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Installing Linux

This document briefly describes the process of installing Linux from the RedHat 3.0 distribution.
Make install boot/root disk:
  Prepare 3 blank DOS formatted floppies.
  Put the RedHat CD 1 in a DOS PC with a working CD drive.
  Be at a DOS prompt.
  Change to the CD Drive.
  Change to IMAGES1213 Directory.
    (1.2.13 is current stable kernel)
  Run DOSUTILSRAWRITE from the CD.
  Enter name of Boot Image File.
    We use BOOT0002.IMG which has basic SoundBlaster CD
    support, No Ethernet, no SCSI.
    See IMAGES.TXT for descriptions of image files.

Make RAM 1 and RAM 2 disks:
  Change to IMAGES directory on the CD.
  Run DOSUTILSRAWRITE, specify RAMDISK1.IMG to floppy.
  Run DOSUTILSRAWRITE, specify RAMDISK2.IMG to floppy.

Boot the intended Linux machine with install boot.root disk.
  System Boots to a help Screen showing F1-F10 and a boot                 
  prompt.  Pressing <ENTER> for autoprobe should work on a
  SoundBlaster CD equipped system.

Select graphical install.  Answer some other basic questions.

Partition the hard drive:
  hda1  Bootable  Primary 1  Linux Native (83)   total-24MB
  hda2            Primary 2  Linux Swap (82)     24MB

Skip the network install (unless you have a card and IP info).

When you reach an XWindows config dialog, start the standard SVGA
Server which continues the install.  The free MetroX is too odd.

Format /dev/hda1, mount as /.

From Package Install List, select all packages except Tex,
Unix on DOS file system (umbdos), a.out compatibility,
and any unneeded languages.

Set the modem port, time zone, keyboard, and root password.

X Windows will exit, and the kernel is copied from the floppy.

The system should now reboot from the hard drive.

Configure the kernel build:
  cd /usr/src/linux
    (this is linked to the current stable kernel rev)
  run  "make mrproper"
    (erases all configuration info and precompiled code)
  run  "make config"
    (builds some kernel configuration files)
  Answer the series of questions to configure a kernel build:
    Config defaults to set up networking.
    If you will be locally networked, specify the network card.
      (Do not include network cards you are not using.)
    Include your CD interface if any.
      (Do not include other CD interfaces.)
    Do not include Minux or OS2 file system support.
    Do not include Unix on top of DOS file system support.
    Include Cyclades support if applicable.
      (for using Cyclades multiport serial card)
    Do not include buss mice.
    Do not include tape drive and sound card support.
      (Unless you will be using them.)

Compile the kernel:
  run "make dep"
    (prepares the compile for the selected options)
  run "make clean"
    (deletes any precompiled objects and archives) 
  run "make zlilo"
    (compiles a kernel and prepares it to boot as vmlinuz)


Alternately - compile manually:
  run  "make dep"
    (prepares the compile for the selected options)
  run  "make zImage"
    (intelligently compile a compressed kernel)
  cp /usr/src/linux/arch/i386/boot/ZImage /
    (copy the finished compile to root)
  lilo
    (updates boot loader config - change /etc/lilo.conf if necessary)

Modem Setup Quick Reference

Putting a modem on a Linux system requires configuration of /etc/inittab to get a login, of /etc/gettydefs to set communications parameters, and creation of a /etc/conf.uugetty.tty.tty_device file to handle mode setup and dial ins. Certain switch settings are also required on USR Sportster modems.

Each serial ports (on a Cyclades card) appears under two names. /dev/ttyCn is for dial in, while /dev/cubn is for local terminals. N represents a number 0-7 for eight ports. Digiboard multiport cards use the names /dev/ttyDn and /dev/cudn, where N is a number 1-8 or greater. For local terminals and dial out modems, use the cu_device name, and use the tty_device name for dial in modems. For dial ins, uugetty detects the ring on the tty_device, then answers and provides a login using the cu_device. You need not enter /dev/ before any device names shown here. Note that Linux comes with a good communications program minicom. This can be used to confirm that there is a hardware connection with a modem and to dial out if necessary.

Modem switches:
(for USR Sportster)
1  UP     DTR normal
2  UP     verbal result codes
3  DOWN   display result codes
4  UP     echo commands
5  DOWN   no auto answer (uugetty handles this)
6  UP     CD normal
7  UP     load settings from NV RAM
8  DOWN   smart mode

/etc/inittab entry:
(all on one line, one for each dial in port)
dport_number:23456:respawn:/sbin/uugetty tty_device M38400 ansi

/etc/gettydefs entries:
(each entry all on one line)
M38400# B38400 CS8 CRTSCTS # B38400 SANE -ISTRIP HUPCL CRTSCTS
  #@S @L @B login: #M38400
M19200# B19200 CS8 CRTSCTS # B19200 SANE -ISTRIP HUPCL CRTSCTS
  #@S @L @B login: #M19200

uugetty config:
(create a file for each dial in port)
/etc/conf.uugetty.tty_device

Sample /etc/conf.uugetty.*:
# This is a sample uugetty configuration file for a
# Hayes compatible modem to allow incoming modem connections.
# Usage name: /etc/conf.uugetty.
# Specify line to use for initialization.
# All functions are handled on this line, also checked for locks.
INITLINE=cub1
# Specify alternate device lock files to check.
ALTLOCK=cub1
ALTLINE=cub1
# Specify timeout to disconnect if idle.
TIMEOUT=60
# Modem initialization chat sequence.
# format:   ... (chat sequence)
# Use the next line for Visiplex 19.2K DSVD/fax modems and generic modems.
# INIT="" d+++dATZ
dATE1Q0
 OK
 ATS0=0
 OK

# Use the next line for basic USR Sportster modems.
# INIT="" d+++dAT&F1
 OK
 AT&K0sS0=0
 OK

# Answer upon detection of this text from modem.
WAITFOR=RING
# Modem connect chat sequence.
CONNECT="" ATA
 CONNECTsA
# Set delay before sending the login banner.
DELAY=3

Notes:

You must uncomment the appropriate INIT= line in the sample conf.uugetty file shown above.

Technical Notes on Multiport Cards

Digiboard PC/Xe multiport card (X is a number 1-64):
(eight port D25 octopus cable recommended)
Technical notes:
  This card has been tested at IO:300 Mem:D0000.
  For use with kernel version 1.2.13, this card requires
  compilation with downloaded drivers.  It also requires an rc.serial 
  entry to run digiDload to initialize the card.  Finally, the major
  device numbers in /usr/src/linux/drivers/char/epca.c and in
  digiConfig must be changed from 22/23 to 42/43.
Contact: Digi International
         6400 Flying Cloud Drive
         Eden Prarie, MN 55344, USA
         800-344-4273

Cyclades Cyclom-Y multiport card:
(eight port D25 octopus cable recommended)
Technical note:
  The card has been tested at Mem:D4000 Irq:10
  For use with kernel version 1.2.13, this card requires
  compilation with Cyclades included (make config).  Also, the
  device major numbers created by mkcyc should be verified as
  20 for cubs and 19 for ttys.
Contact: Cyclades Corp
         44140 Old Warm Springs Blvd
         Fremont, CA 94538, USA
         510-770-9727


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1996.01.01