Depending on the installation media you are currently using, you may be first asked to select the CDs you actually have at hand.
It's now time to specify which programs you wish to install on your system. There are thousands of packages available for Mandriva Linux, and to make it simpler to manage, they have been placed into groups of similar applications.
Mandriva Linux sorts package groups into categories. You can mix and match applications from the various categories, so a Workstation installation can still have applications from the Server category installed.
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Workstation: if you plan to use your machine as a workstation, select one or more of the groups in this category. The special
LSBgroup will configure your system so that it complies as much as possible with the Linux Standard Base Project specifications. -
Server: if your machine is intended to be a server, select which of the more common services you wish to install on your machine.
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Graphical Environment: this is where you will choose your preferred graphical environment. At least one must be selected if you want to have a graphical interface available.
![[Tip]](tip.png) |
Tip |
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Moving the mouse cursor over a group name will display a short explanatory text about that group. |
You can check the Individual package selection box, which is useful if you're familiar with the packages being offered or if you want to have total control over what will be installed.
If you start the installation in Upgrade mode, you can deselect all groups and prevent the installation of any new packages. This is useful for repairing or updating an existing system.
Minimal Installation
If you deselect all groups when performing a regular installation (as opposed to an upgrade), a new dialog shows after pressing the button, suggesting different options for a minimal installation:
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With X: install the minimum number of packages possible to have a working graphical desktop.
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With basic documentation: installs the base system plus basic utilities and their documentation. This installation is suitable for setting up a server.
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Truly minimal install: installs the absolute minimum number of packages necessary to get a working Linux system. With this installation you will only have a command-line interface.
If you choose to install packages individually, the installer will present a tree structure containing all packages classified by groups and subgroups. While browsing the tree, you can select entire groups, subgroups, or individual packages.
Whenever you select a package on the tree, a description will appear on the right to let you know the purpose of that package.
![[Warning]](warning.png)
The Show automatically selected packages option is used to disable the warning dialog. Those appear whenever the installer automatically selects a package to resolve a dependency issue. Some packages depend on others and the installation of one particular package may require the installation of another one. The installer can determine which packages are required to satisfy a dependency and to successfully complete the installation.
The little floppy disk icon at the bottom of the list allows you to load or save the packages list. This is useful if you have a number of machines that you wish to configure identically. Click on this icon and select whether you wish to Load or Save the packages list, then select the medium in the following screen and click on the button.