If your computer is not already installed with Mandriva Linux you only need the installation media (DVD or CDs), very basic computer skills (of the “move the pointer and click” kind), common sense, and a few minutes.
Installing Mandriva Linux implies copying the required system and application files on your system and answering a few questions regarding the system's configuration and security. Once this is done, all that is left is to fine tune your system... and enjoy it. We concentrate on installation here. System configuration and security are subjects we touch upon in the rest of this book.
If your computer already has another operating system installed, you might want to first check the notes in Section 4.2, “Co-existing With Other Operating Systems”.
All recent systems can boot from a CD-ROM, configure your computer to boot from the CD, insert the 1st CD (or the DVD), boot the system and follow the on-screen instructions.
The installer asks you some simple questions regarding the desired language, keyboard layout (if applicable), security level, disk partitioning scheme and package selection; it is usually safe to accept the defaults proposed.
Please refer to Part 3, “Installing Mandriva Linux” if you have doubts about what to answer on any given install step.
You can install Mandriva Linux alongside other operating systems, such as Windows®, or other versions of GNU/Linux. Have the documentation for those OSes handy and make sure to:
Backup existing data. This is always the safest choice to ensure no data is lost.
Defragment the disk. This is mostly needed with all variants of Windows®. GNU/Linux file systems have very little fragmentation, so there is no need to defragment them.
Make room for Mandriva Linux. A few GB should be enough. DrakX can resize existing installations of Windows® and GNU/Linux without the risk of losing data.
Once Mandriva Linux is installed, and the system is restarted, a menu appears from which you can select the operating system to start: use the arrow keys to highlight the one you want, then press Enter to boot it.