*BSD News Article 77607


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From: Brant Katkansky <brantk@atlas.com>
Newsgroups: comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc
Subject: Re: pre-installation question
Date: Fri, 06 Sep 1996 11:27:55 -0700
Organization: Atlas Telecom
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G. Macondray wrote:
> 
> This question may seem silly but...
> What files do I need to download from the FreeBSD ftp server for a minimal installation?

You only _need_ the root.flp, assuming you have either an ethernet
or PPP connection to the Internet.  The install program can ftp
all the files required, depending on what options you select.

>  Do I need all the files in the /bin directory?  Does FreeBSD have disk sets such as
> Linux slackware has?  Are the files bin.aa, bin.ab, etc. part of an 'a' disk set

The bin.* files are installed as the absolute minimum, but as I 
said before, the install program can FTP them for you.  I wouldn't
recommend a FTP install unless you have a fast, reliable connection.

FreeBSD is similar to Linux in that the distribution is split up
into sections, allowing you to pick and choose what you want/need
to install.  Where it differs is that (slackware) Linux will allow
you to install part of a disk set - FreeBSD will install the entire
set.  Dependancy problems are avoided this way.

If you choose to manually ftp the files, you should install
at least the bin, doc, info, and manpages distributions.  Everything
else is optional, and can be installed at a later date if you wish 
(the des distribution is a special case).

Hope this helps.

--
 Brant Katkansky (brantk@atlas.com)
 Systems Test Engineer, ADC