After installing disk sets and creating a boot disk, the setup routine may give you a choice to continue with the installation process by configuring your system or to leave the configuration until later. It’s a good idea to continue with the process because back-tracking can be difficult sometimes. Although the order of prompts and the options presented to you are different depending on the version of the Linux system you are installing, usually you are asked to set up your modem first, as shown in Figure 3.17.

Figure 3.17.
The first configuration information you are asked about is your modem.

If you have a modem installed on your system already, choose the Yes option to configure the port and modem speed now. Alternatively, if you are not sure which port you want to use or want to add the modem later, choose No. If you choose Yes to install a modem, you are asked for the device it is attached to, as shown in Figure 3.18. The devices are named in Linux format, with /dev/cua0 equivalent to COM1, /dev/cua1 equivalent to COM2, and so on. Choose the proper device. If your modem is used by DOS’ COM2 port, for example, scroll to /dev/cua1 and choose OK. If you are not sure which port to use, try /dev/cua1, as most mouse ports are COM1 (/dev/cua0). You can always reconfigure the system later.

Figure 3.18.
Choose the device your modem is attached to by using the Linux /dev/cua conventions.

Next you will be asked whether you want to set up your mouse, as shown in Figure 3.19. You can set the mouse up later, but it’s easier to do it when you first load the Linux software. If you choose to configure the mouse at this time, you have to choose the type of mouse you are using. Figure 3.20 shows the list of currently supported mouse types. Most mouse peripherals are serial, so select the serial mouse that matches your unit. If in doubt, choose Microsoft compatible serial mouse.

Figure 3.19.
Linux ask you whether you want to set up your mouse.

Figure 3.20.
Choose the type of mouse your system uses.

After you choose the mouse, you may be asked for more information about it. If the mouse is a serial mouse, you must choose the port it is attached to, as shown in Figure 3.21. The port numbering is similar to the modem port (although the device name is different), with /dev/S0 corresponding to COM1, /dev/S1 to COM2, and so on. Don’t select the same port as the modem! If you are installing a bus mouse, you may be asked for the DMA the mouse uses.

Figure 3.21.
For serial mouse units, you must select the port the mouse is attached to.

Finally, you may be asked whether you want to try out some screen fonts. This step is time-consuming and generally unproductive. It is much better to go with the default fonts for now and modify them later if you really don’t like them. These fonts are used for all character-based messages.