How do I perform a minimal installation of CentOS?

How do I perform a minimal installation of CentOS?

To perform a minimal installation of CentOS, follow these detailed steps:

1. Download the CentOS ISO: First, download the CentOS ISO file from the official CentOS website. Ensure you select the appropriate version for your needs.
2. Create Bootable Media: Use a tool like Rufus (on Windows) or dd command (on Linux) to create a bootable USB drive or DVD from the ISO file.
3. Boot from the Media: Insert the bootable media into the system where you want to install CentOS and restart it. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings to set the USB/DVD drive as the first boot device. Save changes and boot from the media.
4. Start the Installation: Once booted, you will be presented with the CentOS welcome screen. Select your language and click "Continue".
5. Select Installation Destination: In the "Installation Destination" section, choose the disk where CentOS will be installed. Ensure you select the appropriate disk to avoid data loss.
6. Choose Minimal Installation: Go to the "Software Selection" section. Here, you will see different environment groups. Select "Minimal Install" under the "Base Environment" category. This option installs only the most essential packages needed to run CentOS.
7. Configure Network & Time: Ensure your network is configured and set the correct time and date in the respective sections.
8. Begin Installation: Click "Begin Installation". During the installation process, you can set the root password and create a user account.
9. Complete Installation: Once the installation is complete, remove the installation media and click "Reboot System".
10. Initial Boot: After rebooting, log in with the root account or the user account you created. Congratulations, you now have a minimal CentOS installation.

What are the benefits of choosing a minimal installation for CentOS?

Choosing a minimal installation for CentOS offers several benefits:

1. Reduced Resource Usage: A minimal installation consumes less disk space and system resources, making it ideal for older hardware or systems where performance is a priority.
2. Enhanced Security: With fewer installed packages, there are fewer potential vulnerabilities. This reduces the attack surface and makes the system more secure by default.
3. Customization Flexibility: Starting with a minimal install allows you to build the system according to your specific needs, adding only the software you require.
4. Easier Maintenance: Updating and maintaining a system with fewer packages is simpler and less time-consuming. There are fewer dependencies and conflicts to manage.
5. Ideal for Servers: Minimal installations are particularly suitable for server environments where only specific services need to be run, ensuring efficient use of server resources.
6. Faster Installation and Boot Times: The installation process is quicker, and boot times are faster due to the reduced number of services and applications starting up.

Can I customize the software selection during a minimal CentOS install?

Yes, you can customize the software selection during a minimal CentOS install to some extent. Here's how:

1. During Installation: In the "Software Selection" section of the installation process, after selecting "Minimal Install", you can also add additional software under the "Additional software for Selected Environment" section. This allows you to select additional packages that you might need without deviating from the minimal install base.
2. Post-Installation: After completing the minimal installation, you can use package management tools like yum or dnf to install additional software packages. This gives you complete control over what software is installed on your system, allowing you to tailor the system precisely to your needs.
3. Kickstart Files: For advanced users, you can use a Kickstart file to automate and customize the installation process, including specifying which packages to include or exclude during the install.

How do I manage software packages after a minimal CentOS installation?

After completing a minimal CentOS installation, managing software packages is straightforward using package management tools. Here's how you can manage software packages:

1. Using yum: CentOS 7 and earlier versions use yum as the package manager. Here are some common commands:

   • Update all packages: sudo yum update
   • Install a package: sudo yum install [package-name]
   • Remove a package: sudo yum remove [package-name]
   • Search for a package: yum search [keyword]
   • List installed packages: yum list installed

2. Using dnf: CentOS 8 and later versions use dnf, which is similar to yum but with some improvements. Common dnf commands include:

   • Update all packages: sudo dnf upgrade
   • Install a package: sudo dnf install [package-name]
   • Remove a package: sudo dnf remove [package-name]
   • Search for a package: dnf search [keyword]
   • List installed packages: dnf list installed

3. Repositories: To expand the available software, you can enable additional repositories. For example, to enable the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository, use:

   • For yum: sudo yum install epel-release
   • For dnf: sudo dnf install epel-release

4. Package Groups: You can also manage groups of related packages using:

   • List available groups: yum group list or dnf group list
   • Install a group: sudo yum groupinstall [group-name] or sudo dnf groupinstall [group-name]
   • Remove a group: sudo yum groupremove [group-name] or sudo dnf groupremove [group-name]

By using these tools and commands, you can effectively manage and customize the software on your minimally installed CentOS system.

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