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#1

Hello, I’m just getting started with openSUSE. I’m about as green as they come. My wife’s hard drive died and rather than shell out $200 for another copy of windows, I’m wanting to migrate to Linux. I’ve been wanting to do it for a while now but I haven’t really had the motivation until now.

Having said that, I got as far as downloading the .iso file. The part I’m stuck with is checking the MD5sum. How necessary is it really to do that? I downloaded MD5DEEP and ran it but all it does is open a dos command window but never prompts me. Any assistance that can be given to me on this would be most appreciated. I’m really excited to get into openSUSE and learn the technical side of it as well as enjoying a new non-windows interface.

#2

Burn it to a disc
It’s easier maybe for you to just boot the cd or dvd and do this

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10573557/11.4_DVD_Install/1_mediacheck.jpg

#3

Just to clarify:

I don’t think I ever had a .iso corrupt, it’s the burning where it all goes down the toilet. Burn it Slow!

#4

Is there any other way to do it besides burning to a CD or DVD?

Also, does the installation allow me to reformat the hard drive? The one I’m going to be using has an old copy of windows vista on it that I’d rather just delete.

#5

You can make a live USB, but most people find it difficult. SDB:Live USB stick - openSUSE
Yes, the installer can format the HD no problem

#6

You need to go into expert mode because, if there is enough room, the default is to leave Windows or just shrink the partition.

Also set the hardware clock to UTC if you have no Windows and enable the MBR and boot options.

#7

You can select the whole HD to be used at this point:

Follow this screen
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10573557/11.4_DVD_Install/9.Installer_suggests_partitions.jpg

Choose the first option at this screen
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10573557/11.4_DVD_Install/10.Custom.jpg

#8

On 2011-04-10 18:36, Mazate wrote:
> Having said that, I got as far as downloading the .iso file. The part
> I’m stuck with is checking the MD5sum. How necessary is it really to do
> that? I downloaded MD5DEEP and ran it but all it does is open a dos
> command window but never prompts me.

Get used to that, Linux does that a lot >:-)

I’m sure the program comes with help, probably by giving the “/?” option.
Or with a readme file.

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.
(from 11.2 x86_64 “Emerald” at Telcontar)

#9

Thanks for all the responses. The issue I’m having now is that the computer isnt booting the .iso file… is there anything else I need to put on the CD other than the .iso file?

#10

You don’t copy the file to the CD you must burn as an ISO. Most burning software as that option.

#11

→ This article might help. Good luck.

#12

I’m using InfraRecorder and there isn’t any “burn as .iso” option, but on the options page under configuration, it says “Register the shell extension with the following file extensions:” then I select “Disk Images - .iso, .cue”

Sorry to be so clueless… I haven’t burned a CD in ages.

#13

Figured it out… hopefully all goes well from here.

#14

Maybe a good place to start would be the help for the InfraRecorder application.

#15

Ok, I may be doing this part wrong. I burned the image on the CD, put the CD in the computer and turned it on. This time it booted from the CD. (Since I burned it correctly this time.) I chose the option to validate the content on the CD by clicking “check installation media.” I compared the MD5 code to the one on the site where I downloaded it originally and they dont match, not even close. Which MD5 code am I supposed to be comparing it to? I can run the OS from the CD without any troubles but I want to install on the hard drive…

#16

On 2011-04-11 23:36, Mazate wrote:

> I compared the MD5 code to the one on the site where I downloaded it
> originally and they dont match, not even close. Which MD5 code am I
> supposed to be comparing it to?

When you boot the CD, there is an option to “check install media” - use it.

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.
(from 11.2 x86_64 “Emerald” at Telcontar)

#17

I did use it and the code that it came up with didn’t resemble in any way the code that was on the page that I downloaded the file from. Nevertheless, it installed without a hitch and works fine. I still have to learn how to use it but at least for now I’ve got web access and email capability. Can I expect problems down the road if the MD% doesn’t match even remotely? Usually if they dont match, is it only off on a few digits or does it come up totally different?

#18

On 2011-04-12 01:06, Mazate wrote:
>
> I did use it and the code that it came up with didn’t resemble in any
> way the code that was on the page that I downloaded the file from.

The autocheck on the CD should say pass or not pass, not a value.

> Nevertheless, it installed without a hitch and works fine. I still have
> to learn how to use it but at least for now I’ve got web access and
> email capability. Can I expect problems down the road if the MD%
> doesn’t match even remotely?

There is another check for each individual package as it is installed. This
would protect the DVD, but not much the CD, because it installs an image,
not individual packages.

It is quite difficult to say if it will have an effect or not.

> Usually if they dont match, is it only off
> on a few digits or does it come up totally different?

It can be totally different.

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.
(from 11.2 x86_64 “Emerald” at Telcontar)