2 Before You Begin

While installing Red Hat Linux is a straightforward process, taking some time prior to starting the installation can make things go much more smoothly. In this chapter, we'll discuss the steps that should be performed before you start the installation.

Please Note: If you are currently running a version 2.0 (or greater) Red Hat Linux system, you can perform an upgrade. Skim this chapter to review basic issues relating to installation, and read the following chapters in order, following the directions as you go. The upgrade procedure starts out identically to the installation procedure; you will be directed to choose an installation or upgrade after booting the installation program and answering a few questions.

There are five things you should do prior to installing Red Hat Linux:

1. Make sure you have access to the Red Hat Linux components required for installation.

2. Make sure you know your computer's hardware configuration and networking information.

3. Decide, based on the first two tasks, what method you will use to install Red Hat Linux.

4. Determine where on your hard drive(s) Red Hat Linux will reside.

5. Make sure you have sufficient documentation to effectively use your Red Hat Linux system after the installation.

Let's start by making sure you have everything you need to install Red Hat Linux.