Running Red Hat Linux 4.2 (Biltmore, 1997) on a Virtual Machine

First I tried installing Red Hat Linux 3.0.3 (Picasso), from 1996, which runs on kernel 1.2.13. The boot process for installation is pretty involved as the CD back on those days was not bootable. The installation process involves 3 floppy disks, 1 for the boot image, and 2 ramdisk images. I was able to load all 3 floppy images, but the kernel would died before the installation began.

RH 3.0.3: boot image loaded.

RH 3.0.3: failing to install

I did manage to find my Red Hat Linux 4.0 CD as well, which was the first official version of Red Hat that was bootable via the CD (that I know of). I was able to boot it up, and install the OS, but LILO wouldn't install... so I decided to move on to the next available version.

Red Hat Linux 4.0 (Colgate,1996).

Got stuck here... oh well.

So, I decided to move on to the next oldest Red Hat Linux CD I still have with me, which is Red Hat Linux 4.2 (Biltmore, 1997). The installation was pretty straightforward except for X11. Once, I figured out how to at least get it running on VGA mode and using the correct mouse protocol, I was able to have some fun with it. Red Hat Linux uses kernel 2.0.30.

RH 4.2: I had to use the control-panel to start up eth0 using DHCP, but it worked.

RH 4.2: kernel and rh version displayed.

RH 4.2: not many applications available out of the box, but it was still more than Windows 95 had to offer back then :-)

RH 4.2: GUI for RPM package management. As a side note, this is before Red Hat shipped online updates, and pre-RHN.

RH 4.2: Installing an application.

RH 4.2: Arena browser with today's Google loaded :-) Back in those days, you had to download Netscape on your own.

RH 4.2: I did some googling around and found a binary of Netscape 4.08 for 2.0.x Linux kernel. I downloaded and installed on RH 4.2, and to my surprise, it worked! Now, compare Netscape look to the Arena Browser (previous screenshot) to have an idea why Netscape became the powerhouse it became back on those days.
RH 4.2: Today's google through the eyes of 1997's Netscape :-)

I have also posted about Red Hat Linux 5.0, Red Hat Linux 6.1 and Red Hat Linux 7.2.