to dual-boot using LILO.

Caution

A workstation-class installation will remove all existing Linux partition on all hard drives in your system. It will also attempt to set up a dual boot environment automatically on your system, if another OS is present.

The Server-Class Installation

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.

What Does It Do?

If you choose not to partition manually, a server-class installation removes ALL existing partitions on ALL installed hard drives, so choose this installation class only if you're sure you have nothing you want saved! When the installation is complete, you'll find the following partitions:

A 64MB swap partition.

A 256MB partition (mounted as /).

A partition of at least 512MB (mounted as /usr).

A partition of at least 512MB (mounted as /home).

A 256MB partition (mounted as /var).

Intel: A 16MB partition (mounted as /boot) in which the Linux kernel and related files are kept.

Alpha: A 2MB partition (mounted as /dos) in which the MILO boot loader is kept.

This approach to disk partitioning results in a reasonably flexible filesystem configuration for most server-class tasks.

Please Note: You will need approximately 1.6GB of free disk space in order to perform a server-class installation.

Caution

A server-class installation will remove ALL existing partitions of ANY type on ALL existing hard drives of your system. All drives will be erased of all information and existing operating systems, regardless if they are Linux partitions or not!

The Custom-Class Installation

As you might guess from the name, a custom-class installation puts the emphasis on flexibility. During a custom-class installation, you choose how disk space should be partitioned. You have complete control over which packages will be installed on your system. You also determine whether you'll use LILO to boot your system.

Behind the Scenes of a Custom-Class Installation

This section covers the installation steps that are not seen by performing a workstation- or server-class installation.

This may help those of you who are trying to decide which installation class will better suit your needs. If you think you'll have trouble performing any of the tasks on this list, you should not perform a custom-class installation without reading through this manual and clarifying any questions you may have.

Creating Partitions -- In the custom-class installation it is necessary for you to specify where you want Red Hat Linux to be installed. This is no longer specific to custom-class installations as you now have the option to manually partition your hard drives in the workstation- and server-class installations.
Formatting Partitions -- All newly created partitions must be formatted. Any partitions that contain old data (data you no longer need or want) should be formatted. If you chose to manually partition your workstation- or server-class installation, you will need to choose which partitions to format.
Selecting and Installing Packages -- This is performed after your partitions have been configured and selected for formatting. Here you may select groups of packages, individual packages, a combination of the two, or choose an "everything" install.
LILO Configuration -- In a custom-class installation, you are able to choose where you would like LILO to be installed (either on the master boot record (MBR) or on the first sector of your root partition), or you can choose not to install LILO at all.