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Am going to use this thread to run through a server build using Arch Linux as the prefered backend system.
Basically the path followed will be something like:
1. Install Arch Linux (including partitioning of the main HDD)
2. Update the system to current (not required if you do an ftp install across the internet as we will do)
3. Install required software.
4. Configure software.
5. Repeat 3/4 until finished.
6. Advanced topics (extra server functionality, backups etc).
NOTE: 14/04/2010 - Some of the information contained in this thread will be out of date as things in open source land move so quickly. Primarily this guide discusses the installation of kdemod3. That is NO LONGER required and you should just install kde or xfce or a desktop manager of your choice. If this doesn't make sense to you right now it will as you continue on. The installation of Shepherd (the guide grabber), under Arch Linux has also changed slightly. Other threads detail the changes and it's best to search for an up to date one or ask!. Primarily though this thread will get you from start to end but I encourage anyone to create new threads asking questions where any information seems out of date or if you run into problems.
The suggested size of the root partition below is 10gb. While this is enough for the install I've found that 15gb is more in line with what is required now.
-Arkay.
I use Internode as an ISP and they have a full Arch Linux mirror (Bigpond users can now use the aarnet mirror unmetered). Anyone attempting this would do well to check if they have a local mirror with their ISP. For the sake of this thread I'll just use references to the Internode mirror, you can substitute your own if you have one, or just use the Internode mirror too. The difference being is that if you use your local ISP's mirror then all traffic will be un-metered saving you time and some $$$ on bandwidth.
First things to do will be to:
1. Download the Arch Linux ftp installation ISO. Available Here.
2. Download and print the Arch Linux Beginners guide. Available Here.
3. I would also read this.
Please print out the beginners guide or have a second computer or laptop next to you during install. It is unbelievably helpful during installation.
Resources to use if you get stuck with anything include:
1. Ask in here or if you want to try to find the solution yourself then
2. The Arch Linux Wiki - very comprehensive.
3. The Arch Linux Forums - if necessary.
Things required for install include:
- An active wired internet connection. Wireless is out of scope for this as I consider wireless to be inappropriate for any server solution. It's good to have wireless as well, but it shouldn't be your first option and it is NOT recommended to attempt this installation via wireless. All too often the end goal is completely missed due to fights with wireless before you even start. If wireless is your only option then go buy some Ethernet over power adapters or, at least for the installation and setup, run a cable across the floor! Then configure wireless afterwards if you want to.
- The location of the mirror you are going to use during the install. For this thread I recommend the Internode Arch mirror ( http://mirror.intern.../pub/archlinux/)
Grab the iso and the beginners guide and lets get started.
Cheers,
Arkay.
Notes (I was keeping these here as I had intended to write a complete guide at the end of this thread. Time and the fluid nature of open source software has prevented that from happening. These notes may be of use to you so I will leave them in place).
- The install disk downloaded is a network install image, it provides enough to boot from the cd, start networking and run the installer. The remainder of the installation will be done directly from the internet. Doing it this way means you get the very latest of everything on the first install. The alternative is to download the full install disk that will allow you to do the base install without a network, you can then update all the packages from the internet later on. The network install is my preference. It's fast using a local mirror and no updates are required on completion.
- Use DHCP by default on install and work through re-setting the IP address settings after install is complete - easier.
- Will need to go through each of the screens in the installer and document things that are not obvious, possibly with screen grabs.
- Remember to set mysql root password directly after mysql startup. Then set up the myth database with mysql -u root -p < /usr/share/mythtv/mc.sql.
/usr/bin/mysqladmin -u root password 'new-password'
/usr/bin/mysqladmin -u root -h <hostname> password 'new-password'
- The timezone offset in mythtv-setup should be set to None as long as your TZ (timezone), is set correctly Shepherd will take care of DST changes for you. The machine must also be set to use UTC in rc.local for the shutdown/wakeup scripts to work correctly.
This is the backend server. No need for audio and this should be no where near a receiver. That's the front ends job. This is the server, can be in a completely different room, under the stairs/house if you like. It serves everything to the front end that does the video/audio output.
