is the iso image all i need for installation
 

i am downloading redhat from linuxiso.org. i will burn the three install disks onto cd-r's. i simply boot from the first cd and follow instuctions and then 2nd and then 3rd cd, right? although i do have my backups i dont want to lose any info, so i was just getting an ok from an expert.
thank you. one other thing is i was wondering if i will have to install the linux driver from another site or will it be on the installaiton cds. i have a realtec rtl8139 fast ethernet family nic.

1) Be sure to burn them as ISO's with Nero or another capable program, so you get the file structure adn not one image on the cd (won't do you much good).
2) Yes, instructions are very simple
3) As for the NIC, I'm not experienced with RH. I know that on my Mandrake 10 install, it installed the drivers for my Broadcom 4400 NIC, so it might

the anaconda installer that redhat uses is quite simple and "hold your handish."

as for the nic, our wiki hcl seems to say you won't have much of a problem.

hope this helps.

edit: btw this is acid_kewpie's favorite chipset ;)

I too am what I would describe as a pre-newbie, and would appreciate similar confirmation from an expert. I haven't even installed yet.

I've set up 3 partitions using XP, each to FAT32. Two each of 5Gb for Windows XP and for LINUX respectively, and the last for shared data, as I wish to use the kids computer as a dual boot.

I have downloaded 3 iso image files from RedHat, and now wish to put them onto CD-ROM. I haven't yet cracked the iso image, nor made a boot disc, whether CD-Rom or floppy. I have made what I gather the regulars call coasters. These 3 CD's contained a single iso file each.

All pointers would be gratefully received. Please bear in mind, the machine I am installing on does not yet have internet access, and I am not yet using LINUX!

Many thanks

Ian

make sure you dont have any important data on the fat32 partition you have marked for linux as linux installation would take that partition and format it to ext2 or ext3 or anyother filesystem you choose. You would lose any data on that partition.

thanks, I have performed a complete Format on that specific partition. It is utterly wiped.

But how do I convert iso file into usable CDs? I presume an iso file is equivalent to a winzip file? and just needs extracting, but how, and when?

what do you mean by usable CD? iso files are usable in the sense that they are mirrored according to the file structure of installation process (If I got it right???)

correct me if I am wrong or missing the whole point :D

An ISO is not exactly like a zip file, you don't uncompress it or anything. It's actually a byte-for-byte copy of a cd (as opposed to just a copy of the files themselves). If you just copy it to a new disk as is, all you will have is a cd with an ISO image on it, which is useless for installation. What you need to do is burn it as an image instead. Most good burn programs have a "burn image" command somewhere. That command takes the ISO and uses it to recreate the original cd, headers, file system, and all.

I think its probably me thats missing the point.

I have CDrom, which when I view it, all I see is an iso file. what do i do with it? Do I copy it onto my empty partition? verbatim, or do I extract it onto my partition? in which case how?

I use Nero for burning, but it had nothin on it regarding iso, except there is a limit to file name length - not much help there!

Sorry to be such a dork

Thank you David,

I think you've probably hit the nail on the head for me. I'll try that tonight when I get home - that makes much more sense.

Ian

No problem. I burned a few coasters myself before catching on. In Nero 6 (which I have), you'll find the burn image command in the Recorder menu. It'll bring up a file browser. Just direct it to the ISO and burn away. All the necessary settings will be automatically detected from the ISO itself.

Thanks David,

Right on the button. However, I have Nero 5.5. The burn image command in the Recorder menu is a red herring for my version, as this is used for creating images, as opposed to burning discs from images.

For the record, and future Newbies, in version 5.5, I found a 'Burn an image' command under the File menu.

At work, I have Roxio 5.3.4.21, which is much more intuitive. Use 'make a data CD' then from the File menu, the option 'Record CD from CD image'. As you said, a file browser is opened, and at this stage I set the file type to iso, and searched out my iso file

Unfortunately, one of my image files was corrupt, so I haven't completed my installation yet... but tonight...

For the record - I have successfully installed LINUX - Thank you guys for your help. Now I have to learn how to use and configure it....!

Good job...One hurdle gone lot many to pass. First few weeks would be nightmare as they have been with linux newbie but you'll get through it. Good luck!!!