Here is a list of the many changes which have been made in order to make the Red Hat Linux
installation process even easier:

• New HTTP Installation Method
• ``Out-of-the-Box'' Processor Optimized Kernel Support
• New Boot Disks
• Improved Package Selection Screen
• New Authentication Configuration Screen
• Xconfigurator Now Part of Install

Let's take a look at each one in a bit more detail.

The Red Hat Linux 6.0 installation program has added HTTP to its available list of network-class installations. Similar to the way you would perform an FTP installation, you are now able to log in to a website and install Linux.

Optimized kernels for the Pentium Pro, Pentium II, and Pentium III processors and APM enabled kernels are now supported. Additionally, the Red Hat Linux 6.0 installation now has SMPmotherboard support. The installation process will probe your system and if more than one processor is detected, an SMPenabled kernel will be automatically installed.

There are now two boot disks for Red Hat Linux. One is for installing from local media (CD-ROM installs, hard drive installs) and the other is for network based installs (NFS, FTP, or HTTP).

Additionally, the supplemental disk has been replaced by the PCMCIA support disk. All install methods now require only one disk, unless you need PCMCIA support during the install. If needed, you will be prompted for the PCMCIA support disk.

Individual package selection has been improved, with collapsible and expandable tree menus to allow easy selection of packages during the installation process.

The Authentication Configuration screen gives you the option of enabling three different types of passwords:

• Enable NIS -- allows you to run a group of computers in the same Network Information Service domain with a common password and group file. There are two options here to choose from:
  • NIS Domain -- this option allows you to specify which domain or group of computers your system will belong to.
  • NIS Server -- this option causes your computer to use a specific NIS server, rather than ``broadcasting'' a message to the local area network asking for any available server to host your system.
• Enable Shadow Passwords -- provides a very secure method of retaining passwords for you.
• Enable MD5 Passwords -- allows passwords up to 256 characters, rather than the standard eight.

Xconfigurator is now run at the very end of the install, after all filesystem components have been installed. In the past, if Xconfigurator were to hang, you would likely have to start the installation over. Now it is possible to boot Red Hat Linux and configure X after the installation has completed.

Additionally, Xconfigurator tests X during the installation to make sure it is configured correctly for your system. Xconfigurator also offers you the option of booting into the X Window System immediately after the installation.