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SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP2

Installation Quick Start

Publication Date: September 28, 2024

This Quick Start guides you step-by-step through the installation of SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP2.

1 Welcome to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

Use the following procedures to install the product on all supported hardware platforms. They assume you have successfully booted/IPLed into the installation system. For more detailed installation instructions and deployment strategies, refer to the Book “Deployment Guide”. For platform specific preparations required to boot or IPL into the installation system, refer to the following parts of the aforementioned guide:

  • Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 2 “Installation on AMD64 and Intel 64”

  • Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 3 “Installation on AArch64”

  • Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 4 “Installation on IBM POWER”

  • Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 5 “Installation on IBM Z and LinuxONE”

1.1 The Unified Installer

Starting with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 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 and extensions to be installed on top of the Unified Installer.

1.2 Installing Offline or without Registration

The default installation medium SLE-15-SP2-Online-ARCH-GM-media1.iso is optimized for size and does not contain any modules and extensions. Therefore, the installation requires network access to register your product and retrieve repository data for the modules and extensions.

For installation without registering the system, use the SLE-15-SP2-Full-ARCH-GM-media1.iso image from https://download.suse.com/.

Tip
Tip: Copying the Installation Media Image to a Removable Flash Disk

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

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

IMAGE needs to be replaced with the path to the SLE-15-SP2-Online-ARCH-GM-media1.iso or SLE-15-SP2-Full-ARCH-GM-media1.iso image file. FLASH_DISK needs to be replaced with the flash device. To identify the device, insert it and run:

# 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:

# 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-SP2-Full-ARCH-GM-media1.iso would be:

dd if=SLE-15-SP2-Full-ARCH-GM-media1.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!

2 The Installation Procedure

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

2.1 Language, Keyboard, and Product Selection

Language, Keyboard, and Product Selection

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 Server. Proceed with Next.

Tip
Tip: High contrast color scheme

If you are having 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.

2.2 License Agreement

License Agreement

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 Server. Proceed with Next.

2.3 Network Settings

Network Setting

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 8 “Installation Steps”, Section 8.6 “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.

2.4 IBM Z: Disk Activation

Skip this step if you are not installing on IBM Z hardware.

IBM Z: Disk Activation

Configure the attached hard disks. Select DASD, Fibre Channel Attached SCSI Disks (zFCP), or iSCSI for the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. The DASD and zFCP configuration buttons are only available if the corresponding devices are attached. Proceed with Next to set up the selected disk type.

2.5 Registration

Registration

To get technical support and product updates, you need to register and activate SUSE Linux Enterprise Server with the SUSE Customer Center or a local registration server. Registering your product 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 install with the next step, are loaded from the registration server.

Register System via scc.suse.com

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 Server. Proceed with Next.

Register System via Local RMT Server

If your organization provides a local registration server, you may alternatively register there. Activate Register System via local RMT Server and either choose a URL from the drop-down box or type in an address. Proceed with Next.

Skip Registration

If you are offline or want to skip registration, activate Skip Registration. Accept the warning with OK and proceed with Next.

Important
Important: Skipping the Registration

Your system and extensions need to be registered in order to retrieve updates and to be eligible for support. Skipping the registration is only possible when installing from the SLE-15-SP2-Full-ARCH-GM-media1.iso image.

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 or the command line tool SUSEConnect.

Tip
Tip: Installing Product Patches at Installation Time

After SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 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.

2.6 Extension and Module Selection

Extension and Module Selection

After the system is successfully registered, the installer lists modules and extensions that are available for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. 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 life cycles, 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 Server:

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 Server versions. This module is selected for installation by default and should not be deselected.

Dependencies: None

Containers Module

Contains support and tools for containers.

Dependencies: Basesystem

Desktop Applications Module

Adds a graphical user interface and essential desktop applications to the system.

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

Legacy Module

Helps you migrating applications from earlier versions of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and other systems to SLES 15 SP2, by providing packages which are discontinued on SUSE Linux Enterprise. Packages in this module are selected based on the requirement for migration and the level of complexity of configuration.

This module is recommended when migrating from a previous product version.

Dependencies: Basesystem, Server Applications

NVIDIA Compute Module

Contains the NVIDIA CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) drivers.

The software in this module is provided by NVIDIA under the CUDA End User License Agreement and not supported by SUSE.

Dependencies: Basesystem

Public Cloud Module

Contains all tools required to create images for deploying SUSE Linux Enterprise Server in cloud environments such as the Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Compute Platform, or OpenStack.

Dependencies: Basesystem, Server Applications

Python 2 Module

SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP2 uses Python version 3. This module contains the Python 2 runtime and modules.

Dependencies: Basesystem

Server Applications Module

Adds server functionality by providing network services such as DHCP server, name server, or Web server. This module is selected for installation by default; deselecting it is not recommended.

Dependencies: Basesystem

SUSE Enterprise Storage

Adds support for distributed storage with Ceph to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. Requires a separate license key.

Dependencies: Basesystem, Server Applications

SUSE Linux Enterprise High Availability

Adds clustering support for mission critical setups to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. This extension requires a separate license key.

Dependencies: Basesystem, Server Applications

SUSE Linux Enterprise Live Patching

Adds support for performing critical patching without having to shut down the system. This extension requires a separate license key.

Dependencies: Basesystem, Server Applications

SUSE Linux Enterprise Workstation Extension

Extends the functionality of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server with packages from SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, like additional desktop applications (office suite, e-mail client, graphical editor, etc.) and libraries. It allows to combine both products to create a fully featured workstation. This extension requires a separate license key.

Dependencies: Basesystem, Desktop Applications

SUSE Package Hub

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

Dependencies: Basesystem

Transactional Server Module

Adds support for transactional updates. Updates are either applied to the system all together in a single transaction, or not at all. This happens without influencing the running system. If an update fails, or if the successful update is deemed to be incompatible or otherwise incorrect, it can be discarded to immediately return the system to its previous functioning state.

Dependencies: Basesystem

Web and Scripting Module

Contains packages intended for a running Web server.

Dependencies: Basesystem, Server Applications

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 want 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.

Important
Important: Default Modules for Offline Installation

When performing an offline installation from the SLE-15-SP2-Full-ARCH-GM-media1.iso, only the Basesystem Module is selected by default. To install the complete default package set of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, additionally select the Server Applications Module.

2.7 Add-On Product

Add-On Product

The Add-On Product dialog allows you to add additional software sources (so-called repositories) to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, 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.

2.8 System Role

System Role

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.

2.9 Suggested Partitioning

Suggested Partitioning

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 10 “Expert Partitioner”, Section 10.1 “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.

Warning
Warning: Disk Space Units

Note that for partitioning purposes, disk space is measured in binary units, rather than in decimal units. For example, if you enter sizes of 1GB, 1GiB or 1G, they all signify 1 GiB (Gibibyte), as opposed to 1 GB (Gigabyte).

Binary

1 GiB = 1 073 741 824 bytes.

Decimal

1 GB = 1 000 000 000 bytes.

Difference

1 GiB ≈ 1.07 GB.

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

2.10 Clock and Time Zone

Clock and Time Zone

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 8 “Installation Steps”, Section 8.12 “Clock and Time Zone” for detailed information. Proceed with Next.

2.11 Local User

Local User

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.

2.12 Authentication for the System Administrator root

Authentication for “root”

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 8 “Installation Steps”, Section 8.14 “Authentication for the System Administrator root for more information. You can also add the public SSH key later (see Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 8 “Installation Steps”, Section 8.14 “Authentication for the System Administrator root”, Adding a Public SSH Key for User root).

Proceed with Next.

2.13 Installation Settings

Installation Settings

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.

Important
Important: 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 have to adjust 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 21 “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, where all ports are closed by default, ensuring maximum security. See Book “Security and Hardening Guide”, Chapter 23 “Masquerading and Firewalls” for configuration details.

The SSH service is enabled by default, but its port (22) is closed in the firewall. Click on open to open it or disable to disable the service. Note that if SSH is disabled, remote logins 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 18 “Kexec and Kdump”, Section 18.7 “Basic Kdump Configuration” for more information.

Default Systemd Target

In case you have installed the desktop applications module, the system boots into the graphical target, with network, multiuser and display manager support. Switch to multi-user if you do not need to log in via display manager.

System

View detailed hardware information by clicking System. In the resulting screen you can also change Kernel Settings—see Book “Deployment Guide”, Chapter 8 “Installation Steps”, Section 8.15.9 “System for more information.

2.14 Start the Installation

Start Installation

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.

2.15 The Installation Process

Installation Process

During the installation, the progress is shown in detail on the Details tab. The SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 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 4 “YaST in Text Mode” for information on using YaST from a terminal.

3 Legal Notice

Copyright© 2006– 2024 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.