Setting up Fedora 9 ::

Where do i get it???

Fedora is completely free of cost and can be obtained from a number of channels ::

1. Bittorrent : You can download fedora using your favorite Bittorrent client from http://torrent.fedoraproject.org

2. The FreeMedia programme: You can request for a free copy of fedora by filling the free media form. However, the programme only caters to a limited number of applicants every month. Please only use this if it is impossible for you to obtain media otherwise. http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Distribution/FreeMedia

3. You can download the media directly from here : http://mirrors.fedoraproject.org/publiscist/Fedora/9/

4. The Local Contacts programme is another option.. send your blank dvds with envelopes to the addresses on the list given here LOCAL CONTACTS for INDIA.. We will burn the isos on your media and return them..

Installation::

Boot using the dvd media you’ve obtained. The anaconda installer will take you through the setup.If the drivers provided support your graphics card you will have an interactive graphical installation. Instructions are clearly given in the installation. However if your card is not supported you will have to use the text mode installation.

Partition layout :

Setting your partition up is an important step in the installation. Select “Custom partition layout” when you reach the screen.

This is how I setup mine. I have a 120Gb hard drive which has a vista running partition on 44Gb.I suggest this layout if you want to toy around with distros without causing damage to home directory (which I use to store my music, pictures etc.). The /boot partition is to install the GRUB boot loader to prevent any changes to the MBR for dual boot users. Users not using dual boot with windows need not create this partition .

mount pt size

/ 5GB

/var    10Gb

/usr    12Gb (because I install a lot of softwares to try them out so a large /usr partition )

/boot   192Mb (where we will install GRUB)

/home  left over space

The above values vary subjected to ones requirements.

Dual boot users :
When asked for boot loader check the option that installs it to the first sector of drive. Not onto the MBR.
DO NOT PANIC : Once you have finished the installation your windows boot loader will NOT show fedora at this stage. Boot in windows and download EasyBCD from http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1 .It is a free software to tweak the windows boot loader. Start the program and add GRUB entry to the windows boot loader (remember its installed to the /boot partition). On rebooting the windows loader will show GRUB (or whatever name you’ve given it). You can even set GRUB as the default boot target from EasyBCD.

Now Fedora is ready to run.