How the Installation Works


How the Installation Works

The following steps outline the process of installing CentOS Linux from CDs or a DVD using Anaconda. Installation from other media follows similar steps. See for the specifics of how to perform the installation.

1. Insert the first installation CD or the installation DVD in the computer and turn on or reset the computer.

2. After going through computer-specific hardware diagnostics, the computer displays the initial install screen with the boot: prompt at the bottom (page ).

3. You can enter commands and press RETURN following the boot: prompt, press RETURN without entering commands, or wait for a minute without entering anything; the computer boots CentOS Linux from the CD or DVD.

4. As part of the boot process, CentOS Linux creates multiple (page ) that it uses in place of a hard disk used for a normal boot operation. Tools required for the installation are copied to the RAM disks. The use of RAM disks allows the installation process to run through the specification and design phases without writing to the hard disk and enables you to opt out of the installation at any point before the system warns you it is about to write to the hard disk. If you opt out before this point, the system is left in its original state. For more information refer to "" on page .

5. You can check the installation media at this point.

6. Anaconda starts, usually probing the hardware before starting the X Window System for a graphical installation.

7. Anaconda collects information about how you want to install CentOS Linux.

8. When Anaconda is finished collecting information, it displays a screen that informs you it is about to begin installation (, page ) and writes the operating system files to the hard disk.

9. When you reboot the system, Firstboot ask you some questions that are required to complete the installation (page ).

10. The CentOS Linux system is ready to use.