Package: installation-reports
Boot method: Network install using a boot CD
Image version: debian-Lenny-DI-rc2-386-netinst.iso
Date: Feb. 10, 2009
Machine: Micron Millennium Xku
Processor: Pentium II
Memory: 384 MB
Partitions: The machine won't boot, but then entire 8 GB disk was being
used for Lenny & swap
Output of lspci -knn (or lspci -nn): not available
Base System Installation Checklist:
[O] = OK, [E] = Error (please elaborate below), [ ] = didn't try it
Initial boot: [O ]
Detect network card: [O ]
Configure network: [O ]
Detect CD: [O ]
Load installer modules: [O ]
Detect hard drives: [O ]
Partition hard drives: [O ]
Install base system: [O ]
Clock/timezone setup: [O ]
User/password setup: [O ]
Install tasks: [O ]
Install boot loader: [O ]
Overall install: [E ]
Comments/Problems: After the install (graphical), the dialog asked that
the CD be removed, then click Continue to reboot. Did that, and the
machine complained about some thermal devices failing (I doubt that they
exist), then everything stopped, just a blank screen. I rebooted, tried
both boot options (multi & single user), but the results were the same.
Previously, the machine had Etch, which booted fine, although there was
a small video problem. Etch detected the Voodoo 3dfx card and the
viewsonic monitor, but got some of the settings wrong, which I
corrected.
Let me know if there are any debug suggestions and I'll try them.
<Description of the install, in prose, and any thoughts, comments
and ideas you had during the initial install.>
I kept some notes on the install from the boot CD and would like to
share them for your thoughts.
1. The install from a netinstall CD takes a long time -- over two
hours! Perhaps that could be cut down a little?
2. I used the graphical installer because I assume that is the
direction Debian is headed. Personally, a good text installer is fine
with me as long as enough information is presented to make good
decisions.
3. The graphical installer is hard on the eyes because it uses a
default video setting. I understand why this is done, which is why I
like text installers better.
4. Before installation really gets going, the installer should detect
all the key hardware such as video card, monitor, audio, disks, etc.,
then present the information to the user for correction of each. In
addition, it should flag the user if there is a conflict such that
something may not work (like the video card for example). Doing this
would save a lot of time and aggravation.
5. The installer needs either a help function, or just more descriptive
text so the user can make matter decisions. For example, why use one
partition instead of one for the OS and one for the home dir. I already
have the answer to that, but a lot of people may not.
6. A printable installation guide is needed because it is often not
possible to be online while installing. The guide needs troubleshooting
information in it. This information is on the Debian web site, but
HTML, not a PDF that I have found (let me know if I missed one).
All said, I do like Debian and will try again when Lenny is released.
Dave,
--
dave boland
dbola...@fastmail.fm
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