4.5 Installation Class

If you chose to perform a full install, the installation program will ask you to choose an installation class (see Figure 16). You will not see this screen if you chose to perform an upgrade. You may choose from the following installation classes:

• Workstation -- A workstation-class installation will automatically erase all Linux partitions from your computer's hard drive(s). This installation type will also attempt to set up a dual boot environment automatically.

• Server -- A server-class installation will automatically erase all partitions (Linux or others) from your computer's hard drive(s).

• Custom -- A custom-class installation gives you complete control over partitioning-related issues. If you have installed Red Hat Linux in the past, the custom-class installation is most similar to past installations.

Please Note: If you choose either Workstation or Server, part (or all) of your computer's stored data on all drives will be erased! You will be asked to confirm your decision; however, please keep in mind that once the installation program receives your confirmation, the erasure is irrevocable.

Please Note: WARNING -- If you choose to perform a workstation-class or server-class installation, data erasure will be irrevocable. The severity of erased data varies according to type of installation:

• Workstation-class -- Data on any existing Linux partition on any hard drive on your system will be erased.
• Server-class -- Data on all partitions of all drives will be completely erased, regardless if it is on an existing Linux partition or not.

If you choose a workstation- or server-class installation, you will be able to skip over some of the steps that the custom-class install requires. For a hard drive installation, please keep reading. For the CD-ROM workstation- or server-class installation, you should turn to Chapter 6 to continue with the install..