Running Linux

Overview of Mandrake 7.0

Mandrake is a linux distribution based on Red Hat. With the latest version 7.0, a good distribution has become even better. Installation process is easy with a graphic interface. New attractions include choice of security level from low to high, DrakConf inerface for easy configuration of almost all common system administration tasks, and much more.

Installation (As I remembered)

Boot from cdrom or floppy. Mosly self-explanatory. Consult the following list for some of the choices:
  1. When the partition window shows up, click on the linux partition (red) and confirm mount point (/);
  2. Choose "server";
  3. Choose "expert" for individual choices of each package;
  4. When packages wndow shows u, de-select "gnome", "other window managers","documentatin", if this space is a problem. Increase the default space limit to 1200 (mn). Total installation is 1600 (mb);
  5. When detailed package selection window shows up, click on packages to be installed. Somewhat tricky here. It is safe to click on all categories except document, development libs. This will run about 1.2G;
  6. Choose "local LAN"; click on "boopd/dhcp/";
  7. Choose not to install printer;

Post-Installation Configuration

Network

If everything works out, network should come up automatically. Type "ifconfig" to see if "eth0" interface is there;
If not, do this first: type "control-panel" under root account, click on the network button; click on the "eth0" interface; then click "activate";
If still not on (which is what happened to me), do this:
  1. edit file "/sbin/ifup", find the line "if /sbin/dhcpcd $DEVICE -h $HOSTNAME; then";
  2. comment it out by "#";
  3. add a new line "if /sbin/pump -i $DEVICE; then"; Now the lines in the file should look like:
...
if [-n "$DHCP" ]; then
echo -n "Determining IP information for $DEVICE via dhcpcd ..."
#if /sbin/dhcpcd $DEVICE -h $HOSTNAME; then
if /sbin/pump -i $DEVICE; then
echo "done"
else
....
Now re-activate "eth0" interface, the network should be up promptly.

Processes to be started at boot time

Type "DrakConf" in root account and click on the "startup services". click on these in addition to whats already there: dhcpcd,inet,lpd,sendmail.

Seciruty issues

First deny everyone: change /etc/hosts.deny to be
ALL:ALL EXCEPT localhost:DENY
The, add those allowed to the /etc/hosts.allow file:
in.ftpd:allowed-hostname.domain.edu
in.telnetd:allowed-hostname.domain.edu

Installing additional applications

StarOffice, LYX, acrobatReader, IglooFTP, etc,...

Useful Commands and common tasks

  1. How to mount a cdrom:
    command: "mount /mnt/cdrom"; The contents on the cdrom is now in directory /mnt/cdrom; to unmount "umount /mnt/cdrom"; now you can eject the CD.

Go Back to my homegape