Chapter 15. Installing Red Hat Linux via the GUI

This chapter explains how to install Red Hat Linux from the CD-ROM using the graphical, mouse-based installation program.

The Installation Program User Interface

If you've used a graphical user interface (GUI) before, you'll be familiar with this process. If not, simply use your mouse to navigate the screens, "click" buttons or enter text fields. You can also navigate through the installation using the Tab and Enter keys.

Please Note

If you do not wish to use the GUI installation program, the text mode installation program is also available. To enter text mode, enter the following boot command:

	  boot: text

For text mode installation instructions, please refer to Chapter 14.

A Note about Virtual Consoles

The Red Hat Linux installation program offers more than the dialog boxes of the installation process. Several different kinds of diagnostic messages are available to you, in addition to giving you a way to enter commands from a shell prompt. It presents this information on five virtual consoles, among which you can switch using a single keystroke.

These virtual consoles can be helpful if you encounter a problem while installing Red Hat Linux. Messages displayed on the installation or system consoles can help pinpoint a problem. Please see Table 15-1 for a listing of the virtual consoles, keystrokes to switch to them, and their contents.

Table 15-1. Console, Keystrokes, and Contents

Console	Keystrokes	Contents
1	Ctrl-Alt-F1	installation dialog
2	Ctrl-Alt-F2	shell prompt
3	Ctrl-Alt-F3	install log (messages from installation program)
4	Ctrl-Alt-F4	system-related messages
5	Ctrl-Alt-F5	other messages
7	Ctrl-Alt-F7	X graphical display

Generally, there's no reason to leave the default console (virtual console #7) unless you are attempting to diagnose installation problems. But if you get curious, feel free to look around.