red hat linux 7.1

[XJoEX]

im new to linux and recently purchased red hat linux 7.1 publishers edition that came with a book cALLED "mastering red hat linux 7.1" for $5 at microcenter but it wont install on my computer

help me if u can:confused:

[Rinias]

You're going to want to upgrade that right away. First, Redhat does not support their line of Linux distributions anymore. Second, if you want to stick with redhat (so that you can use your book at least a little), Redhat produces an open-source Linux version called Fedora Core. Fedroa Core is at version 2 right now.

You don't have to stick to Redhat either. There are many many Linux distros that you can choose from. If you can't afford to download one (not a good enough internet connection), then others are available for purchase. But they are (almost) all free for download as well.

The only pro I can see to using Redhat 7.1 is if you have old hardware, but even that is not completely true. The newer versions usually support all old hardware as well. You might only consider a "lighter" version if you don't hve much space or processing power.

You can find out a lot about Linux distributions at Distrowatch (http://www.distrowatch.com) and you might want to read your book a bit before getting started- Linux is really different. That's not to say that you can't do it!! :D

Another problem that you could be having (though I strongly suggest getting a newer Linux version), is that you need to make sure that you can boot the CD drive before the harddrive.

This is changed in the "Boot order" in the BIOS. When you are starting up your computer, (still the black screen in the beginning), hold down DEL. (There should be a message: del to enter setup). This is the BIOS.

Change the boot order here, save the changes, exit and reboot. The CD should load now.

GOOD LUCK and good searching! :D

[Alex Cavnar, aka alc6379]

Additionally, this is the "Which Distro" channel-- if you have issues installing or running Linux, try one of our other channels, namely Installation, or try Software, Hardware, Networking, or the like, if you have a relevant subject.

[Icarus]

Sorry, but this is a "It don't work, what's wrong" kind of question...at least we know what Distro you're trying to install :D

Red Hat 7.1 is very old and was designed for hardware from over 4 years ago.

Do you have any error messages? What exactly does "it wont install on my computer" mean?
Does the CD-ROM refuse to read the CD?
Does it not boot to the GUI install?
What?