Understanding CentOS 7 Installation Requirements
Before diving into the installation process of CentOS 7, it’s crucial to understand the system requirements and ensure that your hardware is compatible. CentOS 7 requires at least 1GB of RAM for minimal installation and 2GB for a graphical install. A minimum of 10GB of disk space is recommended, although more is advisable for practical use. Additionally, you’ll need a bootable installation media such as a DVD or USB drive.
Creating Bootable Media
To create a bootable USB drive, you can use tools like Rufus or dd command on Linux. For instance, using Rufus, select the downloaded CentOS 7 ISO file and the target USB drive, then click ‘Start’ to create the bootable drive.
dd if=/path/to/centos7.iso of=/dev/sdx bs=4M && sync
Replace “/path/to/centos7.iso” with the actual path to your downloaded ISO file and “/dev/sdx” with your USB device identifier.
Starting the CentOS 7 Installation Process
With the bootable media ready, insert it into your system and reboot. You may need to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to set the boot priority to the USB/DVD drive. Once the system boots from the installation media, you will be greeted by the CentOS 7 installer menu.
Selecting Installation Language
The first screen allows you to choose the language for the installation process. Select your preferred language and continue to the next step.
Installation Summary Screen
The Installation Summary screen is where you configure most of the installation settings. Here, you’ll find options for date and time, keyboard layout, language support, installation source, software selection, installation destination, network and hostname, security policy, and system purpose.
Date and Time Configuration
Click on “Date & Time” to configure your system’s timezone and enable network time synchronization if desired.
Software Selection
Under “Software Selection,” you can choose the type of installation you want, such as a minimal install, a server with a GUI, or a custom selection of packages.
Installation Destination
In the “Installation Destination” section, you can select the disk where CentOS 7 will be installed. You have the option to configure automatic partitioning or manual partitioning if you require a custom setup.
Network and Hostname Configuration
Set up your network connection and define a hostname for your system in the “Network & Hostname” section. This is also where you can configure additional network interfaces and settings.
Disk Partitioning and File System Setup
Disk partitioning is a critical step during the installation. You can opt for automatic partitioning or take control with manual partitioning. The default file system in CentOS 7 is XFS, but other file systems like ext4 are also supported.
Automatic Partitioning
For beginners or those who prefer a straightforward setup, automatic partitioning will handle all the necessary partitions for you.
Manual Partitioning
Advanced users can select “I will configure partitioning” to manually create and size partitions. Common partitions include /boot, swap, / (root), and /home.
Beginning the Installation
After configuring all settings, click “Begin Installation” to start the process. During the installation, you can set the root password and create additional user accounts.
Root Password and User Creation
It’s essential to choose a strong root password as this account has complete control over the system. Creating a separate user account with administrative privileges is also recommended for daily operations.
Completing the Installation
Once the installation completes, you will be prompted to reboot the system. Remove the installation media and press ‘Reboot’ to start your newly installed CentOS 7 system.
First Boot and Post-Installation Setup
Upon first boot, you might encounter initial setup screens such as the License Information. Accept the license agreement to proceed. You can also customize further settings or simply finish the configuration to reach the login prompt.
Post-Installation Best Practices
After installing CentOS 7, it’s good practice to update the system to get the latest patches and security updates. Use the following command to update your system:
yum update -y
Additionally, consider setting up a firewall with firewalld and enabling SELinux for enhanced security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade from CentOS 6 to CentOS 7 directly?
Direct upgrades from CentOS 6 to CentOS 7 are not recommended due to significant differences between the two versions. A fresh installation is the safest approach.
What if my system does not boot from the USB/DVD?
Ensure that the boot order is correctly set in the BIOS/UEFI settings. If the issue persists, recheck the bootable media creation process for any errors.
How do I access terminal during the installation?
You can access a terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+F2. To return to the installation interface, press Ctrl+Alt+F6.
Is an internet connection required for CentOS 7 installation?
An internet connection is not mandatory if you have a full CentOS 7 ISO image. However, it’s beneficial for downloading updates during the installation.
How can I partition my disk for dual-booting with another OS?
During manual partitioning, ensure you don’t overwrite existing partitions of the other OS. Create new partitions in the free space or resize existing ones carefully.
References
- CentOS Official Download Page
- Rufus – Create bootable USB drives
- CentOS 7 Installation Guide
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 Installation Guide (CentOS is built from RHEL sources)
