1. The Mandriva Linux Installer

With the DrakX installation program, it doesn't matter whether you're a newbie or a GNU/Linux guru. The job of DrakX is to provide you with a smooth installation and an easy transition to Mandriva Linux's latest version. DrakX also detects existing Windows® and Linux installs and adds boot menu entries for them, so you can start either operating system.

[Tip] Tip

Make sure that all your hardware is connected to your computer and powered on during the installation. Printers, modems, scanners and joysticks are just a few examples of peripherals which DrakX can automatically detect and configure as Mandriva Linux is being installed.

Procedure 18.1. Begin Installation

  1. Place your installation CD or DVD into the reader and reboot your machine. The installer will start automatically.

  2. Press any keyboard key (except Enter) when you see Mandriva's welcome screen appear . The first screen offers a list of various possible actions, and if you do nothing, the first option (Boot from Hard Disk) is carried out when the timer expires.

  3. Press the F2 key to have all options displayed in your language. Simply select your language by using the up and down arrow keys, then press Enter.

  4. Simply select the Installation option from the list, and press Enter.

Figure 18.1. First Installation Welcome Screen

First Installation Welcome Screen

[Tip] If Something Goes Wild

If the default procedure does not work for you, read Section 1.2, “Startup Options”.

1.1. The Installation Process

When the installer starts, you see a nice graphical interface . On the left are the various installation steps, the current one is marked by a highlighted bullet. The installation occurs in two phases: installation, then configuration.

Steps and Substeps.  Each step may present various screens. You can surf between those screens with the Next and Previous buttons. Additionally an Advanced button may be available to show more advanced configuration options. Note that most of the latter should only be used by expert users. But there's no harm in looking at them!

[Tip] Tip

The Help button displays explanations about the current installation step.

1.2. Startup Options

If something goes wrong during the first installation attempt, boot again from the CD, and depending on your problem, try one of the Fx options at the bottom of the screen. Select an option and press F1 to get more information about what that specific option does.

Boot Options This line contains the options passed on to the kernel that will be used for the selected action. Most machines don't require specific kernel options.