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Suse 10.0 Internet Install

DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER: Ok, this seems to be the way to go. I don't know how far back this was supported, but if installing 10.x, try it out.

DISCLAIMER: This note needs a rewrite because there's an easier way. I'm hoping this still works under 10.1, too, as I haven't checked it. You may want to check http://opensuse.us/viewtopic.php?t=149 for a 10.1 specific how-to.
For years I've built servers and workstations with Suse Linux with a single bootstrap CD and a fast network connection. With 10.0, using the procedure and sources I'd used for years, I couldn't find the 10.X distro.

Maybe it's just me, but I had to google around a bit to find the links I needed. And, most people I mention it to are not aware that this can be done, at least with Suse.

Here it is for posterity and for anyone else it might help.

Prerequisites

  1. A target computer with an Intel compatible processor (PowerPC chips are also supported by Suse, not covered here hard drive, at least 128MB RAM, CDROM drive, and a fast network connection.
  2. A CD Burner (or a friend with one) on a computer with software to burn an ISO.

Burn the Bootstrap CD

  1. Download the boot ISO from here or here
  2. Burn the ISO onto a CD with appropriate software and hardware. (Note: don't just copy the boot.iso file to the CD...after burning you should see many files on the CD, not just one.)
  3. Connect your target computer to power, network, keyboard, mouse and monitor.

Boot the Installer

  1. Power up the target computer and go to the BIOS screens , usually by hitting the Delete, F2, Esc, or some other key right after powerup. BIOS edits aren't covered here (yet), but you need to make sure your hard drive(s) and CDROM are recognizable, and that the boot sequence lists the CDROM before any hard drives.

  2. While you have your system idle in a BIOS screen, open the CD drive and insert the Suse boot ISO you previously burned.
  3. Save your BIOS settings and boot off the CD.
  4. PAY ATTENTION HERE: After a few spins of the CD you'll get a list of things to boot, starting with "Boot from Hard Drive"...hit an arrow key quick, or the timeout will try to boot off your hard drive.
  5. Select "Boot" using the down arrow key.
  6. In the boot line, you'll want to type exactly the text below: 
    linux26 install=ftp://mirrors.kernel.org/opensuse/distribution/SL-10.0-OSS/inst-source
    (all one line) and hit return. (You can use any "Installation Repository" link from a mirror, but I have an old preference for this one.)

    I forgot to mention: I've assumed the target machine is on a network with a DHCP server that passes out IP, gateway, and DNS settings. If you have a Linksys, Netgear, or similar router between you and the Internet, you're most likely there! If not...this install isn't going to work. Well that's another how-to I need to write.

  7. You're now looking at the fine Suse "vendor" screen, which is obscuring the real action. Hit Esc to watch the goings on...

Let the Install Games Begin

  1. After some amount of time depending on hardware and bandwidth, perhaps 1-10 minutes, you'll get a nice, graphics laiden screen asking you what language you'd like. Answer that question.
  2. Next, some aimless...er...respectful license agreement comes up. Agree to it.
  3. Then your asked if this is a new installation or upgrade. Select new installation.
  4. Clock and Time Zone come next. Set those correctly for your current zone and time. Under the "Hardware Clock Set To" make sure it says "UTC".

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