Introduction

This guide covers installation of Fedora, a Linux distribution built on free and open source software. This manual helps you install Fedora on desktops, laptops, and servers. The installation system is easy to use even if you lack previous knowledge of Linux or computer networks. If you select default options, Fedora provides a complete desktop operating system, including productivity applications, Internet utilities, and desktop tools.

This document details the full range of installation options, including those that apply only in limited or unusual circumstances. Understanding of all topics described in this document is not necessary to successfully perform the installation in most cases.

Background

About Fedora

To find out more about Fedora, visit the Fedora Project Website. Other documentation describing additional topics related to Fedora is available at Fedora Documentation. Also see the Fedora Project Wiki.

Getting Additional Help

If you encounter any problems which are not described in documentation, you might get help from members of the community - developers, users, and others. There are many ways to get help: the Ask Fedora website, mailing lists, forums, or IRC. For a summary of available resources, see the Communicating and Getting Help page on the Fedora wiki.

About This Document

Goals

This guide helps a reader:

  • Understand how to locate the Fedora distribution online

  • Create configuration data that allows a computer to boot Fedora

  • Understand and interact with the Fedora installation program

  • Complete basic post-installation configuration of a Fedora system

This guide does not cover use of Fedora. To learn how to use an installed Fedora system, see the other manuals available at Fedora Documentation.

Target Audience

This guide is intended for Fedora users of all levels of experience. However, it describes the installation process and its many options in far greater detail than most users are likely to require. You do not need to read and understand this entire document to install Fedora on a computer. This document is most likely to help experienced users perform advanced and unusual installations.