Install

After Triage and Dban we need to install an operating system to Freekboxen. After the install, it goes to Final QA.

Additional Hardware

• Consider what the user's needs are. Chances are a Pentium III 1 GHz is fast enough for web browsing without a graphics card. However, if the user is going to run 3D applications, it might make sense to include a graphics card instead of using an integrated one. Newer computers have better integrated graphics than the cards we have available.

OS selection

There is a major consensus on Debian-based OSs, with a high percentage of Ubuntu variants, and Mint, which is based on Ubuntu.

As of 2014-09 most recent installs have been Xubuntu. We have a member of the development group for XFCE with us, and we have at least one person who wants Kubuntu to be the default shipped item.

64-bit vs 32-bit

• For future proofing, if the computer supports 64-bit, it might make sense to use it. Many programs are starting to be 64-bit only, and most software is available in 64-bit. This will also run 32-bit software.
• If the computer is older, it won't support 64-bit, so 32-bit is appropriate, and is well supported as of 2014. 32-bit mode can support even older 16-bit software, which is rarely needed. Virtualization is another solution.

LTS or bleeding edge

If the computer user is an enthusiast, a non-LTS version will work.

Configuration

Skel -- it is possible to copy files into the /etc/skel folder that will be copied into each new user folder, and can make using a computer much easier and supportable. KDE has to have all of it's "eye diabetes" turned off to work on older computers, and should be turned off by default on all installs.

Installation Media

Network Install

We can run a network installer that saves us from burning media and damaging disks. More on this is at Install Server.

DVD

Most Ubuntu variants are too large to fit on a CD-ROM. Kubuntu is about 1GiB+. Xubuntu is about .9Gib. Ultimately, when we give a person their computer, installation media is a good thing to include.

CD

Lubuntu fits onto a CD-ROM, also Puppy and DSL.

USB

Ubuntu variants, and especially Kubuntu, can work very well off of a USB flash drive. The files remain compressed so they copy quickly into memory, and it is possible to create a Live USB variant of this install media that allows files to be saved on the USB media.

Customer Completed vs Tuned

We have a few options:

• Fully configure the server.
• Use this: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Ubuntu_OEM_Installer_Overview so that the new owner can set the password, time zone, etc. This is the most professional way to deliver a computer, however the default state of some systems are less than supportable. In the mean time, it might be possible to set up a skel.
• Or, we can ship the computer fully configured.