Running a CentOS netinstall over HTTP

Here, this article will attempt to discuss how to initiate the process of running a netinstall over HTTP while in the process to install CentOS 6. 

The process of CentOS installation deals with the functioning of a small image file that is used to boot the computer that further will enable in downloading all the necessary files that stand necessary in downloading to complete the installation of the entire operating system. This process stands highly beneficial for computers that do not come with the access of DVD drive; here you are not required to download DVD based image files. 

To Start With: What Do You Need?

You must have a high-speed internet connection as this process will serve the beginning point of the graphical installation process. You must make sure that you are server consist of these following requirements,

​1. An Intel-based or AMD based CPU

2. More than 1GB RAM recommended. 

3. At least 10 GB hard disk space.

The Process: 

You are to insert the netinstall disc and further boot your computer from the optical drive. Then wait for the welcome screen to appear,

1. No soon does the welcome splash screen appear, you are to use the Up and Down arrow key for selecting and highlighting the referred space that says install or upgrade an existing system. Now, when you are ready directly press the Return Key to proceed. 
2. Now, after unpacking the files, you will see a disc found a screen that will ask you to test the integrity that of your installation disc. Integrity denotes to the quality of the data on the disc and if you are confident enough about installation media being error-free and you wish to proceed with the installation, make use of the LEFT and RIGHT arrow key and choose SKIP. Now, press the Return Key to proceed.
3. You can even test the integrity of your installation media by just clicking on OK and further following the provided instructions. This would take a few minutes, and when finished choose Continue and exit and you will automatically get back to the installation menu option
4. You will see a Language Selection screen and with the help of UP and DOWN arrow key, you click on your preferred language and then click on Return Key to proceed
5. Same for the Keyboard Selection Screen, that help of the UP and DOWN key to select your preferred keyboard setting and then click on the Return Key to proceed.
6. Now, you will have to confirm the installation method. As it will be installed over HTTP, you are supposed to choose the URL and again press the Return Key to proceed. 
7. You will see a Configure TCP/IP screen, where you will be asked to configure the network settings. With the help of UP and DOWN arrow key along with the Space Bar, you will have to place a * in the preferred value. In case, your local area supports dynamic IP, you are to choose DHCP and being ready highlight the OK and then click on Return Key to proceed. 
8. Now, your server will attempt to configure the Ethernet devices. This is before inviting you to complete the URL setup. So, whether you have chosen 32-bit or rather a 64-bit installation, use any one of the following values in the first dialogue box
   For 64-bit installation, use
   http://mirror.centos.org./centos/6/os/x86/_64
   For 32-bit installation, use
   http://mirror.centos.org/centos/6/os/i386  
   You can even obtain a list of local mirror sites
   http://ww.centos.org/mirrors

9. Now use the Tab Key and highlight OK and press the Return Key to proceed. 

10. Now, on success, the installer will gradually start retrieving the appropriate install.img file:

11. This might take a  few minutes to complete, however, once it gets resolved the progress bar is supposed to indicate the download activity. After completion, the installer will prepare an onscreen environment, and you will be presented with the installation welcome screen thereafter. 

How Does It Work?

This process does not only saves time by limiting your initial download to those files required for the installation process but at the same time, you underwent the whole of graphical installation method without any use of the complete DVD suite. 

Through this process, we came to know how to boot from the netinstall image, to initialize the main installer, check if the optical media is free of error, to provide relevant network, setting for the host computer along with providing URL to download the files. 

This is indeed the most flexible and easy process for a single server or multiple servers using a minimal install, you need not wait to download the entire set of installation files, rather the installer will only download the files required and chosen in location. This saves plenty of your time.