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SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 15 SP1

Installation Quick Start Edit source

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 15 SP1

Abstract

This Quick Start guides you step-by-step through the installation of SUSE® Linux Enterprise Desktop 15 SP1.

Publication Date: May 06, 2022

1 Welcome to SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop Edit source

Use the following procedures to install the product on all supported hardware platforms. They assume you have successfully booted into the installation system. For more detailed installation instructions and deployment strategies, refer to the Book “Deployment Guide. For preparations required to boot into the installation system, refer to Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 2 “Installation on AMD64 and Intel 64”.

1.1 The Default Installation Procedure Edit source

Starting with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 15, the installation medium only consists of the Unified Installer, a minimal system for installing, updating and registering all SUSE Linux Enterprise base products. During the installation you can add functionality by selecting modules to be installed on top of the Unified Installer.

A default installation requires network access to either contact the SUSE Customer Center or a local Repository Mirroring Tool server to retrieve repository data for the modules. In case you want to perform an installation without network access, a second installation medium, the SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso image, is required.

To install SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, boot into the installer from the Unified Installer medium and start the installation.

1.1.1 Language, Keyboard, and Product Selection Edit source

The Language and Keyboard Layout settings are initialized with the language you chose on the boot screen. If you did not change the default, it will be English (US). Change the settings here, if necessary. Use the Keyboard Test text box to test the layout.

With the Unified Installer you can install all SUSE Linux Enterprise base products:

Select a product for installation. You need to have a registration code for the respective product. In the course of this document it is assumed you have chosen SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. Proceed with Next.

Tip
Tip: High Contrast Color Scheme

If have difficulties to read the labels in the installer, press ShiftF4 to switch to the color scheme for vision impaired users. Press the buttons again to switch back to the default scheme.

1.1.2 License Agreement Edit source

Read the License Agreement. It is presented in the language you have chosen on the boot screen. Translations are available via the License Language drop-down box. You need to accept the agreement by checking I Agree to the License Terms to install SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. Proceed with Next.

1.1.3 Network Settings Edit source

A system analysis is performed, where the installer probes for storage devices, and tries to find other installed systems. If the network was automatically configured via DHCP during the start of the installation, you will be taken to the registration step.

If the network is not yet configured, the Network Settings dialog opens. Choose a network interface from the list and configure it with Edit. Alternatively, Add an interface manually. See Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 4 “Installation Steps”, Section 4.5 “Network Settings” and Book “Administration Guide”, Chapter 19 “Basic Networking”, Section 19.4 “Configuring a Network Connection with YaST” for more information. If you prefer to do an installation without network access, skip this step without making any changes and proceed with Next.

1.1.4 Registration Edit source

To get technical support and product updates, you need to register and activate your product with the SUSE Customer Center or a local registration server. Registering SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop at this stage also grants you immediate access to the update repository. This enables you to install the system with the latest updates and patches available.

When registering, repositories and dependencies for the modules and extensions, which you may install with the next step, are loaded from the registration server.

If you are offline or want to skip registration, activate Skip Registration. Proceed with the installation by following the instructions in Section 1.2, “Installing without Registration”.

To register with the SUSE Customer Center, enter the E-mail Address associated with your SCC account and the Registration Code for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. If your organization provides a local registration server, you may alternatively register there. Activate Register System via local SMT Server and either choose a URL from the drop-down box or type in an address.

Note
Note: Trusting Repositories

Depending on your hardware, additional repositories containing hardware drivers may be added during the registration. If so, you will be asked to Trust each of these repositories.

Tip
Tip: Installing Product Patches at Installation Time

After SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop has been successfully registered, you are asked whether to install the latest available online updates during the installation. If choosing Yes, the system will be installed with the most current packages without having to apply the updates after installation. Activating this option is recommended.

1.1.5 Extension and Module Selection Edit source

Extension and Module Selection

After the system is successfully registered, the installer lists modules and extensions that are available for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. Modules are components which allow you to shape the product according to your needs. They are free of charge. Extensions add functionality to your product. They are offered as subscriptions and require a registration key that is liable for costs.

The availability of certain modules or extensions depends on the product you have chosen in the first step of this installation. For a description of the modules and their lifecycles, select a module to see the accompanying text. More detailed information is available in the Modules and Extensions Quick Start and the Release Notes.

The selection of modules indirectly affects the scope of the installation, because it defines which software sources (repositories) are available for installation and in the running system.

The following modules and extensions are available for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop:

Basesystem Module

This module adds a basic system on top of the Unified Installer. It is required by all other modules and extensions. The scope of an installation that only contains the base system is comparable to the installation pattern minimal system of previous SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop versions. This module is selected for installation by default and should not be deselected.

Dependencies: None

Desktop Applications Module

Adds a graphical user interface and essential desktop applications to the system. This module is selected for installation by default; deselecting it is not recommended.

Dependencies: Basesystem

Development Tools Module

Contains compilers (including gcc) and libraries required for compiling and debugging applications. Replaces the former Software Development Kit (SDK).

Dependencies: Basesystem, Desktop Applications

Python 2 Module

SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP1 uses Python version 3. This module contains the Python 2 runtime and modules. It is selected for installation by default; deselecting it is not recommended.

Dependencies: Basesystem

SUSE Linux Enterprise Workstation Extension

Contains additional desktop tools such as an office suite or multimedia software such as music and video players. This extension is included in the SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop subscription and is selected for installation by default; deselecting it is not recommended.

Dependencies: Basesystem, Desktop Applications

SUSE Package Hub

Provides access to packages for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop maintained by the openSUSE community. These packages are delivered without L3 support and do not interfere with the supportability of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. For more information refer to https://packagehub.suse.com/.

Dependencies: Basesystem

Some modules depend on the installation of other modules. Therefore, when selecting a module, other modules may be selected automatically to fulfill dependencies.

Depending on the product, the registration server can mark modules and extensions as recommended. Recommended modules and extensions are preselected for registration and installation. To avoid installing these recommendations, deselect them manually.

Select the modules and extension you would like to install and proceed with Next. In case you have chosen one or more extensions, you will be prompted to provide the respective registration codes. Depending on your choice, it may also be necessary to accept additional license agreements.

1.1.6 Add-On Product Edit source

The Add-On Product dialog allows you to add additional software sources (so-called repositories) to SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, that are not provided by the SUSE Customer Center. Such add-on products may include third-party products and drivers or additional software for your system.

Tip
Tip: Adding Drivers During the Installation

You can also add driver update repositories via the Add-On Product dialog. Driver updates for SUSE Linux Enterprise are provided at http://drivers.suse.com/. These drivers have been created via the SUSE SolidDriver Program.

If you want to skip this step, proceed with Next. Otherwise activate I would like to Install an Add-on Product. Specify a media type, a local path, or a network resource hosting the repository and follow the on-screen instructions.

Check Download Repository Description Files to download the files describing the repository now. If deactivated, they will be downloaded after the installation has started. Proceed with Next and insert a medium if required. Depending on the product's content it may be necessary to accept additional license agreements. Proceed with Next. If you have chosen an add-on product requiring a registration key, you will be asked to enter it before proceeding to the next step.

1.1.7 System Role Edit source

The availability of system roles depends on your selection of modules and extensions. System roles define, for example, the set of software patterns that is going to be preselected for the installation. Refer to the description on screen to make your choice. Select a role and proceed with Next. If from the enabled modules only one role or no role is suitable for the respective base product, the System Role dialog is omitted.

Tip
Tip: Release Notes

From this point on, the Release Notes can be viewed from any screen during the installation process by selecting Release Notes.

1.1.8 Suggested Partitioning Edit source

Review the partition setup proposed by the system. If necessary, change it. You have the following options:

Guided Setup

Starts a wizard which lets you refine the partitioning proposal. Options available here depend on your system setup. In case it contains more than a single hard disk, you may choose which disk(s) to use and where to place the root partition. If the disk(s) already contain partitions, decide whether to remove or resize them.

In subsequent steps you may also add LVM support and disk encryption. You can change the file system for the root partition and decide whether to have a separate home partition or not.

Expert Partitioner

Opens the Expert Partitioner described in Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 6 “Expert Partitioner”, Section 6.1 “Using the Expert Partitioner”. This gives you full control over the partitioning setup and lets you create a custom setup. This option is intended for experts.

To accept the proposed setup without any changes, choose Next to proceed.

1.1.9 Clock and Time Zone Edit source

Select the clock and time zone to use in your system. To manually adjust the time or to configure an NTP server for time synchronization, choose Other Settings. See Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 4 “Installation Steps”, Section 4.11 “Clock and Time Zone” for detailed information. Proceed with Next.

1.1.10 Local User Edit source

To create a local user, type the first and last name in the User’s Full Name field, the login name in the Username field, and the password in the Password field.

The password should be at least eight characters long and should contain both uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers. The maximum length for passwords is 72 characters, and passwords are case-sensitive.

For security reasons it is also strongly recommended not to enable the Automatic Login. You should also not Use this Password for the System Administrator but rather provide a separate root password in the next installation step.

If you install on a system where a previous Linux installation was found, you may Import User Data from a Previous Installation. Click Choose User for a list of available user accounts. Select one or more user.

In an environment where users are centrally managed (for example by NIS or LDAP) you may want to skip the creation of local users. Select Skip User Creation in this case.

Proceed with Next.

1.1.11 Authentication for the System Administrator root Edit source

Type a password for the system administrator (called the root user) or provide a public SSH key. If you want, you can use both.

Because the root user is equipped with extensive permissions, the password should be chosen carefully. You should never forget the root password! After you entered it here, the password cannot be retrieved.

Tip
Tip: Passwords and Keyboard Layout

It is recommended to only use US ASCII characters. In case of a system error or when you need to start your system in rescue mode, the keyboard may not be localized.

In some situations it is preferred to access the system remotely via SSH using a public key. This screen allows you to select a public key (file extension .pub) from a USB stick, a CD/DVD, or even from an existing partition. See Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 4 “Installation Steps”, Section 4.13 “Authentication for the System Administrator root for more information. You can also add the public SSH key later (see Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 4 “Installation Steps”, Section 4.13 “Authentication for the System Administrator root”, Adding a Public SSH Key for User root).

Proceed with Next.

1.1.12 Installation Settings Edit source

Use the Installation Settings screen to review and—if necessary—change several proposed installation settings. The current configuration is listed for each setting. To change it, click the headline. Some settings, such as firewall or SSH can directly be changed by clicking the respective links.

Tip
Tip: Remote Access

Changes you can make here, can also be made later at any time from the installed system. However, if you need remote access directly after the installation, you should check the Security settings.

Software

The scope of the installation is defined by the modules and extensions you have chosen for this installation. However, depending on your selection, not all packages available in a module are selected for installation.

Clicking Software opens the Software Selection and System Tasks screen, where you can change the software selection by selecting or deselecting patterns. Each pattern contains several software packages needed for specific functions (for example, KVM Host Server). For a more detailed selection based on software packages to install, select Details to switch to the YaST Software Manager. See Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 16 “Installing or Removing Software” for more information.

Booting

This section shows the boot loader configuration. Changing the defaults is only recommended if really needed. Refer to Book “Administration Guide”, Chapter 14 “The Boot Loader GRUB 2” for details.

Security

The CPU Mitigations refer to kernel boot command line parameters for software mitigations that have been deployed to prevent CPU side-channel attacks. Click the highlighted entry to choose a different option. For details, see Book “Administration Guide”, Chapter 14 “The Boot Loader GRUB 2” CPU Mitigations.

By default, the Firewall is enabled with all network interfaces configured for the public zone. See Book “Security and Hardening Guide”, Chapter 23 “Masquerading and Firewalls”, Section 23.4 “firewalld for configuration details.

The SSH service is enabled by default, its port (22) is open. Click enable and open to toggle these settings. Note that if SSH is disabled, logging in from remote will not be possible.

Network Configuration

Displays the current network configuration. Click Network Configuration to change the settings. For details, see Book “Administration Guide”, Chapter 19 “Basic Networking”, Section 19.4 “Configuring a Network Connection with YaST”.

Kdump

Kdump saves the memory image (core dump) to the file system in case the kernel crashes. This enables you to find the cause of the crash by debugging the dump file. Kdump is preconfigured and enabled by default. See Book “System Analysis and Tuning Guide”, Chapter 17 “Kexec and Kdump”, Section 17.7 “Basic Kdump Configuration” for more information.

Default Systemd Target

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop boots into a graphical desktop by default. Since it does not make much sense to run a desktop system from the command line, it is recommended to not change this setting.

System

View detailed hardware information by clicking System. In the resulting screen you can also change Kernel Settings—see Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 4 “Installation Steps”, Section 4.14.7 “System for more information.

1.1.13 Start the Installation Edit source

After you have finalized the system configuration on the Installation Settings screen, click Install. Depending on your software selection you may need to agree to license agreements before the installation confirmation screen pops up. Up to this point no changes have been made to your system. After you click Install a second time, the installation process starts.

1.1.14 The Installation Process Edit source

During the installation, the progress is shown in detail on the Details tab. The SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop Release Notes tab shows important information; reading them is recommended.

After the installation routine has finished, the computer is rebooted into the installed system. Log in and start YaST to fine-tune the system. If you are not using a graphical desktop or are working from remote, refer to Book “Administration Guide”, Chapter 5 “YaST in Text Mode” for information on using YaST from a terminal.

1.2 Installing without Registration Edit source

If you perform an installation without connecting to a registration server, you cannot register your system during the installation. Therefore you will not be able to receive the repository configuration for modules and extensions from the registration server. To enable a regular installation, SUSE offers a second installation medium, the SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso image.

Note
Note: Registering SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop

Your system and extensions need to be registered in order to retrieve updates and to be eligible for support. If you do not register during the installation, you can do so at any time later from the running system. To do so, run YaST › Product Registration.

To perform the installation without registration, make sure the contents of the SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso image can be accessed during the installation. This can be achieved by copying it to a local hard disk or a removable flash disk or by making it available in the local network. Choose a method that is supported by your hardware.

Tip
Tip: Copying Data from the SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso Image to a Removable Flash Disk

Use the following command to copy the contents of the installation image to a removable flash disk.

tux > sudo dd if=IMAGE of=FLASH_DISK bs=4M && sync

IMAGE needs to be replaced with the path to the SLE-15-SP1-Installer-DVD-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso or SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso image file. FLASH_DISK needs to be replaced with the flash device. To identify the device, insert it and run:

root # grep -Ff <(hwinfo --disk --short) <(hwinfo --usb --short)
disk:
  /dev/sdc             General USB Flash Disk

Make sure the size of the device is sufficient for the desired image. You can check the size of the device with:

root # fdisk -l /dev/sdc | grep -e "^/dev"
/dev/sdc1  *     2048 31490047 31488000  15G 83 Linux

In this example, the device has a capacity of 15 GB. The command to use for the SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso would be:

dd if=SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso of=/dev/sdc bs=4M && sync

The device must not be mounted when running the dd command. Note that all data on the partition will be erased!

1.2.1 Starting the Installation without Registration Edit source

The installation follows the same workflow as outlined in Section 1.1, “The Default Installation Procedure”, only the steps for registering the system and adding modules/extensions differ. To start the installation, perform the steps Section 1.1.1, “Language, Keyboard, and Product Selection” to Section 1.1.3, “Network Settings” from Section 1.1, “The Default Installation Procedure”.

1.2.2 Skipping Registration Edit source

On the Registration screen activate Skip Registration. Accept the warning with OK and proceed with Next.

1.2.3 Accessing the SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso Image Edit source

On the Add On Product dialog, activate I would like to install an additional Add On Product and specify the source for the SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso image. Check Download repository description files to download the files describing the repository now. If deactivated, they will be downloaded after the installation starts. Proceed with Next. If you chose DVD as the data source, you will be prompted to insert the media.

1.2.4 Selecting Extensions and Modules Edit source

On the Extension and Module Selection dialog you need to select a product, at least one module, and optionally, one or more extensions.

The SLE-15-SP1-Packages-ARCH-GM-DVD1.iso images contain extensions and modules for all SUSE Linux Enterprise products. Make sure to only select modules and extensions listed below, otherwise you will end up with a system that may fail to install and is not covered by SUSE support.

Product

Selecting a product is mandatory. Choose SLED15-SP1 15.1-0.

Modules

Modules extend the functionality of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop and are free of charge. Installing the Basesystem-Module 15.1-0 is required. It is also recommended to install the Desktop-Applications-Module 15.1-0.

Note that most modules depend on other modules. These dependencies cannot be resolved automatically here. Make sure to manually solve the dependencies, otherwise the installation will fail later on. Refer to the following list for details.

Basesystem-Module 15.1-0 This module adds a basic system on top of the Unified Installer. It is required by all other modules and extensions. The scope of an installation that only contains the base system is comparable to the installation pattern minimal system of previous SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop versions. Dependencies: None

Desktop-Applications-Module 15.1-0 Adds a graphical user interface and essential desktop applications to the system. Dependencies: Basesystem

Development-Tools-Module 15.1-0 Contains compilers (including gcc) and libraries required for compiling and debugging applications.

Python 2 Module 15.1-0 SUSE Linux Enterprise 15SP 1 uses Python version 3. This module contains the Python 2 runtime and modules. Dependencies: Basesystem

SUSE Linux Enterprise Workstation Extension (SLEWE15-1 15.1-0)

Contains additional desktop tools such as an office suite or multimedia software such as music and video players. The SUSE Linux Enterprise Workstation Extension for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is free of charge and does not require an additional registration code. Installing SLEWE15-1 15.1-0 is recommended.

Warning
Warning: Forbidden Selections

Do not install any of the following selections on SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, otherwise you will end up with a system that may fail to install and is not covered by SUSE support.

  • Containers-Module 15.1-0

  • HPC-Module 15.1-0

  • Legacy-Module 15.1-0

  • Live-Patching 15.1-0

  • Public-Cloud-Module 15.1-0

  • SAP-Applications-Module 15.1-0

  • SLE-15-1-HPC 15.1-0

  • SLE-15-1-RT 15.1-0

  • SLE-15-1-SAP 15.1-0

  • SLEHA15-1 15.1-0

  • SLES15-1 15.1-0

  • Server-Applications-Module 15.1-0

  • Web-Scripting-Module 15.1-0

When you have finished selecting modules and extensions, proceed with Next.

1.2.5 Confirming the Extensions and Module Selection Edit source

All modules selected for installation are listed on the Add-On Product Installation dialog. To change the list, use the Add or Delete options. Using Add you may optionally add other add-on products. Proceed with the installation with Next.

1.2.6 Finalizing the Installation Edit source

From this point on, the installation follows the same path as the default installation. Proceed with the step>Section 1.1.7, “System Role” from Section 1.1, “The Default Installation Procedure”.

2 Legal Notice Edit source

Copyright© 2006– 2022 SUSE LLC and contributors. All rights reserved.

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or (at your option) version 1.3; with the Invariant Section being this copyright notice and license. A copy of the license version 1.2 is included in the section entitled GNU Free Documentation License.

For SUSE trademarks, see https://www.suse.com/company/legal/. All other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Trademark symbols (®, ™ etc.) denote trademarks of SUSE and its affiliates. Asterisks (*) denote third-party trademarks.

All information found in this book has been compiled with utmost attention to detail. However, this does not guarantee complete accuracy. Neither SUSE LLC, its affiliates, the authors, nor the translators shall be held liable for possible errors or the consequences thereof.

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