Task 7: Configure the Network

If the target machine has no Ethernet card, then configuring the network is not going to provide any real functionality. Under those conditions the Main Menu will look like:

Main Menu: Configure the hostname and the only network configuration action allowed will be creating the new system's hostname. If there is an Ethernet adapter in the machine, and its driver has been loaded in previous steps, the Main Menu will look like:

Main Menu: Configure the Network The option to Configure the Network is presented at this time to provide the possibility of installing the Base System over an Ethernet connection. Even if the base system is to be installed from floppy disk, it is probably a good idea to go through this section anyway, as it creates files that will be of use later if networking is desired.

There will be an option to set up a PPP connection in the Second Stage of the installation. Pressing ENTER at Configure the Network will present the following:

Choose a hostname If you do decide to go ahead with network configuration, here is where you enter the hostname for this machine. If you have no special name to give this machine, then press enter and the default, debian will be used. For this example installation, the hostname alice has been chosen. Selecting a hostname will present the following dialogue box:

Automatic Network Configuration You only want to say yes to this option if these DHCP or BOOTP servers are available somewhere on the LAN. Otherwise tab over to the No button and press ENTER. The next screen will ask for an IP address for the target machine.

Choose an IP Address You may need to check with your system administrator to obtain the correct address to insert in place of the example default provided on the screen. This is the address that the target machines Ethernet card is expected to respond to. Next you are presented with a choice of network mask.

Choose a Network Mask The default value provided is most often correct, so all that is needed here is the press of the return key. If you think this is not correct, check with your system administrator for confirmation. Next you will be asked for the gateway address for your LAN.

Choose a Gateway Address If there is no gateway simply clear the line and press ENTER. As before, if you have any questions, ask your system administrator for help. Now you will be offered the opportunity to provide the domain name for your LAN.

Choose a Domain Name This name, appended to your hostname, forms the complete name designation for the target machine. Unlike the hostname, which can not contain the ``.'' (dot) character, the domain name is often broken into several parts using the dot character. The following screen provides for the entry of up to 3 Designated Name Servers.

Choose a Designated Name Server Enter the IP address of the name servers you wish to use, separated by blanks, onto the line provided in the above dialog box.

This completes the network configuration step, although you can always re-select this option from the main menu if you made a mistake and want to change something.