Sunday 19 May 2024 - 03:09:26 UTC 
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SARPi Project - Slacking on a Raspberry Pi
Final steps of installation
There are a few final steps to go through after installing packages.
Quick Links
• Mouse configuration
• Network configuration
• Configure startup services
• Setting the hardware clock and timezone
• Setting a default text editor
• Selecting a desktop environment
• Setting a ROOT password
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Mouse configuration
After all the packages have been installed you will be asked to select a mouse configuration.
Use the cursor keys to move down to 'USB Mouse' and press the key. Then, answer yes when asked to 'load gpm program at boot time?' by pressing the key. For those who don't already know, 'gpm' is a simple utility which enables you to copy and paste text on the command line. It's very useful.
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Network configuration
Next you will asked to set-up and configure your network.
You want to select yes and configure the network.
Specify a name (hostname) to give to your system. For the purpose of this guide we named ours 'iana'. When you have chosen a suitable name for your system and entered it into the text box, press the key.
Enter a domain name. It does not have to be an existing or active domain name. For the purposes of this guide we selected 'penthux.net' as our domain name, because it is our domain name.
Next, you are asked to confirm if you require a VLAN ID, and if you are unsure then select '< No >'. We will select '< No >' here.
The next step is how your system will use or get an IP address on the network. Either by setting it statically, via DHCP, or by using NetworkManager. By far the easiest option is to select DHCP but if you need to set a static address then you'll already know what you're doing. Just remember that when you set a static IP you'll most likely need to set a gateway IP address as well.
NetworkManager is a program for detecting and configuring Linux systems to automatically connect to networks. It's a really good program and easy to use. There are both CLI and TUI versions of NetworkManager. There's a great guide on opensource.com for using NetworkManager. Once you have set up a network using NetworkManager it's usually very reliable and always working.
When selecting DHCP you'll be asked what type to use to configure your network. You can choose DHCPv4, DHCPv6, or both.
If you have DHCP enabled on your network then you want to select 'Yes' and configure your DHCP hostname.
Enter the same name you gave to your hostname. We selected 'iana' which is the same as our chosen hostname. When asked if the DHCP settings are correct, select < Yes > and press the key.
Your network is now configured.
Just press the key to continue.
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Configure startup services
These are services which start when the system is booted. For example, you could have the apache web server running on startup, or you could run the samba file server too. If you want to log-in to your Raspberry Pi remotely it's imperative that you have the sshd (secure shell) daemon enabled.
When you are happy with your selection press the key.
Next, answer < No > when asked 'Would you like to try out some screen fonts?' and press the key. Unless you care about screen fonts, then you should select < Yes >, but we're not going to waste any time on them in this guide.
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Setting the hardware clock and timezone
Now you can set a timezone the system will use. Here you need to decide if you want your system hardware clock to be set to UTC or local time. Then choose a location close to where you are situated, or at least within the same timezone.
We have selected the timezone of 'Europe/London' because we are based in the United Kingdom. You should select your own timezone/location here and press the key.
Once you have selected a timezone press the key to continue.
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Selecting a default text editor
Next, you are asked to choose a default text editor. You have the choice of 'elvis', 'nvi', and 'vim'. But where's the 'nano' option? The SARPi Project prefers 'nano' over 'vi' derivatives. Why is 'nano' absent from this list? ZOMG!!
Make your selection and press the key to continue.
It must be an oversight that there's no 'nano' default editor option. We'll fix that later.
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Selecting a desktop environment
When installing a desktop environment it boils down to one thing; preference. From the options available, there are a few to choose from, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. KDE is very nice and streamlined, but takes more of a toll on the Raspberry Pi due to it being somewhat resource hungry. On the other hand, fluxbox is very light and speedy but a little basic in looks and the GUI isn't to everybody's liking. Xfce is quite lightweight and aims to be fast and low on system resources, while still being visually appealing and user friendly. Blackbox is similar to Windowmaker and is able to generate beautiful window decorations on the fly at high speed. It's probably worth your while reading up on some of the different desktop environments available before you select one.
For the purposes of this guide, we will select Xfce as our desktop environment. It's light on system resources and perfect for our requirements. You may choose your own desktop environment here.
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Setting a ROOT password
Next you are asked to set a root password. This password is VERY important because if you ever forget it or lose it, you will not be able to get 'root' access on your Slackware Linux system.
Select < Yes >, press the key and type your password, then press the key again. You will be asked to repeat the password, now press the key one more time.
IMPORTANT! Make sure you remember the password which you have entered for the 'root' user. Write it down if you need to and keep it in a safe place. It's imperative that you do not forget this password!
Press the key to continue.
Continue to the next section of this guide... Completing the install process
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