Difference between revisions of "Installation Guide"

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[[Category:Installation Tutorials| Installation Tutorials]]
 
{| align="right"
 
{| align="right"
 
   | __TOC__
 
   | __TOC__
 
   |}
 
   |}
''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, follow [[DVD Installation|these steps.]]'''
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<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 [[Hardware|this section for general hardware]] recommendations, and [[Video#PC_Preparation|this advice for PC preparation]].
+
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.
  
LinuxMCE differs from other Home Theater PC systems in that some functions are performed by a [[Core]] PC and some functions are performed by a [[Media Director]] PC. A [[hybrid]] Core/Media Director PC does both.
+
*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 that will function on a home automation network, 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 will then be recognised and configured correctly during the initial installation. You won't have to fiddle with setting it up later. See [[Internal_LAN_setup|this section]] for tips on setting up a nested LinuxMCE LAN within an existing home LAN.
+
==Caveats==
  
(If you will have only a single PC acting as a hybrid Core/Media Director, 2 cards aren't strictly necessary, but putting them in at this stage will allow you to expand your network down the line.)
+
*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.  
  
For a PC acting as a Media Director (either as a standalone or as a hybrid), an nVidia graphics card is strongly recommended so that you can display the [[Selecting the Right UI|User Interface]] in the highest resolution (UI2). If you don't have one installed, it is easiest to do so before starting software installation. It is probably best to stick with an nVidia card on the Core PC as well. Make sure the card is installed prior to software installation.
+
*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.
  
[[Video|Check out this video and example installation]] of a complete installation that took this guy a few days and will likely take you a few weeks.
+
*<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>
  
==Kubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy)==
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==Basic Installation Steps==
  
Note:
+
I might help to think of installation as a 3-step process.
LinuxMCE 0704 (beta) was used only with Kubuntu Desktop version 7.04 (Feisty). The [[current version]] is [[Mirrors_0710|LinuxMCE 0710]] and is meant to be used only with Kubuntu Desktop version 7.10 (Gutsy). A version compatible with Kubuntu version 8.10 is planned for the future.
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*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.
  
Steps for installing Linux MCE on an Kubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) system :
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===Run the DVD===
  
===Existing  Kubuntu 7.10 installation===
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'''<span style="color:#FF0000">Caution: Installing LinuxMCE 0810 Final will wipe your entire drive! It is not designed to be dual-booted!</span>'''
  
You can install LinuxMCE 0710 on a pre-existing installation of Kubuntu 7.10 using the 2 CD install method (but not the DVD method). To complete the installation you will need a Kubuntu Desktop 7.10 Live CD available, or at least a copy of the .iso file somewhere on your hard drive. (If you need to obtain one, see the next section for the download link. There are instructions if you want to burn a Live CD.)
+
'''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'''
  
The install process will partially overwrite your previous Kubuntu installation using configuration files from the Live CD which are known to be uniquely compatible with LinuxMCE. If you have previously modified your Kubuntu system (subsequent to its 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 a LinuxMCE core server, anyway.)
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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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# Boot from the DVD.
===New installation===
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# Select your language
If you ''don't'' already have an Kubuntu system installed, follow these generic steps to install Kubuntu Desktop 7.10 from the Live CD:
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# Select the top option "LinuxMCE"
# Download the CD .iso image for Kubuntu desktop- 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 the above links are down, try this alternate site for the appropriate [http://de.releases.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/ Kubuntu Desktop Live CD].)
+
# Wait until the installer loads, and then...
# If you don't know how to burn the .iso file to a bootable CD, then see [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto these instructions].
+
## '''Welcome''' - Select your language.
# Boot the Kubuntu Desktop 7.10 LiveCD.
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## '''Where are you?''' - Select your location and time zone.
# Choose 'Start or install Kubuntu'.
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## '''Keyboard layout''' - Select your keyboard layout.
# When Kubuntu's desktop appears, click on 'Install'.
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## '''Prepare disk space''' - Set up your partitions as you wish, but the second option "Guided - use entire disk" is perfectly OK.
# A short wizard will guide you. Select the language and press 'forward'.
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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.
# Choose your timezone and press 'forward'.
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## '''Ready to install''' - Check everything is as it should be, and press "Install".
# Select the keyboard layout.
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# Let installation run through, and then remove disk and press enter when instructed to do so.
# 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.
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# 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.
+
 
+
==LinuxMCE==
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===Download LinuxMCE===
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[[Image:Good1.jpg|400px|right]]
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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.org www.linuxmce.org]. Select 'Download Instructions' to download the LinuxMCE CD images (.iso files) or the DVD .iso image onto your machine. You can also find the [[current version|current version here]].
+
 
+
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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+
You will be downloading two .iso files, each one corresponding to a CD image. The installer is able to use the .iso files directly from the hard drive, or you can burn them to a CD and then use them from the CD.
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(Obviously, if you are downloading the .iso files on another computer, you will have to burn them onto CD to use them.)
+
 
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To install using the .iso files on your hard drive directly, skip the next step.
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===Burn download to CDs and install from CDs===
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+
''(If you plan to install directly from .iso files, skip this step and proceed to the next step.)''
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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].
+
 
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Burn the two CDs (assuming you are using this method).
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You can then simply place CD 1 in the CD-ROM and the installer will autostart. You will then be prompted to put CD 2 in the drive, followed by the Kubuntu Desktop Live CD (see later sections).
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The rest will take a lot of time but will essentially install automatically. Skip the next two steps and continue with the installation prompts.
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===Installing mce-installer from command prompt===
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''(Skip the next two steps if you are installing from actual CDs.)''
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You can install the mce-installer from a command prompt without the need to burn the ISOs as follows:
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cd ''/directory/where/the/downloaded/iso/files/are/''
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mkdir -pv mnt
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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
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sudo umount mnt
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rmdir -v mnt
+
 
+
If you are using the 64-bit version, use mce-installer_2.0.1-1_amd64.deb instead of mce-installer_2.0.1-1_i386.deb.
+
 
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===Installing mce-installer from the KDE Menu===
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[[Image:Inst1.jpg|400px|right]]
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Once you have downloaded the packages and installed the mce-installer onto your disk, run the mce-installer:
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*From Konqueror (or the Dolphin file manager), find and ''right-click'' on the mce-installer icon. Choose Kubuntu Package Menu --> Install Package.
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+
 
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(''This step is done automatically if you are installing from a CD.'')
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{{clr}}
+
  
 
===Install LinuxMCE===
 
===Install LinuxMCE===
[[Image:Snapshot1.JPG|400px|right]]
 
The mce-installer places 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]]
 
Choose if you want a dedicated core or a hybrid. (In brief, a hybrid runs as both the Core and as a Media Director. As such, it needs more computing power. [[Do_I_want_a_dedicated_Core%3F|Click here]] to find out more differences between a core and a hybrid). Then click on the "Forward" button.
 
 
If you aren't going to set up an "internal" home automation LAN at this time, but only will use a single PC for all LinuxMCE functions, then make that single PC installation a hybrid.
 
 
However, if you will create an entire home automation network, it is better to use one PC as the dedicated core server (not a hybrid). It will run faster. You can leave it "headless" (no monitor, keyboard, mouse), and leave it always on. In such a situation, "dedicated Core" would be suitable. Nevertheless, it is possible after installation to choose whether to autostart the Core services by themselves, the Media Director services by themselves, or both together. Thus a "hybrid" installation can later used as a "dedicated Core," as a Media Director, or as both (a hybrid). There is little disadavantage, therefore, in choosing "hybrid" at this step. That is what many first time users choose.
 
 
 
{{clr}}
 
 
====Choosing Video Card====
 
[[Image:Snapshot3.JPG|400px|right]]
 
This step is displayed only when an nNvidia graphics card is detected by LinuxMCE. You will be asked if you want to use the proprietary nVidia driver (the only one that works well with LinuxMCE and nVidia cards), instead of the generic driver (which doesn't work as well). Generally you should use the proprietary driver. This step is here for legal reasons.   
 
{{clr}}
 
 
====Network Configuration====
 
[[Image:Snapshot4.JPG|400px|right]]
 
The next screen will ask you whether you want to keep your current network configuration or whether you want to set your network options manually. The "current network configuration" is usually what the Kubuntu Live CD originally detected and setup automatically. Most commonly this configuration instructs the PC to ask for a dynamic IP from your home LAN router's DHCP service. This option is asking whether your LinuxMCE should continue to ask for a dynamic IP from your external LAN's router (using DHCP), or whether you wish to set a static IP address for your LinuxMCE PC. This setting applies only to the (first) NIC card that is connected to the "external" home LAN. Usually keeping the "current network configuration" is sufficient. Then press "Forward".
 
{{clr}}
 
 
[[Image:Snapshot5.JPG|400px|right]]
 
If you chose manual installation, you must now choose whether your PC will use a static IP within the external home LAN, or whether it will accept a dynamic IP assigned by the LAN router's DHCP. If you do not have a home LAN and router, but connect directly through a cable modem, you most likely use a (static) IP (that your cable company assigns you). Generally you have to know your IP address, the cable company's gateway IP, and the cable company's DNS server information (which your cable provider must provide to you). In contrast, most DSL providers use DHCP-assigned dynamic IPs, so if you connect directly through a DSL modem, you most likely use DHCP. You don't have to worry about the gateway and DNS server; DHCP usually discovers those for you automatically. (Obviously, if you bought a static IP service from a DSL or T1 provider, you would have to choose static and fill in the information, just as for a cable modem.)
 
 
If you don't know what the heck you have, use DHCP.
 
{{clr}}
 
 
=====Choosing Mirror for Packages=====
 
[[Image:Snapshot6.JPG|400px|right]]
 
You have to choose a mirror. Pick one geographically close to you. Downloads will be faster.
 
{{clr}}
 
 
=====Choosing DHCP Server=====
 
[[Image:Snapshot7.JPG|400px|right]]
 
You will be asked whether you want (the LinuxMCE core server) to Run a DHCP Server or not. The LinuxMCE core server will be the DHCP server for your "internal" 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 internal home automation network that you might want to use as Media Directors.
 
 
Hopefully you took some advice and already installed a second NIC card. That second NIC card is used so that LinuxMCE can provide an "internal" 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 a router with DHCP turned off) which is then in turn connected to this second NIC card. The LinuxMCE core server then performs the DHCP functions for the "internal" home automation network.
 
 
In essence, the "internal" home automation network is nested within your "external" home LAN. Some PCs can remain outside of the internal home automation network by being directly connected to the router, and therefore not connected to the LinuxMCE server. The first NIC card of the LinuxMCE server therefore communicates to the router of your external home LAN. The second NIC is connected to the internal home automation LAN. The LinuxMCE core server only acts as the DHCP server for the devices in the internal home automation LAN. 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 hybrid core server/media director and you do not plan to use any plug-n-play devices other than those connected directly to that single PC.
 
 
You will be then asked if you want to keep the default Internal Network address for the internal 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 (nVidia). It is best to choose UI1 for the initial installation if you don't have the appropriate nVidia card or if in doubt, 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]]
 
On the next step you have to choose if you want to install [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAME lame] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libdvdcss libdvdcss] and if it is legal in your country to use them. In general you will want to install them both.
 
{{clr}}
 
 
====Choosing How to Primarily Use the Computer====
 
[[Image:Snapshot10.JPG|400px|right]]
 
You have to select how you plan to use your computer, either:
 
 
*Primarily used as a PC -- you can start LinuxMCE manually when you need it,  or
 
 
*A dedicated LinuxMCE -- you can start Kubuntu when you need it.
 
 
For the dedicated core server, choose the second option. If you have a power outage, you can then set the computer to auto-reboot and restore your system without intervention. (If you are serious about home automation, it is best to have a dedicated core server, anyway.) It is possible to access the Kubuntu desktop from within LinuxMCE (see [[#Additional Notes|below]]).
 
 
If you choose the first option and have a power outage, then you will require a boot-up script, cron scheduling, or manual intervention in order to restart the LinuxMCE system.
 
 
If you are just experimenting with LinuxMCE and/or primarily use the PC as a Kubuntu desktop, the first option is suitable. Also, if you wish to directly install LinuxMCE directly on a PC that will be used as a Media Director, but intend to trade its function back and forth between that of a Kubuntu desktop and a Media Director, also choose the first option.
 
 
(Many PCs that will be used as Media Directors can simply be [[netboot|netbooted]] from the Core, however, so you do not really need to install LinuxMCE on them at all if you intend to netboot (which is generally easier).)
 
{{clr}}
 
 
====Installing LinuxMCE Discs====
 
This step is very important. You have to insert the CD (or point to the location on the hard drive of the .iso file for the CD):
 
 
[[Image:Snapshot11.JPG|400px|right]]
 
LinuxMCE CD 1
 
{{clr}}
 
 
 
[[Image:Snapshot12.JPG|400px|right]]
 
LinuxMCE CD 2
 
{{clr}}
 
 
  
[[Image:Snapshot13.JPG|400px|right]]
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# 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.  
Kubuntu 7.10 Live CD
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# Wait until the LinuxMCE installation has finished running through. You will see the following message when the installation is complete:
{{clr}}
+
  
 +
The first phase of the install process is completed
 +
Reboot the system to start the final process.
  
[[Image:Snapshot14.JPG|400px|right]]
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===Complete the Wizards===
You can see the message about the Linux MCE system installation.
+
{{clr}}
+
  
===Installation can take a long time===
+
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.
Don't worry if the system seems to stop at points or report what seems like error messages.
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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. 
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You will get a dialog box if something really does go wrong. And, understand this may take a very long time
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since it will in parallel be updating your Kubuntu system to the latest version. Just leave it for an hour
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or two and come back later.
+
  
===Installation Complete===
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<pre> Keys for choosing a connector:
[[Image:Snapshot15.jpg|400px|right]]
+
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===
+
If you specified that LinuxMCE should startup by default, then after rebooting you will see LinuxMCE (not the Kubuntu desktop).  If you will use this computer as a Media PC only, you don't need to access the Kubuntu desktop for any further set up -- all setup is done from the from the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]] or through the LinuxMCE [[Orbiter]] User Interface.
+
  
If you would like to use this PC as a Kubuntu PC from ''within'' LinuxMCE, however, a menu option on the on-screen Orbiter User Interface of a Media Director is provided to bring up the KDE (Kubuntu) desktop. (This may not work well if the Media Director has been [[netboot|netbooted]].)
+
1: DVI
 +
2: VGA
 +
3: Component
 +
4: Composite
 +
5: S-Video
 +
Q: DVI-2
 +
W: VGA-2
 +
L: LVDS</pre>
  
You can also press Ctrl+Alt+F2 from within LinuxMCE to bring up the KDE desktop (then login and type StartX).  
+
Then follow the wizards as described in the following links.
  
If you specified that the Kubuntu desktop should be run by default, you can then start LinuxMCE manually from within the Kubuntu menu: Applications-->Sound & Video-->Start Media Center. (You can also click on the LinuxMCE icon on the Kubuntu desktop that was placed there during installation.
+
*[[AVWizard_Step_by_Step|AV Wizard]]
 +
*[[House_Setup_Wizard|House Setup Wizard]]
 +
*[[Media_Player_Wizard|Media Setup Wizard]].
  
When LinuxMCE is running, you can toggle back and forth between them by pressing '''Ctrl+Alt+F7''' for Kubuntu or '''Ctrl+Alt+F11''' for LinuxMCE.
+
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==
  
[[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