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Scientific Linux CERN 6 installation

Scientific Linux CERN 6 (SLC6) is a Linux distribution build within the framework of Scientific Linux which in turn is rebuilt from the freely available Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 (Server) product sources under terms and conditions of the Red Hat EULA. This manual shows how to install SLC6 over the network that we recommend.

Before you start
  • Check that your machine is properly registered to the Fysikum network

  • Check that Fysikum Domain Name Service is updated for your machine
      host yourmachine command should return an answer.

  • Check that your machine meets minimum system requirements
    • Memory: Minimum 1024 MB (system will run with 512 MB but performance will be affected)
    • Processor: i686 / x86_64 with PAE support
    • Disk space: 6 GB (including 1 GB user data) for default setup ( 1 GB for minimal setup)

  • Configure your machine to boot from the network using PXE. This is done either via functions keys on system bootup or in the bios settings, see the instructions for your machine. All modern network cards know about PXE. PXE is the component that allows a PC to boot remotely from an image stored on a server. PXE does not "know" about the operating system it loads, so it allows to install practically any system (Linux, Windows or any other) remotely, without using floppies or DVD's.

  • Reboot your system.

System installation
When your machine boots from the network this screen will appear. Select the correct version of SLC6 to install on your machine (32 or 64 bit) and press enter.
Installation language selection
Keyboard selection
- standard CERN PCs are delivered with US keyboard.

Select the device to be used for the installation.
Network devices settings.
Note: if you set the hostname manually, we recommend that you specify a Fully Qualified HostName, ie. lxtest.cern.ch
Time zone settings.
Root (administrative account) password setting.
Select installation type.
Automatic partioning option will preallocate separate /boot and / partitions (/boot of 500 MB, and / using the rest of available disk space).
Boot loader settings.
Note We advise to choose Software Development Workstation (CERN Recommended Setup) option
This screen gives also possibility of customizing package selection: however this task can be also handled later after system installation.
For machines with small amounts of memory it may be useful to unselect the "Productivity" tools (ie. OpenOffice), which are huge and may block the installation.
For next 10-20 minutes your system will be installing showing progress on screen.
Installation is complete, please confirm system restart.

Firstboot configuration adjustment
On first system boot, following configuration screens, allowing customization your system for use in CERN computing environment, will be shown.


Date & Time setup screen allows setting of system date and clock.
If your node is on the CERN network, enter one or more of CERN time servers to the table (Or use 'lcm --configure ntpd' later.).
CERN customization screen will allow setup of system updates mode and if AFS client should start on system boot. Site configuration defaults will be applied for Kerberos 5, sendmail ... etc setup
Note We recommend to accept default settings which should be correct for most of CERN users, these settings can be easily changed afterwards.

Login

After the first boot setup ends you will be presented with graphical login prompt, allowing the choice of session language and type.

Applying software updates
You should update your system immediately after its installation: Eventual security errata and bug fixes will be applied this way before you start using it.

As root run: 
 # /usr/bin/yum -y update
to apply all available updates.

For more information about system updates please check Software Management page.
For more information about system configuration please check Configuration Management page.

Fysikum machine setup
A Fysikum machine is a service provided by the Fysikum Computing Service Group who will manage the computer for you. We set up the machine so it is ready to use SU and Fysikum services like SU login on the computer, printing, AFS and the user network home space (CIFS). When a machine has been configured as a Fysikum machine you should log in to it with your SU user name and not the local one created with system installation. Click here for instructions on how to make a Fysikum machine setup.