Complete N00b needs HD install help...

Forum: HD Install
Topic: Complete N00b needs HD install help...
started by: abaker82

Posted by abaker82 on Jan. 17 2006,09:00

Hello everyone!

First off, let me state that I am a complete Linux newbie and am trying my best to figure out how to install DSL on my Compaq 5100c's HD. My regular box has died and I am going to be faced with an awful, long RMA process of individual components.

Presently I have Ubuntu installed, but it is VERY SLOW and browsing the interent is a horrible chore. At this time this is the only computer I have access to and I want to make sure that I can install DSL before I am cut off from the internet.

From what I have read it is possible to install this distro with a USB thumbdrive and bootable floppy???

My other concern will be if ethernet drivers will be installed with the OS. Ubuntu is the only linux distro I have ever installed that had ethernet drivers out of the box.

ANY HELP would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Posted by cbagger01 on Jan. 17 2006,18:17

DSL has ethernet drivers.

You don't need to worry about DSL breaking your machine, because it runs from the boot device and not your hard drive unless you specifically install it to HD or unless you deliberately and manually modify files on your HD.

Download the DSL iso
Burn it to a CD-R disk.
Boot this disk on a newer computer and plug in your USB drive.
Choose Install to pendrive USBHDD and do a USB install.
Insert a blank floppy and Create a USB boot floppy

Use your newly creates USB installation and USB boot floppy on your old computer and see if it works well for you. The best way to find out is to try it.