Linux OS Installation Options

You can choose to install an OS on a single server or on multiple servers. The scope of this document is for single server OS installations. The table below provides some information about these two installation options.

Option Description Multiple servers You can use Oracle Enterprise Manager Ops Center to install an OS on multiple servers, For information, go to http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/oem/ops-center/index.html. Single server Install an OS to a single server using one of the following methods: Locally: Perform the OS installation locally at the server. This option is recommended if you have just completed the physical installation of the server in the rack. Remotely: Perform the OS installation from a remote location. Uses the Oracle ILOM Remote System Console Plus application to access the Oracle System Assistant or to perform a manual OS installation. Note -  Oracle recommends the use of Oracle System Assistant for single server OS installations.

For more information about single-server OS installation methods and Oracle System Assistant, see:

• Single-Server Installation Methods

• Oracle System Assistant Overview

Single-Server Installation Methods

Select a method for providing the OS installation media. Use the following information to determine the local or remote OS installation that best serves your needs.

Media Delivery Method Additional Requirements Local assisted OS installation – Uses Oracle System Assistant. (Recommended) A monitor, USB keyboard and mouse, a USB device, and an installation ISO image. For more information, see Assisted Linux OS Installation. Remote assisted OS installation – Uses Oracle System Assistant. (Recommended) Oracle ILOM Remote System Console Plus application, an installation ISO image on a DVD or a network location. For more information, see Assisted Linux OS Installation. Local OS install using a DVD drive – Uses a physical DVD drive connected to the server. A monitor, USB keyboard and mouse, a USB DVD drive, an installation ISO image on a DVD. For more information, see Manual Linux OS Installation. Remote OS install using a DVD drive or a DVD ISO image – Uses a redirected physical DVD drive or DVD ISO image on a remote system running the Oracle ILOM Remote System Console Plus application. An installation ISO image located on a DVD or a network location. If using a DVD, an attached physical DVD drive. Also requires network access to the server's management port. For more information, see Manual Linux OS Installation.

Assisted Linux OS Installation

Assisted Linux OS installation is the recommended method for installing a supported OS on your server. This method involves using Oracle System Assistant. You deliver the OS installation media on either a local or remote DVD drive, USB device, or DVD image. The Oracle System Assistant guides the process and gathers and installs the drivers when necessary. Your server must support Oracle System Assistant, and it must be installed in the server.

Manual Linux OS Installation

With the manual Linux OS installation method, you deliver the Linux OS installation ISO image on either a network location or a DVD. You also need to install any necessary drivers. The drivers for your server are available on the server's internal Oracle System Assistant flash drive (if installed) and from the My Oracle Support web site as either OS-specific and server-specific packages or as an ISO image file. To install the OS, use the installation wizard.