One of the first decisions you’ll need to make before beginning an Oracle installation is the selection of an appropriate installation medium. For each platform on which Oracle runs, one or more types of installation media are available. These media include:
CD-ROM
DAT tape
Cartridge tape (various types)
On some platforms, there may be no choice of media. For example, Oracle for Windows 98 is available only on CD-ROM. On other platforms, there may be a variety of media available. Oracle for Unix, for example, is available on CD-ROM, DAT tape, and cartridge tape. When ordering installation media, be certain that the media offered:
Is supported by the hardware on your system
Is the correct physical size
Is the correct format
Is intended for the operating system running on your hardware