install linux to x86
 

hi,,
i have got a PC that works (just mother board intel P4, no monitor, no CD drive or keyboard). i wanna install a text-based linux (without desktop inteface like gnome or kde) just to use CLI. I will enter the commands from another PC by connecting it via serial port and use a terminal program like minicom to enter the commands.
There is no CD drive, so i think i'll use USB to boot from it to install linux to the 10Gb HDD.
could u give me hints how to start and what do i need? which linux to get? do i have to install a bootloader rather than BIOS, like grub?

thanx

You'll need a keyboard at least temporarily for the installation process. Boot the Linux installation and make a base install without a GUI (I recommend Debian Linux for this, Fedora can also serve this purpose). You'll have to install GRUB, of course. After installation configure networking and install ssh server so you can log in remotely via ssh (use something like 'putty' on Windows). As soon as you can log in from remote you can use the computer without a keyboard again.

thankx for ur reply.
but lets summerize things.

1. as i told u i dont have cd drive, so i am gonna get linux and boot it from USB drive .
2. it is easy to get a keybord, but what about screen? is it ok to connect the serial port and interface from my pC?
3. GRUB is included in the installation files of linux or is installed sepperatley?
cheers

You'll also need a screen to do the installation. I don't know of any way to use the serial connection before installing the OS because you need an OS to accept connections from the serial line, right?

GRUB is the default boot loader in most Linuxes and you won't have to get it separately.

After everything is installed and running, I recommend you to use ssh as the means to log in to Linux from remote. I wouldn't use the serial line as it is really slow. If you still insist on the serial line, you will need to configure the server's inittab file to accept connections on it (read in http://www.vanemery.com/Linux/Serial...l-console.html to see an example how to do that). But again, ssh is preferred because it works over the network.

I hope it helps.

I would advise skipping the serial thing as well.

If you have another box that you can borrow a Cd/DVD drive from to do the install, it can make things a lot easier. Once you have the machine all set up you can pull it out again(just takes a couple of minutes to unplug two cords). If you look around the used shops, you can usually find an old monitor (14/15 inch ) for cheap ($10). I keep one around just for doing headless installs.

Be aware that not all motherboards will boot correctly without a monitor and keyboard attached. A lot of motherboards have bios settings to compensate for this but a lot do not.

VNC and SSH
 

hi,,
i have managed to get a monitor finally and install Ubuntu8.10.
so far so good.
Now i wana access the Ubuntu8.10 PC , using VNC from a WinXP pc is that doable???
do i have to install ssh on WinXP as well?

thanks

You can enable VNC access on your Ubuntu by going into "Remote Desktop" (I think it is in the System->Preferences menu on Ubuntu). Check the "Allow users to view your desktop" checkbox and then you'll be able to remotely control Ubuntu from Windows.

SSH is not related to VNC - but you should have it installed. It won't show you the desktop, only command-line. I think the Ubuntu package is called openssh-server, and on Windows you can use a client called 'putty'.