Linux File Structure
Before we proceed with our installation I think it is a good idea to learn about Linux's file structure. The Linux file system structure is very much like an upside down tree. This tree is not difficult to understand; you will see this in details once your installation is finished.
Example: Home = /user's Home Directory/me-you- she/he Var = /print spool/named /logs/www
Fig 1.0
Preparing for the Installation
I know you can't wait to get started. So no more blah…blah… here we go! For detail purposes, I will explain the installation process of Mandrake 9.0 however the enclosed CDs are 9.1 Mandrake 9.0 is very descriptive in the installation process. Version 9.1 hides many of these features; however the process in the background is the same. For educational purposes 9.0 is perfect. I am sure that after reading this book, you will be able to install any version or distribution.
You may skip this section and go to 9.1 & 9.2 installations, but it won't hurt to read this section anyway. Mandrake Linux 9.0 can be installed in number of ways. I will explain the two most common (and recommended) installation methods.
Boot directly from the Installation CD, or Create a boot floppy if your computer is unable to boot from the CD
Only if your CD-ROM is bootable, insert the CD-Disk1 into the CD-ROM drive, restart the system and go straight to Welcome to Linux Installation. If you are unable to boot from the CD-ROM, use the following procedure to create a bootable floppy disk or read "install.htm" located on the Installation CD for details. When installing Mandrake Linux 9.0 onto a hard drive that already contains windows operating system, make a note of how much disk space is free for Linux to use. The bottom graphic shows an entire 8 GB HD, with 7.8 GB free.
Fig 1.1 To install Mandrake Linux onto a hard drive that already contains another OS; you will need to resize the existing partition to make room for Linux. This step can be performed within the installer (Mandrake 9.1), but before installing Mandrake, it is strongly recommended that you run scandisk. There are two choices you can use if you don't have free space but your hard drive is big enough. a. Buy a new hard drive for this installation b. Resize your existing partition If you opt to install Mandrake 9.0, with resizing partition, you need to run scandisk and resize the partition with a third party utility such as Partition Magic.
Fig 1.2 For security purposes, back-up any data that you may need before installing Mandrake Linux.