Redhat 9 installation causes kernel panic
 

Attempting my first ever linux install ... Starting Red Hat 9 install, I choose the gui install and after some text scrolling across the screen I get a message saying ...

Kernel panic: Attempting to kill the init

Thinking this looks bad (even to a noob) I tried again ... this time I got ...

Kernel panic: Attempting to kill the idle task! In idle task - not syncing

Can anyone give me a hint what this means?

some ideas would be to use text mode install, try boot from 2nd cd ( not sure if available :) ), try boot from other set of cds, try remove some undeeded-for-install hardware.

good luck,
cristian.

Check for compatibility of your hardware. You should find info at redhat.com on hardware. There are other boot images on the first cd that allow you to create a boot floppy. If you have a floppy drive try the different ones.