linux install on new hardrive

[flcpge]

Hullo,

I built my first computer using "the build your own pc" tutorial. However I have some questions with regard to a Linux install as the material seems a bit dated and vague. A few months ago when I built my first computer with a new hard drive, I pretty much followed the tutorial instructions. I followed the last steps 21-25. I performed an initial boot up with a Windows system disk, checked the BIOS, tested the system, partitioned and formatted the hard drive, installed the cd rom driver, and installed Win 98. And last I installed Mandrake 9.1 over Windows.

I installed Windows first because I wasn't sure how to install Linux on the hard drive first.

My questions:
1. Do I follow the same steps in the tutorial for building a pc, but substitute a Linux system disk for a Windows system disk?
2. Can I install Linux if I use a Windows system disk with autoexec.bat, config.sys, edit.com, etc? Or do I need a Linux system disk with the Linux files? My guess is it doesn't really matter, since the OS isn't on the hard drive yet.
3. In step 25 of install the cd rom driver, what are the linux equivalent system disk files for autoexec.bat, edit.com, config.sys, etc.? The cd rom drivers are my biggest concern because if the cd rom or its drivers aren't detected, I couldn't install the operating system. I don't know how many companies make cd rom install disks for Linux.

I ask because when I will build another computer, I want to do an install without installing Windows first. Thanks.

Ciao

[kilgoretrout]

I think you're making this more complicated than it is. If your system is functioning properly, and apparently it is if you can install win 98, then all you need to do for most modern linux distros is set the boot sequence in your bios to boot from your cdrom before going to the hard drive, drop in the first install disk for the distro and reboot. The installation program should come up and you just follow the install program from there. Linux isn't using any drivers except what's on those install disks so whatever you've done to make your HD DOS bootable is irrelevant. You can even leave the hard drive unformatted and unpartitioned and most linux distros will partition and format it for you.

[crow]

I second kiloretrout. Linux loves a bare HD. I've installed varoius
Linux'es after writing 0's to the HD with no problems.
-
Len

[bailey]

yes
this is very true, just finished doing that very thing with red hat 9.1