Acquire or know these items before installing Scientific Linux 4.x

• (must have any one of the following)
  • Scientific Linux 4x Network Install CD-ROM
  • Scientific Linux 4x Network Install USB Drive
    A USB Drive network install only works on machines able to boot from a USB drive.
  • Scientific Linux 4x distribution cd's (set of 4)
• (must have if doing network install - optional for cd install)network IP address
  • DHCP
    This is where a IP address and hostname get assigned to your machine for a limited time. Most laptops work this way, where you just plug in your computer and you automatically are on the network. Most cable modems use dhcp, but not all networks have dhcp on them. Check with your network administrator to find out if you can use DHCP or not.
    If you will be using DHCP during the install, you do not need to figure out your IP address, it will be detected and used automatically.
  • Static IP address
    This is where a IP address and hostname get assigned to your machine and never change. Many desktops at companies and laboratories work this way. Check with your network administrator to find out if you need a static IP address, or if you can use a DHCP network address.
    • The full name of the machine (supplied by your Network Administrator, or you get to choose it if you are lucky).
    • The IP address (supplied by your Network Administrator).
    • The network Netmask (supplied by Network Administrator with the IP address).
    • The network Default Gateway IP address (supplied by Network Administrator with the IP address).
    • The network Primary Name Server (supplied by Network Administrator with the IP address).
• (must have if doing network install)network install server name and directory path
  • Server Name or IP Address
    If you are doing a network install, you have to have a server where you install from.
    The server can use NFS, HTTP, or FTP to server the distribution.
  • Distribution Path on Server
    You have to know the path to the Scientific Linux distribution. You cannot just point the installer at a server and expect it to know where you have the distribution.
    Remember that if you are using a server for both NFS, HTTP, and or FTP, the path might be different for each. Be sure you use the path corresponding to your installation method.