This page explains what the Miniconda installer is, how it works internally, and (in the future), how to modify it or handle some corner cases which may require slinky patches. All the step-to-step information on how to install Red Hat Linux with Miniconda, or other RULE tools, is available here.
Miniconda is based on the standard Red Hat ‘anaconda’ installer. It basically forces anaconda into text mode, removes the artificial minimum memory limit, and adds a “low memory” installation class. (plus a few hacks to make it all work.) Other than that, it behaves exactly as the stock anaconda.
General info
Miniconda is based on the standard Red Hat ‘anaconda’ installer. It basically forces anaconda into text mode, removes the artificial minimum memory limit, and adds a “low memory” installation class. (plus a few hacks to make it all work.) Other than that, it behaves exactly as the stock anaconda.
More exactly, patches have been applied to reduce the hard coded memory limits, modify the package installation lists, modify the available installation classes, and restrict the installer to text mode only. During testing, it was found that ‘Anaconda’ as distributed on the Red Hat Linux 7.2 disks, will refuse to install in anything less than 20 MB of RAM.
The modifications have not disabled the installers functionallity. The changes simply limit the packages preselected for installation, and allow installation to continue in low memory situations.
Currently, ‘Miniconda’ will install in as little as 12 MB of RAM. Michael Fratoni managed to force an install in 8 MB, but the results are not consistant, and the installation was a little tricky. (only 2 of 10 attempts completed) At 8 MB, the base installation took several hours to complete. 12 MB should complete in about an hour on a Pentium 200.
In the form it had for RH 7.2, ‘Miniconda’ consisted of updated boot ‘image’ files and an anaconda updates disk. The user simply used a ‘Miniconda’ boot.img disk (and any required driver disks), the stock Red Hat Linux 7.2 CDs, and (after booting with the ‘linux updates’ command line) inserted the anaconda updates disk when prompted. Other than the modified welcome screen, and the reduced package lists and install classes, the remainder of the install looked just like a normal Red Hat installation. And why not, that’s exactly what it is, and still is today.
Miniconda for Red Hat 8.0?
After the first successes, Miniconda was put on the back burner in favour of the other RULE installer, Slinky. Another reason for this slowing down is that Miniconda needs to remain a fork, mainly because Red Hat needs to focus from different customers than those normally needing it. Following users’ requests, however, on Feb 18th 2003 Michael released Miniconda for Red Hat 8.0. working fine with as low as 16 MB of RAM. No provision has been made for the fact that there is no i386 kernel package on the stock disks. If you have less than an i486, this won’t work. Adding an i386 kernel package and burning a new CD may work, I haven’t had a chance to test it. If anyone wants to do that, feel free. 