NOTE: The content of this page may be outdated. Links may not be valid and the steps detailed may no longer work. This page is saved for archival purposes only.
This guide a personal configuration of Fedora Core 5. 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.
It is highly recommended you read the Fedora Core 5 Release Notes and official Installation Guide before installing Fedora.
Obtain the Fedora Core 5 cd images or DVD image from a Fedora mirror (or use the torrent) and burn to CD's or DVD. Boot from the first disk.
I did a Custom Install of Fedora Core 5.
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:
9 May 2006
* [Optional] - I duplicate the entry first entry and remove 'rhgb' which
prevents the Graphical Boot Loader from running. (Or you can remove the rhgb RPM).
* [Optional] - If Security Enhanced Linux (selinux) is causing problems. You can
add 'selinux=0' to force disable selinux at boot.
* You may remove 'quiet' if you would like to see the kernel boot information.
* If you put a 3 at the end of the 'kernel' line you can force grub to boot
into runlevel 3.
* [Strongly Recommended] - Remove 'hiddenmenu' to see the Grub boot menu at
boot time. This may come in handy during a problem.
* The 'root=' option currently uses a label, if using multiple Linux installations
on the same disk or if there are other label boot problems it can be replaced
with the actual device id (ex: /dev/hda10)
---
edited /boot/grub/grub.conf:
#hiddenmenu
title Fedora Core (2.6.15-1.2054_FC5)
root (hd0,9)
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5 ro root=LABEL=/
initrd /boot/initrd-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5.img
title Fedora Core (2.6.15-1.2054_FC5)
root (hd0,9)
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5 ro root=LABEL=/ rhgb quiet
initrd /boot/initrd-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5.img
18 April 2006 Please use an Nvidia driver with release 1.0.8756 or newer. Please update your kernel to release 2.6.16-1.2080 or newer. Either 'yum update kernel' or manually with FC5 Updates. The default Fedora Core 5 kernel has a bug with respect to binary drivers. Setup Livna Repository [root@charon ~]# rpm -ivh http://rpm.livna.org/livna-release-5.rpm [root@charon ~]# rpm --import http://rpm.livna.org/RPM-LIVNA-GPG-KEY Note Other than for drivers there can be some problems with the Livna repository, hence I disable it by default: [root@charon ~]# cd /etc/yum.repos.d/ [root@charon yum.repos.d]# mv livna.repo livna.repo.bkp [root@charon yum.repos.d]# sed 's/enabled=1/enabled=0/' livna.repo.bkp > livna.repo Install the nvidia driver through Livna: [root@charon ~]# yum --enablerepo livna install kmod-nvidia Then simply log out completely of Gnome or KDE and the Nvidia driver should load. Test by running: '/usr/bin/glxgears' (included in the glx-utils RPM package). Note on Livna There are many possibilities that Livna will not work for you. Especially if your kernel is modified, not from Fedora Updates, or much older. Users without YUM Download the GPG Key and run: [root@charon ~]# rpm --import RPM-LIVNA-GPG-KEY Navigate to http://rpm.livna.org/fedora/5/ 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 (1.0.8756) ex: xorg-x11-drv-nvidia-1.0.8756-1.lvn5 For nvidia kernel driver you MUST MATCH YOUR KERNEL Use the uname command for the proper match. For example: [root@charon ~]# uname -rm 2.6.16-1.2080_FC5 i686 Selected: kmod-nvidia-1.0.8756-1.2.6.16_1.2080_FC5.i686.rpm Install both files at the same time: [root@charon fc5]# rpm -ivh kmod-nvidia-1.0.8756-1.2.6.16_1.2080_FC5.i686.rpm \ xorg-x11-drv-nvidia-1.0.8756-1.lvn5.i386.rpm (If you had a previous version of these files before, upgrade with 'rpm -Uvh' instead) SELinux users Make the following changes to allow for the Nvidia driver and libraries to work properly: [root@charon fc5]# setsebool -P allow_execstack=1 [root@charon fc5]# setsebool -P allow_execmod=1 The exact specific changes needed for Nvidia libraries can be found on nvnews.net.
1 March 2006 Fedora Core 5 ships and uses GCC 4.1. Some applications that were compiled with an older GCC 3.2 will require compatibility libraries. Make sure to have the following RPM's installed. These are included with the FC5 CD-disk3 or DVD or online (ftp, yum, etc). compat-libstdc++-33 compat-libstdc++-296 With 'yum', run: [root@charon fc5]# yum install compat-libstdc++-33 compat-libstdc++-296
1 March 2005 Some applications will NOT compile in GCC 4.1. You can install GCC 3.2 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 FC5 CD-disk3 or DVD or online. Running 'yum install' on these names will also work. compat-gcc-32 compat-gcc-32-c++ With 'yum', run: [root@charon fc5]# yum install compat-gcc-32 compat-gcc-32-c++ To use either, run 'gcc32' or 'g++32'. I have more information on using alternate compilers.
20 March 2006 SELinux allows certain levels of control over what parts of Linux can be accessed by whom. This is very useful for servers, or certain daemons or services which are directly connected to the web, example: webservers, databases, etc. SELinux configuration in FC5 is nice in some places and confusing in others. Please attempt to try to make SELinux work for you. There are some resources listed below. If you suspect SELinux problems try the following: * Check /var/log/messages or run 'dmesg' for information * Try temporarily disabling SELinux at the prompt and try whatever command you were trying before: 'setenforce 0' and enabling after: 'setenforce 1' * Try modifying your SELinux Policy for your specific application using the 'system-config-securitylevel' application. Most common issues can be resolved here. More information: SELinux in Fedora Core 5 SELinux commands http://fedora.redhat.com/docs/selinux-faq/ http://www.crypt.gen.nz/selinux/faq.html To Disable SELinux In my protected environment I do not use SELinux as I am the only user on my machine and I have no open connections to the web. Although leaving SELinux does make any machine more secure if properly setup. I am not recommending you disable SELinux, however it may be an easier solution for those who don't need it. Disable SELinux: EDIT '/etc/selinux/config' Change: SELINUX=enforcing to: SELINUX=disabled Disable SELinux from grub. Previous method is recommended. EDIT /boot/grub/grub.conf (as above): ADD 'selinux=0' on your kernel line in grub.
1 March 2006 ALSA now comes standard in Fedora Core. The 2.6 kernel includes ALSA. FC5 detected, tested and played sound perfectly on the first try. No additional configuration changes were required. Previous problems were noted on my Fedora Core 3 Guide or my Fedora Core 2 Guide. A common problem with many users is finding that their mixer settings were either muted, turned off, or volume was set to 0. My sound: Analog Devices AD1980 / VIA 8235 ALSA driver: via82xx Mainboard: Asus A7V8X-X, VIA KT400 chipset
20 March 2006 Fedora Core 5 does NOT ship with XMMS, you must install from the Fedora Extras (http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/extras/5/i386/) or from some other location. If you download the RPM's individually, make sure you have the 'mikmod' dependancy noted above in the install. Otherwise install xmms through yum (Fedora Extras are automatically supported): # yum install xmms If you use the Fedora Extras site, there will be NO MP3 plugin. The RPM for FC5 from freshrpms will include MP3 support: http://bordeaux.freshrpms.net/rpm.html?id=752 http://ftp.freshrpms.net/pub/freshrpms/fedora/linux/5/xmms-mp3/ Get: xmms-mp3-1.2.10-15.fc5.i386.rpm Run: [root@charon fc5]# rpm -ivh xmms-mp3-1.2.10-15.fc5.i386.rpm If you want the XMMS status plugin for Gnome and KDE, go here: http://newrpms.sunsite.dk/apt/redhat/en/i386/fc3/RPMS.newrpms/xmms-status-plugin-1.0-2.rhfc3.nr.i386.rpm Get: xmms-status-plugin-1.0-2.rhfc3.nr.i386.rpm Run: [root@charon fc5]# rpm -ivh xmms-status-plugin-1.0-2.rhfc3.nr.i386.rpm --- Run xmms through the menu or by running 'xmms' at the shell. And go to the XMMS Options: Options > Preferences > Audio I/O Plugins > Input Plugins Disable: MPEG Layer 1/2/3 Placeholder Plugin [librh_mp3.so] ==> UNCHECK [ ] Enable Plugin Audio I/O Plugins > Output Plugin SET: ALSA 1.2.10 ouput plugin [libALSA.so] General Plugins Enable: Status Docklet Plugin 1.0 [libstatusdocklet.so] ==> Check [ ] Enable Plugin Apply
17 July 2005 http://corefonts.sourceforge.net/ You have to make the RPM, to speed things up I've created the RPM: msttcorefonts-2.0-1.noarch.rpm [root@charon fc5]# rpm -ivh msttcorefonts-2.0-1.noarch.rpm [root@charon fc5]# /etc/init.d/xfs restart 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). |
2 March 2006 Information regarding services and their functions can be found on: Services in Fedora Core 5 (https://www.mjmwired.net/resources/mjm-services-fc5.html)
19 October 2006 http://macromedia.mplug.org/ Current Version: 7.0.68 (09/12/2006) RPM Version: 7.0.68-1 (09/13/2006) Fedora Core flash-plugin (apt, yum rpm) file: flash-plugin-7.0.68-1.i386.rpm [root@charon fc5]# rpm -ivh flash-plugin-7.0.68-1.i386.rpm Preparing... ########################################### [100%] 1:flash-plugin ########################################### [100%] Make sure you are logged into the X server (init 5, runlevel 5) and do not have Mozilla or FireFox open when you install the RPM. Make sure to (read) accept the agreement. NOTE: Due to the changes in Xorg and resulting changes in directories, the Flash plugin will not load text properly (ex: macromedia.com) The following 'workaround' should fix this: [root@charon ~]# cd /usr/X11R6 [root@charon X11R6]# mkdir lib [root@charon lib]# cd lib [root@charon lib]# ln -s /etc/X11/ X11 ------------------------ Flash 9.0 Plugin Beta The 9.0 beta plugin will allow access to many more websites which may require 8.0 or newer to work. This will also fix many sound and latency problem (i.e. youtube videos will play without sync loss. First remove flash 7.0 (if installed): [root@charon ~]# rpm -e flash-plugin Obtain the flash 9.0 plugin from: http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/flashplayer9.html The link required is: "Download Installer for Linux (GZ, 2.48 MB)?" [root@charon ~]# wget http://www.adobe.com/go/fp9_update_b1_installer_linuxplugin [root@charon ~]# tar -zxvf FP9_plugin_beta_101806.tar.gz flash-player-plugin-9.0.21.55/ flash-player-plugin-9.0.21.55/libflashplayer.so flash-player-plugin-9.0.21.55/readme.txt [root@charon ~]# cd flash-player-plugin-9.0.21.55/ [root@charon flash-player-plugin-9.0.21.55]# cp libflashplayer.so /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/ Restart Firefox (or Mozilla or any other web browser).
1 March 2006 NOTE: Fedora Core 5 advises AGAINST using the Sun Java RPM. Information can be found in theFC5 Release Notes on Java since the RPM may be overwritten by a 'yum update' due to similar package names. However if you do NOT use the FC5 Java packages, this should not affect you. URL: http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/download.jsp Choose the LATEST JRE Update, currently 6: JRE 5.0 Update 6 includes the JVM technology The J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allows end-users to run Java applications. More info... Download JRE 5.0 Update 6 Make sure to (*) Accept License Agreement Choose: Linux Platform Linux self-extracting file (jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586.bin, 15.99 MB) Run: [root@charon fc5]# sh ./jre-1_5_0_06-linux-i586.bin (type 'yes') [root@charon fc5]# mv -f jre1.5* /opt/jre1.5 [root@charon fc5]# ln -s /opt/jre1.5/plugin/i386/ns7/libjavaplugin_oji.so /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libjavaplugin_oji.so (If you update the JRE package, simply delete the /opt/jre1.5 directory and copy the update to /opt/jre1.5 -- there will be no need to update the 'ln' link.) --- Controlling Java through 'alternatives'. When running the 'java' command, FC5 will automatically pick the GNU Java, to use Sun's java do the following: [root@charon fc5]# /usr/sbin/alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /opt/jre1.5/bin/java 2 [root@charon fc5]# echo 2 | alternatives --config java [root@charon fc5]# java -version java version "1.5.0_06" Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_06-b05) Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_06-b05, mixed mode, sharing) NOTE for SELinux User Users running SELinux may NOT be able to get their browser to detect the plugins. Make the following changes to the SELinux policy: Run: system-config-securitylevel Goto: SELinux > Modify SELinux Policy > Compatibility > Allow the use of shared libraries with Text Relocation Allow executables to run with executable stack
15 June 2005 Settings, for EVERY user: EDIT /etc/X11/Xresources ADD at the END: xterm*visualBell: true xterm*background: Black xterm*foreground: Wheat xterm_color*background: Black xterm_color*foreground: Wheat xterm*scrollBar: true To reload Xresources, run: [mirandam@charon ~]$ xrdb -merge /etc/X11/Xresources or simply restart the X-server.
11 May 2004 Settings, for EVERY user: EDIT /etc/bashrc ADD to the END of the file: # alias interactive alias rm='rm -i' alias cp='cp -i' alias mv='mv -i' These prevent common errors of deleting or overwriting files.
20 March 2006 Make sure you have Samba installed in the installation process. EDIT /etc/samba/smb.conf Set your Windows Workgroup name in [global] section. Added shares at the end of the file: [media] path = /mnt/media public = yes writable = no [work] path = /mnt/work public = yes writable = yes If 'writable' the location need to be writable in Linux first. Example: NTFS is not writable in Linux. If home data (all work in /home/username) is to be accessible, then set 'browseable = yes' under [homes] (~line 182). Run samba check for errors: /etc/init.d/smb start Use chkconfig or serviceconf to enable samba (smb) in both runlevels 3 and 5. [root@charon samba]# chkconfig --list smb smb 0:off 1:off 2:off 3:off 4:off 5:off 6:off [root@charon samba]# chkconfig --level 35 smb on [root@charon samba]# chkconfig --list smb smb 0:off 1:off 2:off 3:on 4:off 5:on 6:off Add users who can access these shares with the 'smbpasswd' command. This does NOT need to match your Linux password. This should be the login name and password you use from Windows when accessing your Linux computer. [root@charon samba]# smbpasswd -a username New SMB password: Retype new SMB password: Added user username. (Note: 'username' must be a valid account on the machine) Restart Samba for every change to users/passwords or 'smb.conf' [root@charon samba]# /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, make sure to RESTART samba!
21 March 2006 Either recompile your kernel for NTFS read support -OR- obtain the matching proper kernel module. Again make sure you have the correct version (example similar to: 2.6.15-1.2054_FC5). Use the 'uname -rm' command for more information. Go to http://www.linux-ntfs.org/content/view/187/ for the module/rpm. Go to http://www.linux-ntfs.org/content/view/127/63/ for the instructions. [root@charon fc5]# uname -rm 2.6.15-1.2054_FC5 i686 I selected '2.6.15-1.2054_FC5' 'i686' for my Athlon-XP computer. Both parts MUST match. [root@charon fc5]# rpm -ivh kernel-module-ntfs-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5-2.1.26-0.rr.10.4.i686.rpm Preparing... ########################################### [100%] 1:kernel-module-ntfs-2.6.########################################### [100%] To allow access to NTFS partitions you must (1) check how many partitions you have, (2) create mount points, (3) mount partitions, and (4) update fstab to mount at next boot. Check Partitions Check how many NTFS partitions you have: [root@charon fc5]# fdisk -lu /dev/hda | grep NTFS /dev/hda1 * 63 16771859 8385898+ 7 HPFS/NTFS /dev/hda2 16771860 33543719 8385930 7 HPFS/NTFS /dev/hda3 33752628 67312349 16779861 7 HPFS/NTFS Usually the first will be C drive, next D, etc. Create Mount Points Instead of /media/, you can also use /mnt/, both will work, but make sure to make the correct edits in all places. [root@charon fc5]# cd /media/ [root@charon media]# mkdir c_drive [root@charon media]# mkdir d_drive [root@charon media]# mkdir e_drive You don't have to use these names, if you prefer to creat folders such as movies, documents, or winxp, any name will work (without spaces). Mount Partitions Run 'man mount' to fully explain what "-r -o umask=0222" does. [root@charon media]# mount /dev/hda1 /media/c_drive/ -t ntfs -r -o umask=0222 [root@charon media]# mount /dev/hda2 /media/d_drive/ -t ntfs -r -o umask=0222 [root@charon media]# mount /dev/hda3 /media/e_drive/ -t ntfs -r -o umask=0222 Update /etc/fstab Open '/etc/fstab' in an editor and add these lines to the END of the file: /dev/hda1 /media/c_drive ntfs ro,defaults,umask=0222 0 0 /dev/hda2 /media/d_drive ntfs ro,defaults,umask=0222 0 0 /dev/hda3 /media/e_drive ntfs ro,defaults,umask=0222 0 0 NOTE for FAT32 users Insted of 'NTFS' above you can use 'VFAT' to mount your FAT32 partitions. No extra modules or download are needed. Just replace 'vfat' for 'ntfs' when mounting and when editting '/etc/fstab'. FAT32 read and write is supported. If you wish to mount read/write, then use: '-rw' when Mounting Partitions, and 'rw,defaults,umask=0000 0 0' when editing '/etc/fstab'.
1 March 2006 Download RealPlayer 10.0 GOLD: http://www.real.com/linux/ Select: "Download RPM Package" NOTE: You can have both HelixPlayer and RealPlayer installed, however I strongly recommend using RealPlayer over HelixPlayer. Check for HelixPlayer: [root@charon fc5]# rpm -q HelixPlayer HelixPlayer-1.0.6-1.2.2 Uninstall HelixPlayer: [root@charon fc5]# rpm -e HelixPlayer Install RealPlayer 10 GOLD: [root@charon fc5]# rpm -ivh RealPlayer10GOLD.rpm Preparing... ########################################### [100%] 1:RealPlayer ########################################### [100%] NOTE: Since RealPlayer is compiled in GCC 3.2 and FC5 uses and links to GCC 4.1, you will need compat-libstdc++-33 RPM. This file is found on CD3 of the FC5 disks. (see: compatibility) ---- (IF NECESSARY) Reset Mozilla/Firefox Plugin Cache. This must be done for EVERY user. Mozilla: [mirandam@charon ~]$ rm ~/.mozilla/pluginreg.dat FireFox: [mirandam@charon ~]$ rm ~/.mozilla/firefox/pluginreg.dat RealPlayer/HelixPlayer Forums: https://helixcommunity.org/forum/?group_id=154
1 March 2006 Incomplete
20 March 2006 The Kernel Headers are available through the kernel-devel RPM. 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. Look on online. Or use 'yum'. Make sure you match your system, using the 'uname' command. [root@charon fc5]# uname -rm 2.6.15-1.2054_FC5 i686 Select: kernel-devel-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5.i686.rpm If you have updated your kernel (using yum or up2date), then it is recommended you use yum to install the package: # yum install kernel-devel
17 July 2006
Installing the kernel source is typically NOT needed unless you wish to
re-compile your kernel or for some special development. However in most
cases the kernel headers are required.
There are 3 basic steps involved in installing the kernel source.
1. Download the desired kernel source (matching your current kernel if required)
2. Installing the SRC.RPM package
3. Using rpmbuild to prepare the source into a usable state
NOTE: Following these steps will consume over 570MB of disk space!
Obtaining Kernel Source (for default FC5 kernel)
The default kernel source can be found through any Fedora mirror. Look in the
directory "/SRPMS/" under the "/5/" directory . For example:
http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/core/5/source/SRPMS/.
Select: kernel-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5.src.rpm 14-Mar-2006 18:28 46M
Obtaining Kernel Source (for updated FC5 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.
The following is an EXAMPLE
[root@charon fc5]# uname -r
2.6.15-1.2059_FC5
Look in the update directory on most Fedora mirror sites. For example:
http://download.fedora.redhat.com/pub/fedora/linux/core/updates/5/SRPMS/.
Obtaining Kernel Source through 'yum'
There are yum utilities which will download the LATEST kernel source.
[root@charon fc5]# yum install yum-utils
[root@charon fc5]# yumdownloader --source kernel --enablerepo core-source --enablerepo updates-source
Install the SRC.RPM file and Prepare source
Install the kernel.src.rpm that you chose to install in the previous steps.
Install:
[root@charon fc5]# rpm -ivh kernel-2.6.15-1.1955_FC5.src.rpm
1:kernel ########################################### [100%]
Set it up:
[root@charon fc5]# 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-2.6.15/'
There are 2 useful directories:
1. 'linux-2.6.15.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
2. 'vanilla/'
This will have the standard kernel.org kernel ONLY (no patches or updates)
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