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4. Using the Dialog based Gentoo Linux Installer

• Welcome
• Partitioning
• Network Mounts
• Stage Selection
• Kernel Sources
• Bootloader
• Timezone
• Networking
• Extra Packages
• Users
• Review

4.a. Welcome

Before you begin

After you boot the Gentoo Linux Installer LiveCD, it will attempt to load a graphical desktop. If it is unable to do so, it will instead display a command line prompt. To launch the installer, simply type:

# installer

Once the installer has finished loading, you will be greeted by the welcome screen. It provides a friendly introduction to the process of installing Gentoo on your computer. Remember to read each option carefully. There is detailed help available for each step of installation at the top of the screen. We recommend that you always read the help provided before making your choices. Note that at any time during the installation process, you can save your configuration progress in case you need to resume your installation at a later time. Use the Tab key (on your keyboard) to move around the menus within a screen and the Enter key to confirm an action.

4.b. Partitioning

Preparing the disks

In order to install Gentoo on your machine, you will need to prepare your disks. The Partitioning screen will show you a list of detected disks and allow you to specify the filesystems you would like to have on your partitions. Selecting Clear partitions will erase all previous partitions on your disk, so be careful with this option! It is also possible to resize certain partition types.

If you choose to go with the Recommended layout, the installer will create three partitions: 100MB for /boot, a /swap partition up to 512MB in size, and the rest of the available space on the disk is used for /, the root partition. If you have more than 4GB of unpartitioned space, using the "Recommended layout" will automatically configure your partitions without destroying any data on any existing partitions.

4.c. Network Mounts

Optional: Define network mounts

This screen lets you set up and use any existing network mounts during and after installation. Select New to begin configuration. At this time, only NFS is supported.

4.d. Stage Selection

Dynamic stage generation

Since you are performing an installation without an internet connection, you must select GRP from the stage options present. Then, on the next screen, select Create from CD. Everything you need to build your system will then be generated from the files on the LiveCD.

4.e. Kernel Sources

Using the LiveCD kernel

You must use the kernel present on the LiveCD for the GRP/networkless install. This is merely a gentoo-sources kernel compiled by genkernel, Gentoo's automated compilation utility, and will give you a kernel that automatically detects and configures your hardware upon boot.

Select LiveCD kernel and continue to the next screen.

4.f. Bootloader

Making your choice

This screen allows to you choose your bootloader. The installer will automatically configure your choice.

4.g. Timezone

Choose your timezone

Study the list and select the region closest to your actual location.

4.h. Networking

Add network device

On this screen, you will be able to configure the various network interface devices detected on your computer. Read the available options carefully.

The next screen gives you a choice between DHCP and manual IP address configuration. Once your network interface is properly configured, you will need to create a hostname for your system. Optionally, you may specify a domainname and any DNS server information needed.

4.i. Extra Packages

Optional: installing extra packages

The LiveCD contains a number of available pre-built packages. If you wish to install any of them, check the appropriate box.

4.j. Users

Adding users and groups

First set the root password for the system administrator (the root user).

We strongly recommend that you create a regular user for daily work. Working as root all the time is dangerous and should be avoided! Create your users, set their passwords, and add them to the appropriate groups. You can optionally change their home directories, select their login shell, and set helpful comments.

4.k. Review

Finishing up

Please take the time to double-check each step of the installation process, ensuring that your system is properly configured. When you have finished reviewing, you may save your progress and exit, or select Install to begin automatically installing Gentoo.

The installer will alert you when it has finished. It will then return you to the command prompt. All you need to do to reboot is type:

# shutdown -r now

Congratulations, your system is now fully equipped! Continue with Where to go from here? to learn more about Gentoo.

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