Install linux

Overview of installation process

First, a note about the relocation. With Debian, it is very rare to have to completely reinstall the system. The most common cause is probably mechanical failure of the hard disk.

Many operating systems require a complete installation when critical failures occur or when doing an update of the system. And even if it is not necessary for a completely new installation, the programs you use must be reinstalled to function properly.

Under Debian GNU / Linux, it is more likely that your OS can be repaired when things go wrong, and not replaced. The updates never require a full installation, you can always upgrade from the existing system. The programs are almost always compatible with the versions of the system. When the new version of a program requires additional software, the packaging system ensures that all necessary software is automatically identified and installed. Many efforts have been made to avoid the need for re-installation is the last option! The installer is not designed to install over an existing system.

The steps that make up the installation process:

Back up any data or documents from hard disk on which the facility will be made;

Gathering information about your computer and the necessary documentation;

Preparing the free space on hard disk;

Download the installer and all necessary drivers to the computer (when not using the Debian CD);

Prepare tapes, floppy disks or USB sticks to boot or install the boot files - the Debian CD users can boot from one of the CDs;

Booting the installer;

Choose a language;

Set up the ethernet network connection, if necessary;

Create and mount the partitions on which Debian will be installed;

Watch the automatic download / installation / configuration of the base system;

Install a boot loader which can start up Debian GNU / Linux or another system;

Upload a new system for the first time and make the first adjustments;

Installing additional software (tasks or packages).

Know which packages are involved in each step can help solve problems that may occur during installation. The main actors in this piece:

The Debian Installer is the main subject of this manual. It detects hardware and loads appropriate drivers, it sets up the network connection dhcp-client and it installs the packages of basic system with debootstrap. There are many other minor players, but the Debian installer has completed its task when you are installing for the first time the new system.

Upon loading the new system, base-config adds users, sets the time zone tzsetup and implements the system for installing packages with apt-setup. He then launches tasksel can install bundles of software, or ability that allows you to select packages individually.

When the work of the installer is finished, before the first load of the system, you only have a minimal system with command line. The graphical interface that displays windows on your screen is installed unless you have asked with tasksel or aptitude. It's optional because many Debian systems are servers that do not really need a graphical interface to be operational.

The installer does not support the system X. Installation and problems are beyond the scope of this manual.