Need Help with Debian SMP install
 

I know little to nothing about linux/debian. But I am stuck with the task of installing a SMP kernel of Debian onto a new system that has a Dual Core Pentium 820. Ive installed Debian before, but its always been from the default stable CD image, where i just hit the enter key to all the questions, supply an IP and im done. Apparently I've been told this won't work for Dual Core (I need SMP). How do i do this new install? And if it doesnt recognize the NIC, how do i install that after install?


Jeff.

There are 2 ways:
1) Debian has SMP-enabled kernel-images in the repositories, use Synaptic or aptitude to locate and install a version you want to use.
2) Install Debian as before, but make sure to include the kernel-sources. You may want to get a fresh kernel from http://www.kernel.org, but the sources for the running kernel will do just fine. Now you have to configure the kernel to enable SMP support. A good guide for building your own kernel is here: link!

If you want to install a different kernel during the install (I think that is what you want to do) then during the process press esc. This will bring up a menu, near the bottom of the list find "change debconf priority" and set it to low. Now continue to install as normal. During the stage where core packages are installed you will now be asked to select a kernel to install. At this point select the smp kernel.

I don't think the smp kernel is on cd 1 so either bring some extra cds or download a netinstall disc.

Hope it helps