2.2. The Text Mode Installation Program User Interface

The Red Hat Enterprise Linux text mode installation program uses a screen-based interface that includes most of the on-screen widgets commonly found on graphical user interfaces. Figure 2-1, and Figure 2-2, illustrate the screens that appear during the installation process.

NoteNote
 

While text mode installations are not explicitly documented, those using the text mode installation program can easily follow the GUI installation instructions and obtain all needed information.

Figure 2-1. Installation Program Widgets as seen in Boot Loader Configuration

Figure 2-2. Installation Program Widgets as seen in Disk Druid

Here is a list of the most important widgets shown in Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2:

2.2.1. Using the Keyboard to Navigate

Navigation through the installation dialogs is performed through a simple set of keystrokes. To move the cursor, use the [Left], [Right], [Up], and [Down] arrow keys. Use [Tab], and [Alt]-[Tab] to cycle forward or backward through each widget on the screen. Along the bottom, most screens display a summary of available cursor positioning keys.

To "press" a button, position the cursor over the button (using [Tab], for example) and press [Space] or [Enter]. To select an item from a list of items, move the cursor to the item you wish to select and press [Enter]. To select an item with a checkbox, move the cursor to the checkbox and press [Space] to select an item. To deselect, press [Space] a second time.

Pressing [F12] accepts the current values and proceeds to the next dialog; it is equivalent to pressing the OK button.

CautionCaution
 

Unless a dialog box is waiting for your input, do not press any keys during the installation process (doing so may result in unpredictable behavior).