How to Install Zenwalk Linux 6.4

Zenwalk Linux is a popular distribution for both laptop and desktop computers, designed to be customizable in a variety of capacities including server and multimedia uses. Immediately upon install you will be able to surf the internet, email, chat with friends, program in a variety of languages, watch videos, edit images, burn CDs and DVDs and create documents as well as a list of other tasks this operating system comes equipped to handle "out of the box."

The interface is simple and unadorned, making it perfect for those who don't like a lot of clutter on their desktop, but customizable to meet your individual preferences. Like a lot of linux distributions, Zenwalk does not share the major hardware requirements of Microsoft Windows, making this an excellent distribution for older computers.

The best way to learn about Zenwalk Linux is to install it on an older test computer; this way you can learn and explore in safety without worrying about losing an essential Windows program or trying to figure out how to complete all of your daily tasks at once in an unfamiliar environment. You can try it out, learning how it works and exploring all of the things it is capable of at your convenience using this method.

Before making any changes to a computer, always back up the files contained on the system. Replacing the operating system on a computer will erase any and all files on that machine, so make sure that you have the original restore discs in the event that you change your mind about using Zenwalk Linux.

Hardware Requirements:
Minimum Pentium III class processor
256 MB RAM
4 GB HDD

Things You'll Need:
Extra Computer
Blank CD
Internet Connection

Step One:
Visit the Zenwalk Linux download page to acquire a copy of the ISO file you will use to install the operating system.

Step Two:
Burn the ISO file to CD using the image burning program of your choice. If you do not have an image burning program, ImgBurn is a free program that is easy to use.

Step Three:
Turn on the test computer and insert the newly-burned CD into the optical drive of the system. Press (Ctrl)+(Alt)+(Del) to restart the computer from the CD-Rom drive.

Step Four:
Press (Enter) when Zenwalk boots to accept the default parameters.

Step Five:
Select "Autoinstall" by using the Down arrow key and press (Enter). This will instruct Zenwalk to partition your computer automatically. NOTE: This will erase all information on the computer--you did back everything up, didn't you?

Step Six:
Press the (Space) button to select the highlighted hard disk for the Zenwalk Linux install. If you have multiple hard drives installed on the computer, use the arrow keys to select the preferred hard disk at this point. Press (Enter) to select.

Step Seven:
Press the down arrow key to verify that you want this hard drive to be dedicated to Zenwalk Linux and press (Enter). Zenwalk Linux will now prepare your hard drive and begin the installation process. The screen will show information about what programs are installing and what Zenwalk is doing to your computer. Grab a cup of coffee while Zenwalk does its thing.

Step Eight:
Press (Enter) to accept the simple LILO boot loader installation.

Step Nine:
Use the arrow keys to select the proper resolution for your boot-time splash screen and press (Enter). Normally, the default choice is acceptable here.

Step Ten:
Press (Enter) to continue without adding any parameters. This is here just in case you need it, though most people don't.

Step Eleven:
Press (Enter) to install Lilo to the Master boot record of your hard drive.

Step Twelve:
Press (Enter) to reboot your computer.

Step Thirteen:
Press (Enter) to boot your new operating system.

Step Fourteen:
Use the arrow buttons to read the GNU General Public license and press (Enter) to continue.

Step Fifteen:
Use the arrow keys to select your keyboard (usually the highlighted choice is okay) and press (Enter).

Step Sixteen:
Enter a password for Root and press (Enter). Write this password down somewhere safe because you may be forced to reinstall if you lose it.

Step Seventeen:
Type in the password again and press (Enter).

Step Eighteen:
Press the down arrow key to select "New User" and press (Enter). We need to create a user account so that you can use Zenwalk Linux.

Step Nineteen:
Type in a name for the user and press (Enter).

Step Twenty:
Press (Enter) to accept the default group for your user account (users).

Step Twenty-one:
Press (Enter) again to accept the default home directory.

Step Twenty-Two:
Press (Enter) to accept the populated list of additional groups for your user account.

Step Twenty-Three:
Press (Enter) to accept the default shell interpreter for your account.

Step Twenty-Four:
Use the arrow keys to highlight "Never" as the account expiry date and press (Enter).

Step Twenty-Five:
Type in your real name and press (Enter).

Step Twenty-Six:
Leave the office information blank (or type in any relevant information) and press (Enter).

Step Twenty-Seven:
Type in your work phone number and press (Enter). You can also leave this area blank if you desire. Repeat for the home phone number on the next screen.

Step Twenty-Eight:
Type in a password for your user account and press (Enter). Write down this password--you can lose access to your files without this!

Step Twenty-Nine:
Type the password again and press (Enter) to verify. This prevents you from mistyping the password.

Step Thirty:
Use the arrow keys to highlight "Done" and press (Enter).

Step Thirty-One:
Use the arrow keys to highlight "Exit" and press the (Enter) key. Zenwalk will now configure the Xserver, which is the graphical user interface. Just take a break while the computer works. A graphical login screen will appear when it is finished.

Step Thirty-Two:
Type in your user name and press (Enter).

Step Thirty-Three:
Type in your password (it will appear as dots) and press (Enter).

Congratulations! You have now installed Zenwalk Linux on your computer. The steps seem complicated, but once you get them done you can settle in and explore. Click the dolphin at the top left corner of the screen to explore the pre-installed programs or visit the icons at the bottom of the desktop to use one of those programs. When you are done click on the green icon on the top right of the screen to quit.

Enjoy!

Source:
Copy of Zenwalk Linux 6.4
Zenwalk.org