How to Install Mandriva Linux

By David Secor,

Things You’ll Need:

* Mandriva ISO image
* CD burner
* Blank CD
* Free hard disk spac

Over the last several years, many Linux developers have worked diligently to make a desktop version of Linux that is as easy to use as competing operating systems. Mandriva Linux is one of the distributions that is aimed at the novice computer user, though it also includes features that those with more experience will enjoy. Like most Linux distributions, Mandriva is free to download, and with the Live CD version called Mandriva One, you can even try the operating system out before committing to a full installation.

Instructions

STEP 1

Download the latest version of Mandriva One from Mandriva’s home page. If a broadband connection is not available, the Mandriva store also has CDs available to order.

STEP 2

Burn the Mandriva One image to disc. The image is in the standard ISO format, which can be easily burned to CD with most CD burning software or with one of the many freeware ISO utilities available on the internet.

STEP 3

Backup any important files that are located on the target machine. There is always a small chance that something could go wrong while installing an operating system, so it pays to have such files in a safe place.

STEP 4

Insert the Mandriva CD, and reboot the machine. Many computers are set to automatically boot from the CD-Rom Drive, if a bootable disc is inserted. Should the computer not boot the Mandriva CD, it will be necessary to enter the BIOS of the computer, and change the boot priority, so that the CD boots before the hard drive. This can be done by pressing a special key, usually “DEL,” “F2,” or “F12,” just after the machine starts.

STEP 5

Press “Enter” when the CD offers the option of booting Mandriva. After a minute, the desktop will appear, and the software will ask you to choose your language and the country you reside in. Then it will ask you to accept the license agreement, choose the keyboard layout, and it will ask you how to set the clock. Most users can leave the clock set at the default option, which is “Local Time.” Finally, the software will ask if you would like to use 3D effects on your desktop. For compatibility reasons, it is best to leave the default option of no effects, and they can be turned on later, if desired. In a moment, the Mandriva desktop will appear, and you can explore the interface and use the software before starting the install process.

STEP 6

Double-click the icon labeled “Live Install.” Click the “Next” button on the welcome screen. The Drak partition wizard will be started, and it will scan your hard drive to determine the best installation options.

STEP 7

Choose how you would like to partition the drive. If you will be using only Mandriva, and your files are backed up, you can select the option labeled “Erase and Use Entire Disk.” If you will be booting Windows in addition to Mandriva, you could use the option to resize the Windows partition. In addition, you can choose to make the partitions yourself, by selecting the “Custom” option, though this should only be used by experienced computer users. After choosing the partition options, the installation will begin. It will take several minutes to an hour to complete. At the end, it will display a configuration window for the boot loader.

STEP 8

Select which boot loader to use, and to which partition it should be installed. In most cases, the default options can be used, because Mandriva typically finds the correct configuration without user input. Click the “Next” button, and then the “Finish” button in the next window.

STEP 9

Reboot the computer by selecting “Log Off” and then “Restart” from the Menu at the bottom left of the screen. After a few moments, the software will ask you to remove the CD and press “Enter.” Mandriva will then be run for the first time. Answer the questions about your internet connection, choose an administrator password, and select a user name. Log on by typing your user name and password, followed by the “Enter” key. Once the desktop comes up, the installation of Mandriva Linux is completed.


You change the username and password, but i suggest use default username & password.thanks.
username : root
password : root

Edited by Author.