2 Installation on AMD64 and Intel 64 #
This chapter describes the steps necessary to prepare for the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on AMD64 and Intel 64 computers. It introduces the steps required to prepare for various installation methods. The list of hardware requirements provides an overview of systems supported by SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. Find information about available installation methods and several common known problems. Also learn how to control the installation, provide installation media, and boot with regular methods.
2.1 System Requirements for Operating Linux #
The SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server operating system can be deployed on a wide range of hardware. It is impossible to list all the different combinations of hardware SUSE Linux Enterprise Server supports. However, to provide you with a guide to help you during the planning phase, the minimum requirements are presented here.
If you want to be sure that a given computer configuration will work, find out which platforms have been certified by SUSE. Find a list at https://www.suse.com/yessearch/.
2.1.1 Hardware for Intel 64 and AMD64 #
The Intel 64 and AMD64 architectures support the simple migration of x86 software to 64 bits. Like the x86 architecture, they constitute a value-for-money alternative.
- CPU
All CPUs available on the market to date are supported.
- Maximum Number of CPUs
The maximum number of CPUs supported by software design is 8192 for Intel 64 and AMD64. If you plan to use such a large system, verify with our hardware system certification Web page for supported devices, see https://www.suse.com/yessearch/.
- Memory Requirements
A minimum of 512 MB of memory is required for a minimal installation. However, the minimum recommended is 1024 MB or 512 MB per CPU on multiprocessor computers. Add 150 MB for a remote installation via HTTP or FTP. Note that these values are only valid for the installation of the operating system—the actual memory requirement in production depends on the system's workload.
- Hard Disk Requirements
The disk requirements depend largely on the installation selected and how you use your machine. Minimum requirements for different selections are:
System
Hard Disk Requirements
Minimal System
800 MB - 1GB
Minimal X Window System
1.4 GB
GNOME Desktop
3.5 GB
All patterns
8.5 GB
Using snapshots for virtualization
min. 8 GB
- Boot Methods
The computer can be booted from a CD or a network. A special boot server is required to boot over the network. This can be set up with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
2.2 Installation Considerations #
This section encompasses many factors that need to be considered before installing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on AMD64 and Intel 64 hardware.
2.2.1 Installation Type #
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is normally installed as an independent operating system. With the introduction of Virtualization, it is also possible to run multiple instances of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on the same hardware. However, the installation of the VM Host Server is performed like a typical installation with some additional packages. The installation of virtual guests is described in Chapter 9, Guest Installation.
2.2.2 Boot Methods #
Depending on the hardware used, the following boot methods are available for the first boot procedure (prior to the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server).
|
Boot Option |
Use |
|---|---|
|
CD or DVD drive |
The simplest booting method. The system requires a locally-available CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive for this. |
|
Flash disks |
Find the images required for creating boot disks on the first CD or DVD
in the |
|
PXE or bootp |
Must be supported by the BIOS or by the firmware of the system used. This option requires a boot server in the network. This task can be handled by a separate SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. |
|
Hard disk |
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server can also be booted from hard disk. For this, copy the
kernel ( |
2.2.3 Installation Source #
When installing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, the actual installation data must be available in the network, on a hard disk partition, or on a local DVD. To install from the network, you need an installation server. To make the installation data available, set up any computer in a Unix or Linux environment as an NFS, HTTP, SMB, or FTP server. To make the installation data available from a Windows computer, release the data with SMB.
The installation source is particularly easy to select if you configure an SLP server in the local network. For more information, see Chapter 8, Setting Up the Server Holding the Installation Sources.
2.2.4 Installation Target #
Most installations are to a local hard disk. Therefore, it is necessary for the hard disk controllers to be available to the installation system. If a special controller (like a RAID controller) needs an extra kernel module, provide a kernel module update disk to the installation system.
Other installation targets may be various types of block devices that
provide sufficient disk space and speed to run an operating system. This
includes network block devices like iSCSI or
SAN. It is also possible to install on network file
systems that offer the standard Unix permissions. However, it may be
problematic to boot these, because they must be supported by the
initramfs before the actual system can start. Such
installations can be useful when you need to start the same system in
different locations or you plan to use virtualization features like
domain migration.
2.2.5 Different Installation Methods #
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server offers several methods for controlling installation:
Installation on the console
Installation via serial console
Installation with AutoYaST
Installation with KIWI images
Installation via SSH
Installation with VNC
By default, the graphical console is used. If you have many similar
computers to install, it is advisable to create an AutoYaST configuration file
or a KIWI preload image and make this available to the installation process.
Also see the documentation for AutoYaST at AutoYaST
and KIWI at
http://doc.opensuse.org/projects/kiwi/doc/.
2.3 Boot and Installation Media #
When installing the system, the media for booting and for installing the system may be different. All combinations of supported media for booting and installing may be used.
2.3.1 Boot Media #
Booting a computer depends on the capabilities of the hardware used and the availability of media for the respective boot option.
- Booting from DVD
This is the most common possibility of booting a system. It is straightforward for most computer users, but requires a lot of interaction for every installation process.
- Booting from a USB Hard Disk
Depending on the hardware used, it is possible to boot from a USB hard disk. The respective media must be created as described in Section 6.2.2, “PC (AMD64/Intel 64/Arm AArch64): System Start-up”.
- Booting from the Network
You can only boot a computer directly from the network if this is supported by the computer's firmware or BIOS. This booting method requires a boot server that provides the needed boot images over the network. The exact protocol depends on your hardware. Commonly you need several services, such as TFTP and DHCP or PXE boot. If you need a boot server, also read Section 11.1.3, “Remote Installation via VNC—PXE Boot and Wake on LAN”.
2.3.2 Installation Media #
The installation media contain all the necessary packages and meta information that is necessary to install a SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. These must be available to the installation system after booting for installation. Several possibilities for providing the installation media to the system are available with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
- Installation from DVD
All necessary data is delivered on the boot media. Depending on the selected installation, a network connection or add-on media may be necessary.
- Networked Installation
If you plan to install several systems, providing the installation media over the network makes things a lot easier. It is possible to install from many common protocols, such as NFS, HTTP, FTP, or SMB. For more information on how to run such an installation, refer to Chapter 11, Remote Installation.
2.4 Installation Procedure #
This section offers an overview of the steps required for the complete installation of SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server in the required mode. Part II, “The Installation Workflow” contains a full description of how to install and configure the system with YaST.
2.4.1 Booting from a Local Interchangeable Drive #
DVD-ROM and USB storage devices can be used for installation purposes. Adjust your computer to your needs:
Make sure that the drive is entered as a bootable drive in the BIOS.
Insert the boot medium in the drive and start the boot procedure.
The installation boot menu of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server allows transferring different parameters to the installation system. See also Section 11.2.2, “Using Custom Boot Options”. If the installation should be performed over the network, specify the installation source here.
If unexpected problems arise during installation, use safe settings to boot.
2.4.2 Installing over the Network #
An installation server is required to perform the installation by using a network source. The procedure for installing this server is outlined in Chapter 8, Setting Up the Server Holding the Installation Sources.
If you have an SLP server, select SLP as the installation source in the first boot screen. During the boot procedure, select which of the available installation sources to use.
If the DVD is available on the network, use it as an installation source. In
this case, specify the parameter install=<URL> with
suitable values at the boot prompt. Find a more detailed description of this
parameter in Section 11.2.2, “Using Custom Boot Options”.
2.5 Controlling the Installation #
Control the installation in one of several ways. The method most frequently used is to install SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server from the computer console. Other options are available for different situations.
2.5.1 Installation on the Computer Console #
The simplest way to install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is using the computer console. With this method, a graphical installation program guides you through the installation. This installation method is discussed in detail in Chapter 6, Installation with YaST.
You can still perform the installation on the console without a working graphics mode. The text-based installation program offers the same functionality as the graphical version. Find some hints about navigation in this mode in Section 5.1, “Navigation in Modules”.
2.5.2 Installation Using a Serial Console #
For this installation method, you need a second computer that is connected
by a null modem cable to the computer on which to
install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. Depending on the hardware, even the firmware or BIOS
of the computer may already be accessible to the serial console. If this is
possible, you can carry out the entire installation using this method. To
activate the serial console installation, specify the additional
console=ttyS0 parameter at the boot prompt. This should be
done after the boot process has completed and before the installation system starts.
On most computers, there are two serial interfaces, ttyS0 and ttyS1. For the installation, you need a terminal program like minicom or screen. To initiate the serial connection, launch the screen program in a local console by entering the following command:
screen /dev/ttyS0 9600
This means that screen listens to the first serial port with a baud rate of 9600. From this point on, the installation proceeds similarly to the text-based installation over this terminal.
2.5.3 Installation with SSH #
If you do not have direct access to the machine and initiated the
installation from a management console, you can control the
entire installation process over the network. To do this, enter the
parameters ssh=1 and
ssh.password=SECRET at the boot
prompt. An SSH daemon is then launched in the system and you can log in as
user root with the password SECRET.
To connect, use ssh -X. X-Forwarding over SSH is
supported, if you have a local X server available. Otherwise, YaST
provides a text interface over ncurses. YaST then guides you through the
installation. This procedure is described in detail in
Section 11.1.5, “Simple Remote Installation via SSH—Dynamic Network Configuration”.
If you do not have a DHCP server available in your local network, manually
assign an IP address to the installation system. Do this by entering the
option HostIP=IPADDR at the boot
prompt.
2.5.4 Installation over VNC #
If you do not have direct access to the system, but want a graphical installation, install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server over VNC. This method is described in detail in Section 11.3.1, “VNC Installation”.
As suitable VNC clients are also available for other operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows and mac OS, the installation can also be controlled from computers running those operating systems.
2.5.5 Installation with AutoYaST #
If you need to install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on several computers with similar hardware, it is recommended you perform the installations using AutoYaST. In this case, start by installing one SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and use this to create the necessary AutoYaST configuration files.
AutoYaST is extensively documented in AutoYaST.
2.6 Dealing with Boot and Installation Problems #
Prior to delivery, SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server is subjected to an extensive test program. Despite this, problems occasionally occur during boot or installation.
2.6.1 Problems Booting #
Boot problems may prevent the YaST installer from starting on your system. Another symptom is when your system does not boot after the installation has been completed.
- Installed System Boots, Not Media
Change your computer's firmware or BIOS so that the boot sequence is correct. To do this, consult the manual for your hardware.
- The Computer Hangs
Change the console on your computer so that the kernel outputs are visible. Be sure to check the last outputs. This is normally done by pressing Ctrl–Alt–F10. If you cannot resolve the problem, consult the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server support staff. To log all system messages at boot time, use a serial connection as described in Section 2.5, “Controlling the Installation”.
- Boot Disk
The boot disk is a useful interim solution if you have difficulties setting the other configurations or if you want to postpone the decision regarding the final boot mechanism. For more details on creating boot disks, see
grub2-mkrescue.- Virus Warning after Installation
There are BIOS variants that check the structure of the boot sector (MBR) and erroneously display a virus warning after the installation of GRUB 2. Solve this problem by entering the BIOS and looking for corresponding adjustable settings. For example, switch off . You can switch this option back on again later. It is unnecessary, however, if Linux is the only operating system you use.
2.6.2 Problems Installing #
If an unexpected problem occurs during installation, information is needed to determine the cause of the problem. Use the following directions to help with troubleshooting:
Check the outputs on the various consoles. You can switch consoles with the key combination Ctrl–Alt–Fn. For example, obtain a shell in which to execute various commands by pressing Ctrl–Alt–F2.
Try launching the installation with “Safe Settings” (press F5 on the installation screen and choose ). If the installation works without problems in this case, there is an incompatibility that causes either
ACPIorAPICto fail. In some cases, a BIOS or firmware update fixes this problem.Check the system messages on a console in the installation system by entering the command
dmesg -T.
2.6.3 Redirecting the Boot Source to the Boot DVD #
To simplify the installation process and avoid accidental installations, the default setting on the installation DVD for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is that your system is booted from the first hard disk. At this point, an installed boot loader normally takes over control of the system. This means that the boot DVD can stay in the drive during an installation. To start the installation, choose one of the installation possibilities in the boot menu of the media.