Difference between revisions of "Installation Guide"

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[[Category:Installation Tutorials| Installation Tutorials]]
 
{| align="right"
 
{| align="right"
 
   | __TOC__
 
   | __TOC__
 
   |}
 
   |}
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''After installation please visit [http://linuxmce.org/troubles.php this page] and fill in any information you have about the installation process. This will aid the developers in fixing any faults.''
 
  
−
''' If you want to install LinuxMCE using the DVD check [[DVD Installation|these steps.]]'''
+
<big>For the most up-to-date Final Release see the [[Installing 1404|'''LinuxMCE 1404''']] install</big>
  
−
== Hardware notes ==
+
==About Installation (Version 0810 Final)==
  
−
See [http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Hardware this section for general hardware] recommendations.
+
This page covers what we'll call mainstream installation. It shows how to get a LinuxMCE hybrid running with minimum bells and whistles. Once the basic installation is complete, users can look at the other sections of the wiki to learn how to add more advanced features. The basic hardware consists of the computer, display, and speakers. Look at the "Core & Hybrid" section of the wiki for hardware selection articles. Here is some pre-flight advice before installation.
  
−
There are two components that are best installed prior to installing the software.
+
*The computer must be connected to the internet for a successful installation.
 +
*Recommend using a monitor for the initial install. Monitors are better than TVs for adapting to a wacky resolution setting (it could happen). You probably don't want to mess about with xorg.conf on your first install. Also recommend using a VGA cable because that is the default setting when the LMCE wizard pops up. I'd specifically advise against using an HDMI cable and expecting it to pass video and sound to your TV. It might work, but more likely it will require extensive tinkering. Its easy to swap to a different display or connection after things are up and running.
 +
*For sound, you can use computer speakers, or use an spdif connection to an external AV receiver. This is also easy to change later.
 +
*If you have a TV capture card, it will be configured during the installation. The wizard will ask where to get program guide information. In the US this is usually "schedulesdirect.org". Set up your account and know your username and password before starting the install.
  
−
For the central LinuxMCE core server, most recommended installations suggest 2 network interface cards (NICs). If you don't have a second NIC card already installed, it is easiest to do so <i>before</i> installing Kubuntu/LinuxMCE, since the second card can then be recognised and configured correctly during the initial installation. You won't have to fiddle with setting it up later, this way.
+
==Caveats==
  
−
Also, an nVidia graphics card is strongly recommended. If you don't have one installed, it is easiest to do so before starting software installation.
+
*LinuxMCE is an extremely powerful, fantastic piece of software; have no doubt about that. But, please bear in mind that it is a project, not a product.  
  
−
==Kubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy)==
+
*LinuxMCE 0810 is based on Ubuntu 8.10, which means that brand new hardware might not work out of the box. For this reason, if you are buying hardware specifically for your home automation system, you might want to use hardware that is a little older and save yourself some money at the same time. That said, in nearly all cases you will be able to get through any issues with a little patience and some help from the community. Unrecognised NICs is the most common issue.
  
−
Note:
+
*<span style="color:#FF0000">Please please please be patient. Some parts of the installation can sometimes take hours. If in doubt, leave it overnight.</span>
−
LinuxMCE 0704beta was used only with Kubuntu Desktop version 7.04 (Feisty). The current version is LinuxMCE 0710beta and is meant to be used only with Kubuntu Desktop version 7.10 (Gutsy).
+
  
−
Steps for installing Linux MCE on an Kubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) system :
+
==Basic Installation Steps==
  
−
===Existing  Kubuntu 7.10 installation===
+
I might help to think of installation as a 3-step process.
 +
*Run the DVD. This formats your drive, installs Kubuntu, and preps for LMCE installation. This step finishes by prompting reboot and DVD removal.
 +
*Install LinuxMCE. The reboot will take you to the Kubuntu screen. You'll recheck your internet connection, then click the LMCE install icon. More software will load and it will prompt another reboot.
 +
*Complete the 3 wizards (AV, House Setup, Media). This is where you tell LMCE about your system.
  
−
Using the 2 CD install method (but not the DVD method) you can install LinuxMCE 0710beta on a pre-existing installation of Kubuntu 7.10, but to complete the installation you will need a Kubuntu Desktop 7.10 Live CD anyway. Make sure you have one available. (If you need to obtain one, see the next section for the download link and burning instructions.)
+
===Run the DVD===
  
−
The install process will partially overwrite your previous Kubuntu installation using those modules from the Live CD which are known to be uniquely compatible with LinuxMCE. If you have previously modified your Kubuntu system subsequent to the original installation, you may lose some of your configuration files because LinuxMCE modifies them to suit its own needs. Therefore, do not install LinuxMCE on a mission-critical PC if you don't want to risk this. You should dedicate one PC to be the LinuxMCE core server, anyway.
+
'''<span style="color:#FF0000">Caution: Installing LinuxMCE 0810 Final will wipe your entire drive! It is not designed to be dual-booted!</span>'''  
  
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===New installation===
+
'''If you just want to quickly try LinuxMCE, then consider setting it up temporarily as a virtual machine on your Linux, Mac, or Windows box. [http://www.virtualbox.org/ VirtualBox] will allow you to do this'''
−
If you don't already have an Kubuntu system installed, follow these generic steps to install Kubuntu Desktop 7.10 from the Live CD:
+
−
# Download either the [http://releases.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/7.10/kubuntu-7.10-desktop-i386.iso 32-bit version] or the [http://releases.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/7.10/kubuntu-7.10-desktop-amd64.iso 64-bit version], depending on your processor. Use the 32-bit version if in doubt. Note that LinuxMCE comes in both a 32-bit and a 64-bit version as well, so you must match.
+
−
# If you don't know how to burn an .iso file to a bootable CD, then see [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto these instructions].
+
−
# Boot the Kubuntu Desktop 7.10 LiveCD.
+
−
# Choose 'Start or install Kubuntu'
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−
# When Kubuntu's desktop appears, click on 'Install'
+
−
# A short wizard will start and guide you; Select the language and press 'forward'
+
−
# Choose your timezone and press 'forward'
+
−
# Select the keyboard layout
+
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# Choose desktop name, a user name and a password. LinuxMCE uses linuxmce for the user and password, so it is often convenient to use linuxmce as the initial user and password at this step, as well.
+
−
# Select the partitioning options for your disk. If this is going to be a dedicated server, you can use the entire disk.
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−
# Ready to install.
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# Reboot the system and remove the Live CD.
+
  
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==LinuxMCE==
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# Download the LinuxMCE 0810 Final ISO from [http://linuxmce.iptp.org/release/LinuxMCE-8.10-final.iso here]. ''Note: Always burn at your DVD drive's lowest speed to reduce the chance of errors.''
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===Download LinuxMCE===
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# Boot from the DVD.
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[[Image:Good1.jpg|400px|right]]
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# Select your language
−
From within the Kubuntu 7.10 desktop, open Konqueror or Firefox (the orange and blue icon at the top), and go to [http://www.linuxmce.com www.linuxmce.com] and select 'Download Instructions' to download the LinuxMCE CD`s or the DVD on your machine. You can also just download directly from [[Mirrors|this link]].
+
# Select the top option "LinuxMCE"
−
 
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# Wait until the installer loads, and then...
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Note that there is a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version of LinuxMCE. If you are using a 64-bit Kubuntu 7.10 installation, download the corresponding LinuxMCE version.
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## '''Welcome''' - Select your language.
−
 
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## '''Where are you?''' - Select your location and time zone.
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===Burn download to CDs and install from CDs===
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## '''Keyboard layout''' - Select your keyboard layout.
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If you don't know how to burn an .iso file to a CD then see [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto these instructions].
+
## '''Prepare disk space''' - Set up your partitions as you wish, but the second option "Guided - use entire disk" is perfectly OK.
−
 
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## '''Who are you?''' - Set up your username, password and the system name (call it whatever you want). This username/password is specifically for the underlying system i.e. Kubuntu, it is NOT for LinuxMCE; this is handled separately.
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Burn the two CDs (assuming you are using this method).
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## '''Ready to install''' - Check everything is as it should be, and press "Install".
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# Let installation run through, and then remove disk and press enter when instructed to do so.
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You can then simply place CD 1 in the CD-ROM and the installer will autostart. You will be prompted to put CD 2 in the drive, followed by your Kubuntu Desktop Live CD (see later sections).
+
−
 
+
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The rest will take a lot of time but will essentially install automatically.
+
−
 
+
−
Alternatively, you can use the method in the next two sections if you don't want to use CDs.
+
−
 
+
−
===Installing mce-installer from KDE Menu===
+
−
[[Image:Inst1.jpg|400px|right]]
+
−
Once you have downloaded the packages, proceed with the installation. First, you have to install mce-installer, which is the software that will guide you through the installation. Right-click on it, go to Kubuntu Package Menu -> Install Package.
+
−
{{clr}}
+
−
 
+
−
===Installing mce-installer from command prompt===
+
−
Alternatively, you can install the mce-installer from a command prompt without the need to burn the ISOs as follows:
+
−
cd ''/directory/where/the/downloaded/iso/files/are/''
+
−
mkdir -pv mnt
+
−
sudo mount LinuxMCE_0704_CD1.iso mnt/ -o loop
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−
sudo dpkg -i mnt/mce-installer_2.0.1-1_i386.deb
+
−
sudo umount mnt
+
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rmdir -v mnt
+
  
 
===Install LinuxMCE===
 
===Install LinuxMCE===
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[[Image:Snapshot1.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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The installer will have put an "Install LinuxMCE" icon on your desktop.  Click it to start the installation process. A window will appear saying that you will be notified when updates are available.
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
−
====Choosing type of Core====
 
−
[[Image:Snapshot2.JPG|400px|right]]
 
−
After this you have to choose if you want a dedicated core or a hybrid ([http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Do_I_want_a_dedicated_Core%3F click here]to find out the difference between a core and a hybrid), and then click on "Forward" button.
 
−
 
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You're serious about a whole house LinuxMCE installation, right? So go ahead and make one primary PC as your designated core server (not a hybrid).
 
−
 
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If you're just playing around or checking out the system, you can choose hybrid and then use your PC as a Kubuntu desktop as well.
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
−
====Choosing Video Card====
 
−
[[Image:Snapshot3.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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*Only for Nvidia cards - LinuxMCE will detect that you are using a nVidia Card, but you are not using the proprietary video driver. Only that driver works well with LinuxMCE and nvidia cards and it will ask you it you want to switch to it now. 
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
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====Network Configuration====
 
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[[Image:Snapshot4.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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The next screen will ask you want to keep your current network configuration or if you want to set your network options manually. Then press "Forward".
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
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[[Image:Snapshot5.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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If you chose manual installation, you must set your network using static IP or DHCP.
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
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=====Choosing Mirror for Packages=====
 
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[[Image:Snapshot6.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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You have to choose a mirror. Pick one geographically close to you. Downloads will be faster.
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
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=====Choosing DHCP Server=====
 
−
[[Image:Snapshot7.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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You will be asked whether you want (the LinuxMCE core server) to Run a DHCP Server or not. The LinuxMCE core server must be the DHCP server for your home automation network in order to provide plug-and-play detection of network devices like IP Cameras and VOIP phones, and to provide network boot images to any other PC's in the home you want to use as media stations.
 
−
 
−
Hopefully you took some advice and installed a second NIC card. That second NIC card is used so that LinuxMCE can provide a DHCP network to the PCs (Media directors), orbiters, and devices <i>within</I> your automated home network. All Ethernet connections from these devices within the home automation network must be connected to a switch (or router with DHCP turned off), that is then connected to this second NIC card so that the LinuxMCE core server performs the DHCP functions for the home automation network.
 
−
 
−
If you already have a home LAN, run through a router-with-DHCP-on (connected to your DSL, cablemodem, or T1 line, for example), then, in essence, LinuxMCE will run a "nested" home automation LAN <i>within</i> your overall home LAN.
 
−
 
−
The first NIC card communicates to your overall home LAN administered by the router-with DHCP-on, which can still have some PCs outside of the home automation network, while the second NIC is connected to the home automation LAN. The LinuxMCE core server acts as the DHCP server for the home automation LAN only, through the second NIC. Savvy?
 
−
 
−
Generally, you should answer yes to this question. The only time you would answer no is when you will have only one PC that will be a combination core server/media director and you do not plan to use any plug-n-play devices other than those connected directly to the single PC.
 
−
 
−
You will be then asked if you want to keep the default Internal Network address for the home automation LAN  or if you want to change it. You might as well accept the default, unless you have some specific reason for specifying a unique IP range.
 
−
 
−
Then press 'Forward'.
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
−
====Choosing Orbiter Interface====
 
−
[[Image:Snapshot8.JPG|400px|right]]
 
−
In the next window you need to choose what interface you want to use and you have to pick one of three possibilities. There are currently three options: UI1, UI2 with masking, and UI2 with alpha-blending.  UI2 requires specific video cards. It is best to choose UI1 for the initial installation as the interface can be changed later. This will reduce the possibility of video card related errors during installation.  After installation, you can check to see if your video card can do masking and alpha-blending by following the instructions at [[Graphics Test]]
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
−
 
−
====Installing Additional Packages====
 
−
[[Image:Snapshot9.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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On the next step you have to choose if you want to install lame and libdvdcss and if it is legal in your country to use them.
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
−
 
−
====Choosing How to Primarily Use the Computer====
 
−
[[Image:Snapshot10.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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You have to select how do you plan to use your computer: Primarily used as a PC- you can start LMCE manually when you need it or  A dedicated LinuxMCE and you can start Kubuntu when you need it.
 
−
{{clr}}
 
−
 
−
 
−
====Installing LinuxMCE Discs====
 
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This step is very important you have to insert
 
−
 
−
[[Image:Snapshot11.JPG|400px|right]]
 
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LinuxMCE DISC 1
 
−
{{clr}}
 
  
 +
# Once the new Kubuntu installation has finished booting back up, check that your internet connections are working. If you have a NIC that is not plug-and-play (like the Intel gigabit card) then now is the time to install the driver and confirm operation. Then click the "LinuxMCE" icon on the desktop. This will start the LinuxMCE installation. You may need to enter your Kubuntu password.
 +
# Wait until the LinuxMCE installation has finished running through. You will see the following message when the installation is complete:
  
−
[[Image:Snapshot12.JPG|400px|right]]
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The first phase of the install process is completed
−
LinuxMCE DISC 2
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Reboot the system to start the final process.
−
{{clr}}
+
  
 +
===Complete the Wizards===
  
−
[[Image:Snapshot13.JPG|400px|right]]
+
Upon reboot, you will not see Kubuntu. More software will load, then the AV Wizard will start. If you connected the display with something other than a VGA cable, the screen will go black. You will have to press a number on your keyboard (just the number, don't hit "enter") to tell the wizard what connection to use. The default value is 2: VGA.
−
Kubuntu 7.10 Live CD
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−
{{clr}}
+
  
 +
<pre> Keys for choosing a connector:
  
−
[[Image:Snapshot14.JPG|400px|right]]
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1: DVI
−
You can see the message about the Linux MCE system installation.
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2: VGA
−
{{clr}}
+
3: Component
 +
4: Composite
 +
5: S-Video
 +
Q: DVI-2
 +
W: VGA-2
 +
L: LVDS</pre>
  
 +
Then follow the wizards as described in the following links.
  
−
===Installation can take a long time===
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*[[AVWizard_Step_by_Step|AV Wizard]]
−
Don't worry if the system seems to stop at points or report what seems like error messages. 
+
*[[House_Setup_Wizard|House Setup Wizard]]
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This is normal since at places it will be testing drivers out, and is only there for the advanced Linux user. 
+
*[[Media_Player_Wizard|Media Setup Wizard]].
−
You will get a dialog box if something really does go wrong.  And, understand this may take a very long time
+
−
since it will in parallel be updating your Kubuntu system to the latest version.  Just leave it for an hour
+
−
or two and come back later.
+
  
−
===Installation Complete===
+
Tip: After LMCE is up and running, the LinuxMCE installation icon on the Kubuntu desktop becomes a hazard. Clicking it will begin a reinstall and ruin your day. Best to right click and delete the icon!
−
[[Image:Snapshot15.jpg|400px|right]]
+
==Links==
−
After the installation is done you’ll receive a message from the installer that will tell you to restart the system
+
−
{{clr}}
+
−
+
−
Next follow the [[QuickStart Guide]] to tell LinuxMCE about how you want to use it.
+
−
===Additional Notes===
+
−
Note that if you said you want LinuxMCE to startup by default, after rebooting you'll have LinuxMCE, not Kubuntu.  If you will only use this as a media pc, that's fine; you won't ever need to access the Kubuntu desktop to set anything up and can do it all from either the LMCE UI and a remote control, or with the LMCE web admin panel using the web browser of any pc in your home.  But, if you want to use this as a normal Kubuntu PC too, and you want to start Kubuntu after LinuxMCE is going, there's not yet an icon to switch to Kubuntu from within LinuxMCE, so press Ctrl+Alt+F2, login, and type StartX. If you said you want Kubuntu by default, it will boot to the Kubuntu desktop and you can choose Applications, Sound & Video, Start Media Center to start LinuxMCE manually.  When both LinuxMCE and Kubuntu are running, you can toggle between them by pressing ctrl+alt+f7 for Kubuntu and ctrl+alt+F11 for LinuxMCE.  Unfortunately, at this moment, once you start LinuxMCE there is no way to stop it.  The Kubuntu integration is still a work in progress.
+
  
−
[[Category: Tutorials]]
+
*[[:Category:AV_Wizard|AV Wizard]]
 +
*[[:Category:Installation_Tutorials|General Installation Tutorials]]

Latest revision as of 17:26, 5 March 2016

For the most up-to-date Final Release see the LinuxMCE 1404 install

About Installation (Version 0810 Final)

This page covers what we'll call mainstream installation. It shows how to get a LinuxMCE hybrid running with minimum bells and whistles. Once the basic installation is complete, users can look at the other sections of the wiki to learn how to add more advanced features. The basic hardware consists of the computer, display, and speakers. Look at the "Core & Hybrid" section of the wiki for hardware selection articles. Here is some pre-flight advice before installation.

  • The computer must be connected to the internet for a successful installation.
  • Recommend using a monitor for the initial install. Monitors are better than TVs for adapting to a wacky resolution setting (it could happen). You probably don't want to mess about with xorg.conf on your first install. Also recommend using a VGA cable because that is the default setting when the LMCE wizard pops up. I'd specifically advise against using an HDMI cable and expecting it to pass video and sound to your TV. It might work, but more likely it will require extensive tinkering. Its easy to swap to a different display or connection after things are up and running.
  • For sound, you can use computer speakers, or use an spdif connection to an external AV receiver. This is also easy to change later.
  • If you have a TV capture card, it will be configured during the installation. The wizard will ask where to get program guide information. In the US this is usually "schedulesdirect.org". Set up your account and know your username and password before starting the install.

Caveats

  • LinuxMCE is an extremely powerful, fantastic piece of software; have no doubt about that. But, please bear in mind that it is a project, not a product.
  • LinuxMCE 0810 is based on Ubuntu 8.10, which means that brand new hardware might not work out of the box. For this reason, if you are buying hardware specifically for your home automation system, you might want to use hardware that is a little older and save yourself some money at the same time. That said, in nearly all cases you will be able to get through any issues with a little patience and some help from the community. Unrecognised NICs is the most common issue.
  • Please please please be patient. Some parts of the installation can sometimes take hours. If in doubt, leave it overnight.

Basic Installation Steps

I might help to think of installation as a 3-step process.

  • Run the DVD. This formats your drive, installs Kubuntu, and preps for LMCE installation. This step finishes by prompting reboot and DVD removal.
  • Install LinuxMCE. The reboot will take you to the Kubuntu screen. You'll recheck your internet connection, then click the LMCE install icon. More software will load and it will prompt another reboot.
  • Complete the 3 wizards (AV, House Setup, Media). This is where you tell LMCE about your system.

Run the DVD

Caution: Installing LinuxMCE 0810 Final will wipe your entire drive! It is not designed to be dual-booted!

If you just want to quickly try LinuxMCE, then consider setting it up temporarily as a virtual machine on your Linux, Mac, or Windows box. VirtualBox will allow you to do this

  1. Download the LinuxMCE 0810 Final ISO from here. Note: Always burn at your DVD drive's lowest speed to reduce the chance of errors.
  2. Boot from the DVD.
  3. Select your language
  4. Select the top option "LinuxMCE"
  5. Wait until the installer loads, and then...
    1. Welcome - Select your language.
    2. Where are you? - Select your location and time zone.
    3. Keyboard layout - Select your keyboard layout.
    4. Prepare disk space - Set up your partitions as you wish, but the second option "Guided - use entire disk" is perfectly OK.
    5. Who are you? - Set up your username, password and the system name (call it whatever you want). This username/password is specifically for the underlying system i.e. Kubuntu, it is NOT for LinuxMCE; this is handled separately.
    6. Ready to install - Check everything is as it should be, and press "Install".
  6. Let installation run through, and then remove disk and press enter when instructed to do so.

Install LinuxMCE

  1. Once the new Kubuntu installation has finished booting back up, check that your internet connections are working. If you have a NIC that is not plug-and-play (like the Intel gigabit card) then now is the time to install the driver and confirm operation. Then click the "LinuxMCE" icon on the desktop. This will start the LinuxMCE installation. You may need to enter your Kubuntu password.
  2. Wait until the LinuxMCE installation has finished running through. You will see the following message when the installation is complete:
The first phase of the install process is completed
Reboot the system to start the final process.

Complete the Wizards

Upon reboot, you will not see Kubuntu. More software will load, then the AV Wizard will start. If you connected the display with something other than a VGA cable, the screen will go black. You will have to press a number on your keyboard (just the number, don't hit "enter") to tell the wizard what connection to use. The default value is 2: VGA. 

 Keys for choosing a connector:

1: DVI
2: VGA
3: Component
4: Composite
5: S-Video
Q: DVI-2
W: VGA-2
L: LVDS

Then follow the wizards as described in the following links.

Tip: After LMCE is up and running, the LinuxMCE installation icon on the Kubuntu desktop becomes a hazard. Clicking it will begin a reinstall and ruin your day. Best to right click and delete the icon!

Links

Retrieved from "http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php?title=Installation_Guide&oldid=36529"