Linux Installation and Pre-Installation

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Pre-Installation Questions

  1. I have Microsoft Windows installed on my PC. Can I install Linux too?
  2. Can I Install Linux on My Laptop?

Installation Tips

  1. Create a non-root user and use it
  2. Use halt or shutdown to shutdown the machine
  3. Turn off un-used services for security
  4. Use ssh and scp instead of telent and ftp
  5. List of additional utilities to consider installing
  6. The MLA set-up sheet

I have Microsoft Windows installed on my PC. Can I install Linux too?

Yes. There are several ways to do this.

Check the documentation that came with your particular Linux distribution.

The HOWTO guides at the Linux Documentation Project (http://www.tldp.org) also contain valuable tips and information. Look for the phrase "Dual Boot" in the HOWTO titles.

Can I Install Linux on My Laptop?

Yes, though laptop installations can be a little tricky sometimes.

The Linux on Laptops page has an extensive list of individual models with tips for each model at http://www.linux-laptop.net

Create a Non-root User and Use It

Most distributions force the creation of a non-root user during installation. It's important to log on as this user - not as root - unless you are doing system administration. It is too easy to accidentally delete or change critical files when logged on as root.

If you are running a web server, you may need to use the chmod command to change ownership of the web site files to a non-root user in order to modify them.

Use halt or shutdown to Bring the System Down

Use halt or shutdown -h now to bring the system down when you are done working. Not doing so can damage the file system resulting in lost data or a system that no longer works properly.

Turn Off Un-used Services For Security

If your machine is connected to the Internet (either as a server or a workstation) be sure to turn off any un-used services. Keeping those services running opens up another potential entry point for intruders.

Use ssh and scp instead of telnet and ftp

Both telnet and ftp send usernames and passwords across the network in plain text which means they are susceptible to eavesdropping.

ssh encrypts the username, password, and all the data sent between your computer and the remote computer.

(scp or secure copy is part of the ssh package).

List of Additional Utilities to Consider Installing

Here's a short list of utilities to consider installing
  • mtools - a set of utilities that make dealing with MS DOS or MS Windows files and floppies much easier.
  • wget - utility to grab web pages and files from ftp sites.

The MLA Setup Sheet

If you are a student at Muster Learning Architects the MLA set up sheet contains some suggestions for setting your workstation up to be more like the ones in the classroom.

© 2002 Thomas Brightbill Last update: