[Triumf-linux-managers] TRIUMF installation CDs for Scientific Linux 5.1

[Kelvin Raywood]

The images of TRIUMF installation CDs for Scientific Linux 5.1 are now 
available.  There are 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) versions.

http://mirror.triumf.ca/triumf/kickstart/5.1/i386/triumf-ks-boot.iso
http://mirror.triumf.ca/triumf/kickstart/5.1/x86_64/triumf-ks-boot.iso

These are kickstart boot-CDs and are only 7MB.  The installation 
packages are obtained over the network. Thus, to use them, your PC must 
have an entry for its network-interface in the TRIUMF name and 
host-configuration servers (DNS/DHCP).  Also, if your PC has multiple 
network-interfaces, the installation must be performed over the one that 
is detected first (eth0).

During installation, disk-partitioning and setting the root password is 
done manually.  Thus, if you have separate partitions for /home and 
/data, for example, then you can choose to retain them.

The package selection is automatic and is "almost" everything.  It does 
not include various server packages, the cluster tools or virualisation 
packages.  It is not possible to "install everything" anymore.

These CDs are _not_ suitable for installing Scientific Linux on a 
laptop.    They install some TRIUMF packages (rpms) that make 
customisations that are only suitable for hosts on the TRIUMF network. 
They also exclude the various packages that are needed for wireless 
networking and power management on a laptop.

Minimum requirements

* Registered TRIUMF network connection (see above)

* 512MB RAM

* 6GB hard-disk space


** Special note

If you have an Intel DQ35 system as recommended by TRIUMF Desktop 
Services (http://desktop.triumf.ca/systems/systems.htm) then at the boot 
prompt enter the following.

triumf-dq35

This will ensure that the correct kernel parameters for your system are 
used.  The splash screen of the 64-bit CD also contains the instructions 
for DQ35 systems.

If you have any questions or problems with installing Linux on your 
desktop PC, then feel free to contact me for help.

--
Kelvin Raywood
TRIUMF Network and Computing Services