4.2. The Text Mode Installation Program User Interface

4.2. The Text Mode Installation Program User Interface

4.2. The Text Mode Installation Program User Interface

The Red Hat Enterprise Linux text mode installation program uses a screen-based interface that includes most of the on-screen widgets commonly found on graphical user interfaces. Figure 4.1, “Installation Program Widgets as seen in Boot Loader Configuration”, and Figure 4.2, “Installation Program Widgets as seen in Disk Druid”, illustrate the screens that appear during the installation process.

Note

While text mode installations are not explicitly documented, those using the text mode installation program can easily follow the GUI installation instructions. One thing to note is that manipulation of LVM (Logical Volume Management) disk volumes is only possible in graphical mode. In text mode it is only possible to view and accept the default LVM setup.

Installation Program Widgets as seen in Boot Loader Configuration

Figure 4.1. Installation Program Widgets as seen in Boot Loader Configuration

Installation Program Widgets as seen in Disk Druid

Figure 4.2. Installation Program Widgets as seen in Disk Druid

Here is a list of the most important widgets shown in Figure 4.1, “Installation Program Widgets as seen in Boot Loader Configuration” and Figure 4.2, “Installation Program Widgets as seen in Disk Druid”:

4.2.1. Using the Keyboard to Navigate

Navigation through the installation dialogs is performed through a simple set of keystrokes. To move the cursor, use the Left, Right, Up, and Down arrow keys. Use Tab, and Shift-Tab to cycle forward or backward through each widget on the screen. Along the bottom, most screens display a summary of available cursor positioning keys.

To "press" a button, position the cursor over the button (using Tab, for example) and press Space or Enter. To select an item from a list of items, move the cursor to the item you wish to select and press Enter. To select an item with a checkbox, move the cursor to the checkbox and press Space to select an item. To deselect, press Space a second time.

Pressing F12 accepts the current values and proceeds to the next dialog; it is equivalent to pressing the OK button.

Caution

Unless a dialog box is waiting for your input, do not press any keys during the installation process (doing so may result in unpredictable behavior).