Chapter 3. Before Installing Debian GNU/Linux

Table of Contents

3.1. Overview of the Installation Process
3.2. Back Up Your Existing Data!
3.3. Information You Will Need
3.3.1. Documentation
3.3.2. Finding Sources of Hardware Information
3.3.3. Hardware Compatibility
3.3.4. Network Settings
3.4. Meeting Minimum Hardware Requirements
3.5. Pre-Partitioning for Multi-Boot Systems
3.6. Pre-Installation Hardware and Operating System Setup
3.6.1. Invoking the BIOS/UEFI Set-Up Menu
3.6.2. Boot Device Selection
3.6.3. Systems with UEFI firmware
3.6.4. Secure boot
3.6.5. Disabling the Windows fast boot/fast startup feature
3.6.6. Hardware Issues to Watch Out For

This chapter deals with the preparation for installing Debian before you even boot the installer. This includes backing up your data, gathering information about your hardware, and locating any necessary information.