Installing for a noob.

[n1ck]

I'm an extreme noob and I can't figure out how to even start installing gentoo. I've had other linux distros and i could do basic things in them but they all had an installer program. If anyone can help me out here id be grateful.

[ansient]

http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/list.xml

[smellycheeseboy]

I would say that the first thing to do is download the image for the livecd. You can find this on the download mirrors on Gentoo's website. For instance:ftp://ftp.ussg.iu.edu/pub/linux/gentoo/releases/x86/2005.0/installcd/

At this point you would have to decide whether you want the minimal or universal livecd. The difference is that the minimal cd requires a working internet connection, whereas the universal cd can do the networkless install.

You should read through the Gentoo Handbook on how to install Gentoo, there are instructions for networkless and network installs as well as how to download and boot up the livecd, etc.

If you have any other questions let me know.

Me
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"No amount of fear can stop the rise of free media, or free software." --Jonathan Schwartz, Sun Microsystems

[n1ck]

Ok I have downloaded the universal iso and the packages iso.
my problem is that i boot to the disk and it has the loading screen then im just lost at what to do from there

[krod]

again, http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/list.xml

[n1ck]

ok got it now one more question.

am i going to have to partition the hard drives myself and if so I'd need to know how.

I have a secondary 20GB hard drive that want to use for linux

[smellycheeseboy]

You do have to partition the hard drive but it explains exactly how to do that in the Handbook.

Just for reference my partitions are as follows:
Partition Name FS Type Size
hda1 /boot ext3 64MB
hda2 none swap 256MB (Typically 1 to 2 times the amount of memory you have)
hda3 / reiserfs Rest of the drive
_________________
"No amount of fear can stop the rise of free media, or free software." --Jonathan Schwartz, Sun Microsystems

[ansient]

Here's a concrete example:

[TheBlunderbuss]

I'm a new at this too. I want Gentoo on my PC badly. I've been met with great difficulty.
I have a blank, FAT32 formatted HDD.
I downloaded the universal install image. The checksum worked out.
I unarchived it using winRAR. I burn all those files on the CD using the native WinXP burner.
The BIOS is set to boot from CDROM. The CD is in, but it says to remove media and reboot.
What gives?
Could it be the cd image needs to be in an exact location on the CD?

[ansient]

burn the .iso using a free CD image burner such as DVD Decrypter.

If you don't know how .iso files work, you probably aren't ready for Gentoo.

[dcrook]

[TheBlunderbuss]

[nixnut]

If you are new to gentoo please study the Handbook: http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/handbook/
Follow that when you try to install. Then if you run into problems, search the forums first to see if you can find an answer. If you are still stuck ask here. Tells us exactly where in the Handbook you are and describe the problem. Be verbose. More info than necessary doesn't hurt, too little means we can't help you.
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[TheBlunderbuss]

The CD image was at fault. It boots.
Thanks for pointing me to DVD Decrypter. Does the "verify" option perform a checksum? Just curious.
Also, do I absolutely need to download a Portage snapshot during install, or can I put it off until later?