Installing Required RPMs from DVD Before You Install Oracle Database 10g or 11g
I came across a forum post in which one of my co-workers, Avi Miller, explained how to install Oracle Enterprise Linux from DVD so that all software requirements are met when you fire up the Oracle Database 10g or 11g installer.
There are several ways to deal with the software preinstallation requirements for the Oracle Database. And, while it's not very difficult to install the required RPMs, it can be somewhat awkward to do so in the correct dependency order.
To simplify this task, Oracle provides the oracle-validated RPM, discussed here, here, and here previously on this blog. The Oracle® Database Installation Guide 11g Release 1 (11.1) for Linux also describes how to install the oracle-validated RPM if you have access to Unbreakable Linux Network (ULN)
If you're installing Oracle Enterprise Linux, to run Oracle Database 10g or 11g, following the steps Avi outlined will save you time. Especially if you don't have access to ULN.
- Follow the installation process as normal until you get to the first software selection screen (it lists a series of tasks that you can add support for, and has an option at the bottom: "Customize Later" and "Customize Now"
- Select the "Customize Now" option and click Next
- Select "Base System" in the left-hand list and then "System Tools" in the right hand list. Click the checkbox next to "System Tools", then click the "Optional Packages" button.
- Scroll down and select the "oracle-validated" package and click "Close"
Avi continues: "You can now click "next" and continue the installation as normal. This also creates the oracle user/groups, sets up sysctl.conf, limits.conf, etc. It's fairly nifty." I followed these steps using the Oracle Enterprise Linux 5, Update 3 DVD I downloaded via edelivery.oracle.com, and it works like a breeze. Here's a final screen shot of the installer looking happy:
