[dba-Tech] Low-Level Format

Hi Arthur:

It all depends on what type of Linux you tried to install. I personally never have had a problem installing Ubuntu but there are some Linux distros that require some knowledge of drivers, settings and libraries... 

I will assume you are installing Ubuntu and continue with that assumption. Sometimes it is a good idea to first, download the ISO of the Linux version you will be installing on some computer, second, burn the ISO so it will boot from the CD/DVD, third, make sure the CD/DVD boots first on the new computer, fourth, when the CD/DVD gives you the install options select LIVE install and this will allow you to run the version as if you have installed it but nothing will install. The speed will be slower of course but this will give you an idea of how the ISO would run if installed.

Note: If the LIVE copy doesn't run the hardware is borked. I have never seem a situation like that but theoretically it is possible.    

>From the LIVE install you will be able to test all the components and hardware of the new computer, view all the directories, copy files, directories and even the entire hard drive contents, to an external drive. You can use the system tools to interrogate the drive and even run a full lower-level format...the options are endless.

When all is complete and you satisfied that everything works and is configured the way you like, reboot and this time select install and let it run from there. Note: The computer on which you are doing the install should have a functioning internet connection but you will have tested that in the LIVE install.

Hope this answers your questions.
    
Jim 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Arthur Fuller" <fuller.artful at gmail.com>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2014 8:02:26 PM
Subject: [dba-Tech] Low-Level Format

Well, my attempts to install Linux on my old box royally forked everything
up. What I'd like to do next is low-level format both hard disks and then
start completely over, as if it were a brand new box. Do you know how to do
that? Gone are the days of fdisk, apparently. What can I do instead?

-- 
Arthur
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