The root password must be set. Note that while entering the password, the characters being typed are not displayed on the screen. After the password has been entered, it must be entered again. This helps prevent typing errors.

Figure 2.21. Setting the root Password

After the password has been successfully entered, the installation will continue.

A list of all the network interfaces found on the computer is shown next. Select one to be configured.

Figure 2.22. Choose a Network Interface

2.9.2.1. Configuring a Wireless Network Interface

If a wireless network interface is chosen, wireless identification and security parameters must be entered to allow it to connect to the network.

Wireless networks are identified by a Service Set Identifier, or SSID. The SSID is a short, unique name given to each network.

Most wireless networks encrypt transmitted data to protect information from unauthorized viewing. WPA2 encryption is strongly recommended. Older encryption types, like WEP, offer very little security.

The first step in connecting to a wireless network is to scan for wireless access points.

Figure 2.23. Scanning for Wireless Access Points

SSIDs found during the scan are listed, followed by a description of the encryption types available for that network. If the desired SSID does not appear in the list, select [ Rescan ] to scan again. If the desired network still does not appear, check for problems with antenna connections or try moving the computer closer to the access point. Rescan after each change is made.

Figure 2.24. Choosing a Wireless Network

The encryption information for connecting to the selected wireless network is entered after selecting the network. With WPA2, only a password (also known as the Pre-Shared Key, or PSK) is needed. Characters typed into the input box are shown as asterisks for security.

Figure 2.25. WPA2 Setup

Network configuration continues after selection of the wireless network and entry of the connection information.

2.9.2.2. Configuring IPv4 Networking

Choose whether IPv4 networking is to be used. This is the most common type of network connection.

Figure 2.26. Choose IPv4 Networking

There are two methods of IPv4 configuration. DHCP will automatically configure the network interface correctly, and is the preferred method. Static configuration requires manual entry of network information.

Note:

Do not enter random network information, as it will not work. Obtain the information shown in Section 2.3.3, “Collect Network Information” from the network administrator or service provider.

2.9.2.2.1. IPv4 DHCP Network Configuration

If a DHCP server is available, select [ Yes ] to automatically configure the network interface.

Figure 2.27. Choose IPv4 DHCP Configuration

2.9.2.2.2. IPv4 Static Network Configuration

Static configuration of the network interface requires entry of some IPv4 information.

Figure 2.28. IPv4 Static Configuration

• IP Address - The manually-assigned IPv4 address to be assigned to this computer. This address must be unique and not already in use by another piece of equipment on the local network.

• Subnet Mask - The subnet mask used for the local network. Typically, this is 255.255.255.0.

• Default Router - The IP address of the default router on this network. Usually this is the address of the router or other network equipment that connects the local network to the Internet. Also known as the default gateway.

2.9.2.3. Configuring IPv6 Networking

IPv6 is a newer method of network configuration. If IPv6 is available and desired, choose [ Yes ] to select it.

Figure 2.29. Choose IPv6 Networking

IPv6 also has two methods of configuration. SLAAC , or StateLess Address AutoConfiguration, will automatically configure the network interface correctly. Static configuration requires manual entry of network information.

2.9.2.3.1. IPv6 Stateless Address Autoconfiguration

SLAAC allows an IPv6 network component to request autoconfiguration information from a local router. See RFC4862 for more information.

Figure 2.30. Choose IPv6 SLAAC Configuration

2.9.2.3.2. IPv6 Static Network Configuration

Static configuration of the network interface requires entry of the IPv6 configuration information.

Figure 2.31. IPv6 Static Configuration

• IPv6 Address - The manually-assigned IP address to be assigned to this computer. This address must be unique and not already in use by another piece of equipment on the local network.

• Default Router - The IPv6 address of the default router on this network. Usually this is the address of the router or other network equipment that connects the local network to the Internet. Also known as the default gateway.

2.9.2.4. Configuring DNS

The Domain Name System (or DNS) Resolver converts hostnames to and from network addresses. If DHCP or SLAAC was used to autoconfigure the network interface, the Resolver Configuration values may already be present. Otherwise, enter the local network's domain name in the Search field. DNS #1 and DNS #2 are the IP addresses for the local DNS servers. At least one DNS server is required.

Figure 2.32. DNS Configuration

Setting the time zone for your machine will allow it to automatically correct for any regional time changes and perform other time zone related functions properly.

The example shown is for a machine located in the Eastern time zone of the United States. Your selections will vary according to your geographical location.

Figure 2.33. Select Local or UTC Clock

Select [ Yes ] or [ No ] according to how the machine's clock is configured and press Enter. If you do not know whether the system uses UTC or local time, select [ No ] to choose the more commonly-used local time.

Figure 2.34. Select a Region

The appropriate region is selected using the arrow keys and then pressing Enter.

Figure 2.35. Select a Country

Select the appropriate country using the arrow keys and press Enter.

Figure 2.36. Select a Time Zone

The appropriate time zone is selected using the arrow keys and pressing Enter.

Figure 2.37. Confirm Time Zone

Confirm the abbreviation for the time zone is correct. If it looks okay, press Enter to continue with the post-installation configuration.

Additional system services which will be started at boot can be enabled. All of these services are optional.

Figure 2.38. Selecting Additional Services to Enable

bsdinstall will prompt if crash dumps should be enabled on the target system. Enabling crash dumps can be very useful in debugging issues with the system, so users are encouraged to enable crash dumps whenever possible. Select [ Yes ] to enable crash dumps, or [ No ] to proceed without crash dumps enabled.

Figure 2.39. Enabling Crash Dumps

Adding at least one user during the installation allows the system to be used without being logged in as root. When logged in as root, there are essentially no limits or protection on what can be done. Logging in as a normal user is safer and more secure.

Select [ Yes ] to add new users.

Figure 2.40. Add User Accounts

Enter the information for the user to be added.

Figure 2.41. Enter User Information

After entering everything, a summary is shown, and the system asks if it is correct. If a mistake was made during entry, enter no and try again. If everything is correct, enter yes to create the new user.

Figure 2.42. Exit User and Group Management

If there are more users to add, answer the Add another user? question with yes. Enter no to finish adding users and continue the installation.

For more information on adding users and user management, see Section 4.3, “Users and Basic Account Management”.

After everything has been installed and configured, a final chance is provided to modify settings.

Figure 2.43. Final Configuration

Use this menu to make any changes or do any additional configuration before completing the installation.

After any final configuration is complete, select Exit to leave the installation.

Figure 2.44. Manual Configuration

bsdinstall will prompt if there are any additional configuration that needs to be done before rebooting into the new system. Select [ Yes ] to exit to a shell within the new system, or [ No ] to proceed to the last step of the installation.

Figure 2.45. Complete the Installation

If further configuration or special setup is needed, selecting [ Live CD ] will boot the install media into Live CD mode.

When the installation is complete, select [ Reboot ] to reboot the computer and start the new FreeBSD system. Do not forget to remove the FreeBSD install CD, DVD, or USB memory stick, or the computer may boot from it again.

Proper shutdown of a FreeBSD computer helps protect data and even hardware from damage. Do not just turn off the power. If the user is a member of the wheel group, become the superuser by typing su at the command line and entering the root password. Otherwise, log in as root and use shutdown -p now. The system will close down cleanly and turn itself off.

The Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination can be used to reboot the system, but is not recommended during normal operation.