NOTE: CentOS Enterprise Linux is built from the Red Hat Enterprise Linux source code. Other than logo and name changes CentOS Enterprise Linux is compatible with the equivalent Red Hat version. This document applies equally to both Red Hat and CentOS Enterprise Linux.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4: Installation Guide for x86, Itanium™, AMD64, and Intel® Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel® EM64T)
This chapter explains how to perform a Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation from the
CD-ROM, using the graphical, mouse-based installation program. The following
topics are discussed:
Becoming familiar with the installation program's user interface
Starting the installation program
Selecting an installation method
Configuration steps during the installation (language, keyboard,
mouse, partitioning, etc.)
If you have used a graphical user interface
(GUI) before, you are already familiar with this process;
use your mouse to navigate the screens, click buttons, or enter text
fields.
You can also navigate through the installation using the
keyboard. The [Tab] key allows you to move around the
screen, the Up and Down arrow keys to scroll through lists,
[+] and [-] keys expand and collapse
lists, while [Space] and [Enter] selects
or removes from selection a highlighted item. You can also use the
[Alt]-[X] key command combination as a way of clicking on buttons or
making other screen selections, where
[X] is replaced with any
underlined letter appearing within that screen.
Note
If you are using an x86, AMD64, or Intel® EM64T
system, and you do not wish to use the GUI installation program, the
text mode installation program is also available. To start the text mode
installation program, use the following command at the
boot: prompt:
It is highly recommended that installs be performed using the GUI
installation program. The GUI installation program offers the full
functionality of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation program, including LVM
configuration which is not available during a text mode
installation.
Users who must use the text mode installation program can follow
the GUI installation instructions and obtain all needed
information.
Note
If you are using an Itanium system, and you do
not wish to use the GUI installation program, the text mode installation
program is also available. To start the text mode installation program,
type the following command at the EFI Shell prompt:
The Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation program offers more than the dialog boxes of the
installation process. Several kinds of diagnostic messages are
available to you, as well as a way to enter commands from a
shell prompt. The installation program displays these messages on five
virtual consoles, among which you can switch using a
single keystroke combination.
A virtual console is a shell prompt in a non-graphical environment,
accessed from the physical machine, not remotely. Multiple virtual
consoles can be accessed simultaneously.
These virtual consoles can be helpful if you encounter a problem
while installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Messages displayed on
the installation or system consoles can help pinpoint a
problem. Refer to Table 4-1 for a listing
of the virtual consoles, keystrokes used to switch to them, and their
contents.
Generally, there is no reason to leave the default console (virtual
console #7 for graphical installations) unless you are attempting to diagnose
installation problems.
