Personal Fedora Core 6 Installation Guide
Mauriat Miranda (http://www.mjmwired.net/contact/)
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Published: 11 October 2006 (updated: 31 May 2007)
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This guide a personal configuration of Fedora Core 6. This page is to provide some common installation tips that people may find useful. Keep in mind this works for me, so take care in doing proper backups to critical files whenever trying something.
Physical Installation
It is highly recommended you read the Fedora Core 6 Release Notes and official Installation Guide before installing Fedora.
Obtain the Fedora Core 6 cd images or DVD image from a Fedora mirror (or use the torrent) and burn to CD's or DVD. (For more information on how to download Fedora Core CD's or DVD).
Boot from the first disc.
Warning: Installer problem. Please read Common Problems before installing. If you have an i686 system (most new computers), then enter:
linux i686
when booting the first disc. This is required if upgrading an existing Fedora installation.
I did a Custom Install of Fedora Core 6.
- Partitioning
- If you have an empty harddrive or wish to delete the entire contents of your drive, then let the installer automatically partition or remove everything and partition.
- If you wish to dual-boot or save some contents on your drive, then select custom partitioning. I recommend at least 3 partitions: a 10GB / main partition, a 10GB /home partition and a 1GB
partition. The main partition is where your applications will be installed. The /home partition will hold all your personal data (larger is better). The should be at least as large as your physical memory (if you wish to support things like ACPI hibernate).
- Boot Loader
- If you have a blank harddrive or wish Fedora to be your Primary Operating System, then leave the default options here. This also works for dual booting with other systems (ex: Windows).
- If wish to preserve Windows as your primary operating system, then install Grub on the / partition, NOT the MBR. To do this, select Configure Advanced Boot Loader Options and install to First sector of boot partition. I use Bootpart from Windows 2000 to load Linux. An alternative to Bootpart is the NT OS Loader + Linux mini-HOWTO (also Grub Win2K Howto). I recommend this so you do not corrupt your Windows installation in a Dual-Boot environment. [NOTE] There is an example configuration available. This takes more work, the default option on the MBR will also work.
- General Package Selection
The primary options for installation are the following. You can select these and skip individual package selection (next step) if you plan to install most of your software. It is recommended you at least pick certain applications.- Office and Productivity - [Highly Recommended]
- Software Development - [Highly Recommended / Required]
- Web Server - [Optional (useful for web developers)]
Fedora Extras - [NOT Recommended at Install time]. If you select Fedora Extras, this will give access to MANY more applications than included on the CD's or DVD. However this requires a high-speed internet access that is detected by the Fedora Installer. This will also significantly increase the installation time.
If you select Customize now you will be taken to the Individual Package Selection.
- Individual Package Selection - apx 3.7-4.1GB. - This step should NOT be skipped to make sure you grab a some specific important packages. You are free to select whatever you want. The following in my experience are common useful suggestions:
Warning: When using the Fedora Core Add/Remove Software application you will require a valid internet connection - preferrably high speed. It is recommended that you carefully select everything that you need during this installation step.
Note: There is a hidden option to select multiple packages. You can Right-Click over a major section (ex: KDE) and Select or Deselect all optional components.
- Desktop Environments
- [Highly Recommended] - Select both GNOME Desktop Environment and KDE (K Desktop Environment)
- Applications
- Graphical Internet - [Optional] - Add gftp, kdewebdev, thunderbird.
- Sound and Video
[Highly Recommended] - Add k3b (for CD/DVD creation), mikmod (needed for xmms).
[Optional] - Remove totem-mozplugin (causes problems later).
- Development
- [Required] - Development Libraries and Development Tools.
- [Recommended] - Select both GNOME Software Development and KDE Software Development.
- [Highly Recommended] - Add Legacy Software Development.
- [Optional] - Java and Eclipse are not necessary unless you are a (java) developer. This is NOT the same as Sun's Java software.
- Servers
- [Highly Recommended] - Add Server Configuration Tools.
- [Required] - Add Windows File Server (required to share files with Windows computers).
- Base System
- [Optional] - Remove Java if you wish, you will still have to install Sun Java software later.
- [Required] - Add Legacy Software Support.
- [Recommended] - Add System Tools.
- [NOT Recommended] - Do NOT select Virtualization. If you do require Xen virtualization. Install it after FC6 is complete.
- X Windows System - [Recommended] - Add switchdesk.
- Desktop Environments
Install the selected packages and reboot.
For users who opted to install grub on the first sector of the / partition instead of the MBR, you will be required to setup NTLDR to boot Linux.
For the first boot:
Display Settings -- Display settings are automatically detected and set. The resolution and scan rate may be significantly different than your typical settings. Just follow through the first boot process and set the proper resolution once you login.
- Firewall - It is recommended you learn to use your firewall regardless of your internet connection or if you have a hardware router/firewall (D-Link, Netgear, etc.).
- Security Enhanced Linux Setting - SELinux is significantly improved since FC5 and interferes less with plugins and application, even so SELinux will require extra settings and configuration to get certain applications to work properly. SELinux will always provide greater security but will also add nuisances. (It is easier to disable SELinux now and enable it later, than the opposite.) However, I recommend people try SELinux first. I have SELinux = Enforcing without many problems.
- Date and Time - Network Time Protocol - Enable this ONLY if you have an active working internet connection that is on (ex: broadband, T1, DSL). Do not enable NTP Broadcast unless you have other linux machines on your network.
- System User - Create 1 user account for yourself. Always use that account DO NOT use root as your personal account. This is a cause of many mistakes, and root was never intended for personal use.
Top Resources
Common Problems
17 January 2007
Fedora Core 6 shipped with several bugs and problems. Most of the reported issues can be found on the following page: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Bugs/FC6Common.
If you have NOT yet installed FC6, then you can prevent this mistake at installation. When the booting the CD (or DVD) enter the following at the boot prompt:
linux i686
If you upgraded from FC5 and find you have the wrong kernel installed follow these steps:
Download the proper kernel from: http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/core/6/i386/os/Fedora/RPMS/
Install it: (enter root password when prompted)
# su -c "rpm -Uvh --replacefiles --replacepkgs kernel-2.6.18-1.2798.fc6.i686.rpm"
Top Resources
Setup sudo
26 October 2006
Fedora Core, like all other Linux distributions, has a root user and has individual users. The root is the "superuser", somewhat similar to "Administrator" in Windows.
Use your personal account for daily use root only for adminstration/configuration. To run as 'root' use su or sudo. However sudo requires setup. As root run:
echo 'loginname ALL=(ALL) ALL' >> /etc/sudoers
Where 'loginname' is your user account.
Use 'ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL' if you don't want to be prompted a password.
If you are prompted for a password with 'sudo' it is the user password, not root.
Example:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ su
Password: <--- Enter root password
[root@charon mirandam]# chmod +w /etc/sudoers
[root@charon mirandam]# echo 'mirandam ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL' >> /etc/sudoers
[root@charon mirandam]# chmod -w /etc/sudoers
[root@charon mirandam]# exit
exit
NOTE: Some users mentioned they require permissions change (chmod) because /etc/sudoers was read-only. However, I was able to run the above command with the file read-only.
The following is an example of how sudo lets you execute root commands:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ du -sh /root
du: `/root': Permission denied <--- Fails!!!
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo du -sh /root
163M /root <--- Works!!!
NOTE: Every command provided on this page will work if you remove sudo from the command. However this requires you must be logged in as 'root'.
Top Resources
Setup yum
17 January 2007
http://fedora.redhat.com/docs/yum/en/
Fedora Core uses yum to install and update its software. When connected to the internet it will automatically determine application dependancies.
Fedora Repositories
Fedora has 3 repositories enabled by default: core (the same packages that come on CD's/DVD), updates (updated packages, newer than core) and extras (countless other applications not included on CD's/DVD).
These repositories 'sign' their RPM file's to make sure they are valid when downloaded. Import the GPG keys to these repositories:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm --import /etc/pki/rpm-gpg/*
Third Party Repositories
For applications that are against Fedora policies (MP3, DVD, MPEG, NTFS, etc). A third party repository should be used. For the purpose of this guide, (most) all needs are met by the Livna repository. (Note: the Livna repository is NOT compatible with the Freshrpms repository.)
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm -ivh http://rpm.livna.org/livna-release-6.rpm
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm --import http://rpm.livna.org/RPM-LIVNA-GPG-KEY
NOTE: Installation Prompt
After yum downloads the application or update requested it will prompt to install. This is good for learners or to keep track of what is happening. Applications can possibly be UN-installed in a update as well. If you wish yum to automatically install downloads and make changes, run yum with the -y (answer "yes") option.
# sudo yum -y install application_name
NOTE: Full System Updates
If you run the following, EVERY SINGLE RPM that has an available update through ANY repository will be updated.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum update
Generally speaking this is highly recommended the FIRST time you install Fedora (if you have high speed internet). After that, full system updates are probably less necessary. Keep in mind that updates, may update all their dependancies, which can lead to long download times. Often a new update may break something that already worked. Please understand what you are doing before running continuous updates.
NOTE: If YUM does not run after first install.
You may see the following error:
Loading "installonlyn" plugin
Existing lock /var/run/yum.pid: another copy is running. Aborting.
This is because the background YUM updater service is running. To stop it, run:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /etc/init.d/yum-updatesd stop
Top Resources
Install Nvidia Driver
24 October 2006
Fedora recommends users install a 3rd-party RPM packaged driver instead of using the installer from Nvidia's website. Currently Livna provides a well packaged driver.
NOTE: For users who upgraded from FC5 please read the known bugs and problems.
For yum only:
First, setup Livna Repository
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm -ivh http://rpm.livna.org/livna-release-6.rpm
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm --import http://rpm.livna.org/RPM-LIVNA-GPG-KEY
Install the nvidia driver through Livna:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install kmod-nvidia
If you see the following message, then please read the note below:
Error: Editing failed, restoring backup
If a kernel update is installed at the same time, then a reboot will be required. If not, then simply log out completely of Gnome or KDE and the Nvidia driver should load. The Nvidia logo will flash quickly once.
For users without yum
Download the GPG Key and run:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm --import RPM-LIVNA-GPG-KEY
Navigate to http://rpm.livna.org/fedora/6/ and select your architecture: i386, x86_64 or ppc. You will need 2 components: xorg driver and nvidia kernel module.
For xorg driver, select the one matching the latest Nvidia driver (1.0.8776). For example:
xorg-x11-drv-nvidia-1.0.8776-2.lvn6.i386.rpm.
For nvidia kernel driver you MUST MATCH YOUR KERNEL. Use the uname command for the proper match. For example:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ uname -rm
2.6.18-1.2798.fc6 i686
Selected: kmod-nvidia-1.0.8776-1.2.6.18_1.2798.fc6.i686.rpm
Install both files at the same time:
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo rpm -ivh kmod-nvidia-1.0.8776-1.2.6.18_1.2798.fc6.i686.rpm /
xorg-x11-drv-nvidia-1.0.8776-2.lvn6.i386.rpm
Preparing... ########################################### [100%]
1:kmod-nvidia ########################################### [ 50%]
2:xorg-x11-drv-nvidia ########################################### [100%]
Error: Editing failed, restoring backup ----- see NOTE below
If you had a previous version of these files before, remove them first with rpm -e.
If you cannot find a perfect match you may will have to update to a kernel that matches from FC6 Updates.
Potential Problems
If after installing you see the following error:
Error: Editing failed, restoring backup
then edit the file /etc/X11/xorg.conf
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
Add the following lines to the END of the file:
Section "Files"
ModulePath "/usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions/nvidia,/usr/lib/xorg/modules"
EndSection
Section "Module"
EndSection
NOTE: 64-bit users: please use the following line instead:
ModulePath "/usr/lib64/xorg/modules/extensions/nvidia,/usr/lib64/xorg/modules"
Re-enable the nvidia driver:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /usr/sbin/nvidia-config-display enable
Once done, logging out of KDE/Gnome and logging back in should initialize the driver. If not, try rebooting.
More information regarding this problem, can be found on the Livna wiki: http://rpm.livna.org/rlowiki/Packages/xorg-x11-drv-nvidia.
Top Resources
GCC Compatibility
8 October 2006
Fedora Core 6 ships and uses GCC 4.1. Some applications that were compiled with an older GCC (ex: 3.2) will require compatibility libraries. Make sure to have the following RPM's installed. These are included with the FC6 CD-disk3 or DVD or online (ftp, yum, etc).
compat-libstdc++-33
compat-libstdc++-296
With 'yum', run:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum -y install compat-libstdc++-33 compat-libstdc++-296
The compat-libstdc++-33 package is required for Realplayer and the Sun Java browser plugin.
Top Resources
Install GCC 3.4
26 October 2006
This is an optional step.
FC6 includes GCC 4.1 compiler. Some applications will NOT compile in GCC 4.1. You can install GCC 3.4 to allow compiling applications which do not yet support GCC 4.1. Make sure to have the following RPM's installed. These are included with the FC6 CD's or DVD or online (ftp, yum, etc).
compat-gcc-34
compat-gcc-34-c++
With 'yum', run:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install compat-gcc-34 compat-gcc-34-c++
To use either, run gcc34 or g++34. I have more information on using alternate compilers.
Top Resources
ALSA
8 October 2006
ALSA is the "sound system" used by Fedora Core. It has drivers, libraries and utilities. The drivers are included with the kernel package.
If your sound card is not detected or working properly, most likely it will be an issue with ALSA . Try the following:
- If detected, but no volume, check your mixers:
in Gnome, run: gnome-volume-control (package: gnome-media)
in KDE, run: kmix (package: kdemultimedia)
shell/terminal run: alsamixer (package: alsa-utils) - If not detected, check the status on the official ALSA Soundcard Matrix (http://alsa-project.org/alsa-doc/)
If your system requires an update run, then the following minimum is recommended:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum update kernel alsa-lib alsa-utils
Users without yum can look for updates manually: http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/core/updates/6/.
Other comments from previous guides: Fedora Core 3 Guide, Fedora Core 2 Guide.
Top Resources
Install Realplayer
9 October 2006
Download RealPlayer 10.0 GOLD from: http://www.real.com/linux/.
Select: "Advanced Installation RedHat Package"
NOTE: You can have both HelixPlayer and RealPlayer installed, however I recommend using RealPlayer over HelixPlayer. Users of amarok may find HelixPlayer required, if so, leave it.Check for HelixPlayer:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ rpm -q HelixPlayer
HelixPlayer-1.0.7-4.fc6
Uninstall HelixPlayer:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm -e HelixPlayer
Before installing RealPlayer, make sure to have the compat-libstdc++-33 compatibility libraries installed.
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo yum install compat-libstdc++-33
Install RealPlayer:
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo rpm -ivh RealPlayer10GOLD.rpm
Preparing... ########################################### [100%]
1:RealPlayer ########################################### [100%]
RealPlayer/HelixPlayer Forums: https://helixcommunity.org/forum/?group_id=154
Top Resources
Install MP3 Players
17 January 2006
Fedora Core ships without any form of MP3 playback. In order to add MP3 playback you must install from a 3rd party. The following requires the use of the Livna repository and Fedora Extras.
XMMS: simple, older GUI, minimalistic features (but still popular)
- Installation, yum users:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install xmms xmms-mp3
- Installation, manual (users without yum) (create a directory and download the following):
Obtain xmms, xmms-libs, glib and gtk+ from Fedora Extras: http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/extras/6/
Obtain xmms-mp3 package from Livna: http://rpm.livna.org/fedora/6/
Total required packages, about 3MB: xmms, xmms-libs, xmms-mp3, glib, gtk+. Go the download directory and install:[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo rpm -ivh xmms* glib* gtk+*
(Note, you should have mikmod installed from the Individual Package Selection, also on your CD's/DVD) - Plugin settings: Options > Preferences >
Audio I/O Plugins > Input Plugins
Disable: MPEG Layer 1/2/3 Placeholder Plugin [librh_mp3.so]
==> UNCHECK [ ] Enable Plugin - More detailed instructions from Fedora Core 5 Guide
Audacious: (A fork of Beep Media Player - BMP). XMMS rebuilt to be a little bit more modern. Still basic but much better than XMMS.
- Installation, yum users:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install audacious audacious-plugins-nonfree*
NOTE: Installing Audacious will replace BMP (if you have it installed). Attempting to install BMP will actually install Audacious.
NOTE: There is a '*' at the end. - Installation, manual (users without yum:
- Create a temporary directory (audacious) and download the following. Total required packages, about 2.7MB.
- Download audacious, audacious-libs, audacious-plugins, libbinio, libmpcdec, libsidplay, lirc, and taglib from Fedora Extras
- Download the latest versions of audacious-plugins-nonfree-aac, audacious-plugins-nonfree-alac, audacious-plugins-nonfree-mp3, audacious-plugins-nonfree-wma from Livna: http://rpm.livna.org/fedora/6/
- Go to the directory and install everything at the same time:
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ cd audacious
[mirandam@charon audacious]$ sudo rpm -ivh *
- Note: You cannot run Audacious and XMMS at the same time.
Rythmbox/Gstreamer - A simple audio application similar to iTunes layout.
- Most of Rythmbox and the Gstreamer system should be installed when installing Gnome (mentioned above). The missing components are just the MP3 (and other media) plugins.
- For yum users:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install gstreamer-plugins-ugly
- Installation, manual (users without yum):
- Create a temporary directory (gstreamer) and download the following. Total required packages, about 1MB (if you already have Gnome installed).
- Download libdvdread, libid3tag, and libsidplay from Fedora Extras
- Download the latest versions of gstreamer-plugins-ugly, a52dec, lame-libs, libmad and mpeg2dec from Livna: http://rpm.livna.org/fedora/6/
- Go to the directory and install everything at the same time:
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ cd gstreamer
[mirandam@charon gstreamer]$ sudo rpm -ivh *
Amarok - A modern feature rich media player application.
- It is helpful to have KDE installed first (mentioned above).
- Installation, yum:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install amarok amarok-extras-nonfree
- Users without yum: The dependancies for Amarok have changed since FC6 was released and with over 30MB in downloads, I do not recommend installing manually. (Please contact me if you require further assistance).
-
Amarok Engine: Amarok requires you to select an "engine" which can play different media. The current support engines are Xine/Gstreamer and RealPlayer/HelixPlayer. If you installed the gstreamer-plugins-ugly or amarok-extras-nonfree the Xine engine will be default. (Recommended)
-
If you require the RealPlayer engine (or the Xine engine will not work), first install Realplayer and make the following changes:
Goto:
Settings > Configure Amarok... > EngineMake the following changes:
Sound System: Helix Engine (hit Apply, then the following edits:)
Helix/Realplay core directory: /usr/local/RealPlayer/common
Helix/Realplay plugins directory: /usr/local/RealPlayer/plugins
Helix/Realplay codecs directory: /usr/local/RealPlayer/codecs
----
Output plugin: alsa
Top Resources
Install Microsoft Truetype Fonts
8 October 2006
| http://corefonts.sourceforge.net/ You have to make the RPM using the above site. For convenience I have created the RPM (please do not link directly to this file): [mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm -ivh msttcorefonts-2.0-1.noarch.rpm Restarting xfs may not be necessary. Many programs need only to be restarted. Some older applications, may require you to log out of Gnome or KDE and log back in (reboot NOT required). |
width="300" scrolling="no" height="250" frameborder="0" name="iframe0" allowtransparency="true" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" vspace="0" hspace="0" src="http://ypn-js.overture.com/d/search/p/ypn/jsads/?Partner=7022769530&type=17342&adwd=300&adht=250&ctxtUrl=http%3A//www.mjmwired.net/resources/mjm-fedora-fc6.html%23ntfs&bc=FFFFFF&cc=FFFFFF&lc=0000FF&tc=000000&uc=999999&du=2&cb=1196691705146"> |
Top Resources
Disable Unneeded Services/Daemons
19 October 2006
Information regarding services and their functions can be found on: Services in Fedora Core 6 (http://www.mjmwired.net/resources/mjm-services-fc6.html).
For information on how to manage services in Fedora please read: Managing Services in Fedora (http://www.mjmwired.net/resources/mjm-fedora-manage-services.html).
Top Resources
Macromedia Flash Plugin
17 January 2007
The Macromedia(Adobe) Flash plugin is can be installed either from Adobe's website or the Macromedia Flash Linux repository (recommended). Please note the plugin will not work directly on 64-bit browsers without some re-configuration.
For yum users:
Install the macromedia.repo file to your repositories, and install through yum:
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ wget http://macromedia.mplug.org/macromedia-i386.repo
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo cp macromedia-i386.repo /etc/yum.repos.d/
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo rpm --import http://macromedia.mplug.org/FEDORA-GPG-KEY
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo yum install flash-plugin
For manual installation (users without yum):
Go to http://macromedia.mplug.org/ and pick a mirror (USA, Europe). The current version is:
Current Version: 9.0.31.0 (01/17/2007)
RPM Version: 9.0.31.0-1 (01/17/2007)
Select:
Fedora Core flash-plugin (apt, yum rpm)
and save the RPM file to disk: flash-plugin-9.0.31.0-release.i386.rpm.
Install:
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo rpm -ivh flash-plugin-9.0.31.0-release.i386.rpm
NOTE: The Flash 9 Release Notes state that only GTK2 based Mozilla browsers (Firefox, Mozilla, Seamonkey) are supported and that other browsers may have stability issues.
Top Resources
Install Java Plugin
30 May 2007
NOTE: The following instructions have been switched back to Java 1.5 as version 1.6 has been troublesome. Users who wish to use 1.6 can read Fedora 7 - Java.
NOTE: These instructions are for using Sun Java for the web browser and using Java dependant applications. This is not meant for developers. The official recommendation from Fedora can be found on http://www.fedoraproject.org/wiki/JavaFAQ. However the following instructions are simple for non-developers or users who don't use yum.
NOTE: Fedora Core advises AGAINST using the Sun Java RPM . If you do not use yum or do not have any Fedora/GNU java installed this will not affect you. If you are using yum and installed the RPM it is recommended to remove it:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ rpm -q jre
jre-1.5.0_09-fcs
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo rpm -e jre
Download the Java package from:
http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index_jdk5.jsp
Select: Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 5.0 Update 12
On the next page, accept the license agreement, and make sure to select:
Linux self-extracting file jre-1_5_0_12-linux-i586.bin 16.34 MB
To install:
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sh jre-1_5_0_12-linux-i586.bin
(type 'yes')
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo mv -f jre1.5* /opt/jre1.5
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo ln -s /opt/jre1.5/plugin/i386/ns7/libjavaplugin_oji.so /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libjavaplugin_oji.so
To update: If you update the JRE package, simply delete the /opt/jre1.5 directory and copy the newer download to /opt/jre1.5 -- No need to run the 'ln -s' command.
---Controlling Java through 'alternatives'. When running the java command, Fedora will automatically pick the GNU Java, to use Sun's java do the following:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /usr/sbin/alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /opt/jre1.5/bin/java 2
[mirandam@charon ~]$ echo 2 | sudo /usr/sbin/alternatives --config java
example:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ java -version
java version "1.5.0_10"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_10-b03)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_10-b03, mixed mode, sharing)
Top Resources
Install Adobe Acrobat
18 January 2007
To view PDF files, Fedora includes evince, however this application is very basic and may not work will all PDF's.
Download Acrobat from: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_allversions.html
Select:
Operating system: Unix/Linux
Version: Linux (.rpm)
Your language.
The current version of Adobe Acrobat is 7.0.9 and download size is between 42-60MB depending on your language. (Not all languages are supported under Linux).
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo rpm -ivh AdobeReader_enu-7.0.9-1.i386.rpm
NOTE: There is a problem with v7.0.9 (and v7.0.8) that will prevent Acrobat from working in FC6.
To fix, edit as root:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo gedit /usr/local/Adobe/Acrobat7.0/bin/acroread
Make the following changes:
Line ~418:
From:
echo $mfile| sed 's/libgtk-x11-/([0-9]*/).0.so.0./([0-9]/)00./([0-9]*/)/|/(.*/)//1/2/3/g'
To:
echo $mfile| sed 's/libgtk-x11-/([0-9]*/).0.so.0./([0-9]*/)00./([0-9]*/)/|/(.*/)//1/2/3/g'
Line ~643:
From:
MIN_GTK_VERSION="240"
To:
MIN_GTK_VERSION="2040"
More information: http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/.3bc14512
Patch: As proposed on the fedora-list there is a quick solution with this: acroread.patch. This should do the same steps as above. Warning: This patch is only known to work for versions 7.0.8 and 7.0.9.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ wget -O /tmp/acroread.patch http://www.mjmwired.net/resources/files/acroread.patch
[mirandam@charon ~]$ cd /usr/local/Adobe/Acrobat7.0/bin
[mirandam@charon bin]$ sudo cp acroread acroread.orig
[mirandam@charon bin]$ sudo patch < /tmp/acroread.patch
Acrobat Browser Plugin
The browser plugin is NOT automatically installed. This is optional. To install it:
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo ln -s /usr/local/Adobe/Acrobat7.0/Browser/intellinux/nppdf.so /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/nppdf.so
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Setup Samba - Filesharing with Windows
10 October 2006
If you have other Windows computers on your Lan and want to share files with them, you must setup Samba.
To setup Samba you must (1) install samba, (2) add you 'shares', (3) add users, (4) start Samba service.
1. Install Samba
It is best to have Samba installed in the installation process. If not yum users can install using: Add/Remove Software > Servers > Windows File Server. Users without yum can install the following packages from their CD's (or download): samba, samba-common, samba-client.
2. Add Shares
You must edit /etc/samba/smb.conf as root: (use nano instead of gedit if you do not have a GUI)
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
Set your Windows Workgroup name in [global] section.
Added shares at the end of the file. Example:
[c_drive]
path = /media/c_drive
public = yes
writable = no
[netshare]
path = /data/
public = yes
writable = yes
If 'writable' the location must be writable in Linux first.
If home data (all personal files under /home/username) is to be accessible, then set 'browseable = yes' under [homes] (~line 166). This configuration file is very descriptive, read through it to get more ideas or information.
3. Add Users
To access shares, you must be a valid user. Add valid users AND passwords using the smbpasswd command.
This login name WILL be the login name and password you use from Windows to access your Linux computer. The password does NOT need to match your Linux password.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo smbpasswd -a username
New SMB password:
Retype new SMB password:
account_policy_get: (warnings ignore)
Added user username.
(Note: 'username' must be a valid account on the machine)
4. Start Samba Service
Run samba and check for any errors:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /etc/init.d/smb start
Starting SMB services: [ OK ]
Starting NMB services: [ OK ]
Use chkconfig or serviceconf to enable samba (smb) in both runlevels 3 and 5. This will make sure to run Samba each time Fedora boots.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ /sbin/chkconfig --list smb
smb 0:off 1:off 2:off 3:off 4:off 5:off 6:off
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /sbin/chkconfig --level 35 smb on
[mirandam@charon ~]$ /sbin/chkconfig --list smb
smb 0:off 1:off 2:off 3:on 4:off 5:on 6:off
Restart Samba for every change to users/passwords or 'smb.conf'
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /etc/init.d/smb restart
Shutting down SMB services: [ OK ]
Shutting down NMB services: [ OK ]
Starting SMB services: [ OK ]
Starting NMB services: [ OK ]
--------------
Firewall and SELinux Users
Run system-config-securitylevel
Firewall Options:
To allow Samba access to work through your firewall you must set 'Samba' as a 'Trusted service'.
SELinux:
Modify SELinux Policy > Samba Disable SELinux protection for smbd daemon
On the command line you can run:
[root@charon ~]# setsebool -P smbd_disable_trans 1
Run man samba_selinux for more help.
For any changes made above to the SELinux settings or smb.conf, it is recommended to restart Samba.
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Mount NTFS Partitions
30 May 2007
width="300" scrolling="no" height="250" frameborder="0" name="iframe0" allowtransparency="true" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" vspace="0" hspace="0" src="http://ypn-js.overture.com/d/search/p/ypn/jsads/?Partner=7022769530&type=64493&adwd=300&adht=250&ctxtUrl=http%3A//www.mjmwired.net/resources/mjm-fedora-fc6.html%23ntfs&bc=FFFFFF&cc=FFFFFF&lc=0000FF&tc=000000&uc=999999&du=3&cb=1196691706646">Windows uses a different filesystem (NTFS) to store files. In order for Fedora to read that filesystem, you require NTFS support in your kernel. You can either recompile your kernel for NTFS read support -OR- obtain the proper kernel module.
NOTE: For users who upgraded from FC5 please first read the known bugs and problems.
To setup NTFS access you must (1) install NTFS support, (2) check how many partitions you have, (3) create mount points, (4) mount partitions, and (5) update fstab to mount at next boot.
NOTE: Previously Livna was recommended. However that solution has been known to be problematic in that it may update your kernel, which is normal behaviour. It is recommended to use NTFS-3G instead as it is supported in Fedora Extras and does NOT require kernel updates/upgrades. NTFS-3G also provides safe read-write access. (However SELinux may cause some problems for NTFS-3G.)
1. Install NTFS Support
For yum users:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install fuse fuse-libs ntfs-3g ntfsprogs ntfsprogs-gnomevfs
Users without yum, download fuse, fuse-lib and ntfs-3g (ntfsprogs and ntfsprogs-gnomevfs are optional) from Fedora Extras. Save them to a separate directory (ntfs). They are less than 1MB download.
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ cd ntfs
[mirandam@charon ntfs]$ sudo rpm -ivh fuse* ntfs*
No kernel version checking is required, so long as you are using a FC6 kernel.
2. Check Your Partitions
Use fdisk to list partitions. Most ATA hard drives will be /dev/hda. Drives may also show up as /dev/hdb, /dev/sda depending on your configuration.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /sbin/fdisk -lu /dev/hda | grep NTFS
/dev/hda1 * 63 33559784 16779861 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/hda2 33559785 67119569 16779892+ 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/hda3 67119570 100679354 16779892+ 7 HPFS/NTFS
Usually the first will be a drive "letter": C drive, next D, etc. Hence /dev/hda1 is my C:/ drive used by Windows.
3. Create Mount Points
For every partition in step 2 that you wish to access, you will need a "mount point". A mount point is just a directory. Common directories are: /media/ and /mnt/. Use whichever, but be consistent.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ cd /media/
[mirandam@charon media]$ sudo mkdir c_drive d_drive e_drive
You do not have to use these names, if you prefer to create folders such as movies, documents, or winxp, any name will work (without spaces).
4. Mount Partitions
Using NTFS-3G, we can mount the NTFS partition read-write, however it is recommended for novices as read-only. The following mounts and sets the permissions so all users can read the contents of each partition.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo mount /dev/hda1 /media/c_drive -t ntfs-3g -r -o umask=0222
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo mount /dev/hda2 /media/d_drive -t ntfs-3g -r -o umask=0222
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo mount /dev/hda3 /media/e_drive -t ntfs-3g -r -o umask=0222
Read/Write Access: The above is for read-only access. In order to mount read/write, you must use the -rw -o umask=0000. Example:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo mount /dev/hda1 /media/c_drive -t ntfs-3g -rw -o umask=0000
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Please run man mount to understand what umask= does.
5. Update /etc/fstab
Every time Fedora boots, the partitions must be mounted. To automatically mount, you must edit /etc/fstab.
Open /etc/fstab in an editor: (use nano instead of gedit if you do not have a GUI)
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo gedit /etc/fstab
Add these lines to the END of the file:
/dev/hda1 /media/c_drive ntfs-3g ro,defaults,umask=0222 0 0
/dev/hda2 /media/d_drive ntfs-3g ro,defaults,umask=0222 0 0
/dev/hda3 /media/e_drive ntfs-3g ro,defaults,umask=0222 0 0
Read/Write Access: The above is for read-only access. In order to mount read/write, you must use the rw,defaults,umask=0000. Example:
/dev/hda1 /media/c_drive ntfs-3g rw,defaults,umask=0000 0 0
Done!
NOTE: SELinux Problems
Users of SELinux will fix Fedora blocks the automounting of ntfs partitions when using NTFS-3G. This is a Fedora/SELinux bug, not NTFS-3G. Some support can be found on the NTFS-3G support page.. However for now users can mount everything when they log in by running:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo mount -a
NOTE for FAT32 users
If you have FAT32 or FAT16 partitions, instead of ntfs-3g above you can use vfat to mount your partitions. No extra modules or downloads are required, this is built into the kernel. Just replace vfat for every place we have ntfs-3g when mounting and when editting /etc/fstab.
FAT32/FAT16 read and write is supported. If you wish to mount read/write, then use: '-rw' for Step 4. Mounting Partitions, and 'rw,defaults,umask=0000 0 0' for Step 5. Updating /etc/fstab.
NOTE for Livna NTFS Modules
The Livna NTFS modules are read-only access. I do not recommend using them due to the kernel dependancy. If you require them or NTFS-3G will not work then first setup the Livna repository. Then you can install them:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install kmod-ntfs
For all the above changes you should use ntfs instead of ntfs-3g.
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Disable IPv6 Features
31 May 2007
NOTE: If there is a real problem which is solved by disabling IPv6, then that is not normal -- that means there is a bug either in Fedora or (more likely these days) a problem with the local network (or nameservers) which should be reported and fixed. If there's a real problem you should report the problem in Redhat bugzilla or to your ISP/network admin.
FC6 has the most IPv6 support than in previous releases. Most likely you do not use IPv6. If you wish to eliminate the slight extra resources consumed by enabling IPv6, then you may do the following steps.
This may speed up your DNS lookup times when using the internet.
Disable IPv6 Networking Support
Edit /etc/sysconfig/network. (A reboot will be required)
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo gedit /etc/sysconfig/network
Change:
NETWORKING_IPV6=yes
To:
NETWORKING_IPV6=no
Disable IPv6 Protocol Stack for Kernel
Edit /etc/modprobe.conf.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.conf
Add the following 2 lines: (A reboot will be required)
alias net-pf-10 off
alias ipv6 off
Disable IPv6 Firewall
Stop ipv6 firewall:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /etc/init.d/ip6tables stop
Flushing firewall rules: [ OK ]
Setting chains to policy ACCEPT: filter [ OK ]
Unloading ip6tables modules: [ OK ]
Turn ipv6 firewall off during future usage:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo /sbin/chkconfig --level 35 ip6tables off
Issue with localhost
In /etc/hosts, the following entry for localhost using IPv6 can be removed:
::1 localhost.localdomain localhost
If you choose to remove the above IPv6 entry, then you must keep the following IPv4 entry for localhost:
127.0.0.1 localhost.localdomain localhost
Some applications may have problems with this (Gnome).
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Install Kernel Headers
11 October 2006
This package provides kernel headers and makefiles sufficient to build modules against the kernel package. The kernel headers are necessary if you require to install a driver (for example: Nvidia, ndiswrapper, Cisco VPN, etc.). If a driver requires kernel sources, it may be sufficient to install only the kernel headers.
The kernel headers The Kernel Headers are available through the kernel-devel RPM. This may or may not be installed by Fedora. This package can be installed from your FC6 CD's, DVD's or online through FTP or yum.
Look on online online and make sure you match your system, using the uname command. For example:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ uname -rm
2.6.18-1.2747.fc6 i686
Select: kernel-devel-2.6.18-1.2747.fc6.i686.rpm
If you have updated your kernel (using yum), then it is recommended you use yum to install the package:
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install kernel-devel
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Install Kernel Source
31 October 2006
Installing the kernel source is typically NOT needed unless you wish to re-compile your kernel or for some special development. However in some cases the kernel headers may be required.
There are 3 basic steps involved in installing the kernel source.
- Download the desired kernel source (matching your current kernel if required)
- Installing the SRC.RPM package
- Using rpmbuild to prepare the source into a usable state
NOTE: Following these steps will consume at least ~500MB of disk space!
1. Download the Kernel Source
Obtaining Kernel Source (for default FC6 kernel)
The default kernel source can be found through any Fedora mirror. Look in the directory "/SRPMS/" under the "/6/" directory . For example: http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/core/6/source/SRPMS/.
kernel-2.6.18-1.2798.fc6.src.rpm 16-Oct-2006 22:26 44M
Obtaining Kernel Source (for updated FC6 kernel)
If you updated your kernel, then the typically the last 2 or 3 releases of the source of the kernel will be available though the Fedora updates. IF YOU REQUIRE you can (try to) match the kernel source with your running kernel.
Look in the update directory on most Fedora mirror sites. For example: http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/core/updates/6/SRPMS/.
Obtaining Kernel Source through 'yum' (for latest FC6 kernel)
There are yum utilities which will download the LATEST kernel source. If it does not find anything, then there are no updates (yet) use the DEFAULT Fedora kernel source.
[mirandam@charon ~]$ sudo yum install yum-utils
[mirandam@charon ~]$ cd downloads
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ yumdownloader --source kernel --enablerepo updates-source
2. Install the Kernel Source
Install the kernel.src.rpm that you chose to download in the previous steps.
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo rpm -ivh kernel-2.6.18-1.2798.fc6.src.rpm
1:kernel ########################################### [100%]
Ignore, group does not exist or user does not exist errors.
3. Prepare the Source
[mirandam@charon downloads]$ sudo rpmbuild -bp --target=$(uname -m) /usr/src/redhat/SPECS/kernel-2.6.spec
The source files will be properly located in /usr/src/redhat/BUILD/kernel-2.6.18/. There are 2 useful directories:
- linux-2.6.18.ARCH/
This will have the standard kernel.org kernel WITH Fedora patches and updates. The ARCH architecture will match the output of uname -m, usually i686. You may use noarch for the target= option if you wish. - vanilla/
This will have the standard kernel.org kernel ONLY (no patches or updates).
NOTE: Users of x86_64 architecture may experience the following error:
error: Failed build dependencies:
unifdef is needed by kernel-2.6.18-1.2798.x86_64
To fix, run sudo yum install unifdef.
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More Information
- Fedora Core 5 Personal Installation Guide
- Fedora Core 6 - Services in Fedora Core 6
- Fedora Core 5 on Dell D810 Latitude Laptop
- Managing Services in Fedora
- Installing Alternate GCC Compiler on Fedora
- Fedora Help Forum Posts and Threads
- Italian Translation: Personal Installation Guide Fedora Core 6
- Fedora Core 6 Blog Entries
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