Appendix B. Installing, compiling, and upgrading
There are several ways to install PostgreSQL/PostGIS. When we were starting out, the only way was to compile the code yourself. Life has become much simpler, and the general user doesn’t need to experience the joys and frustrations of compiling their own source code. Compiling from source is still an adventurous journey and builds character, but most take the easy road.
It goes without saying that you need a functioning PostgreSQL server to use PostGIS. The installation options we discuss describe the base PostgreSQL installation as well as the additional PostGIS installation.
If you’re on a Windows system or a desktop Linux or Mac OS X system, the easiest way to get started is to use one of the one-click installers provided by EnterpriseDB at http://www.enterprisedb.com/products/pgdownload.do.
EnterpriseDB one-click installers will work for any desktop Linux system (32 bit and 64 bit), Windows system (2000, XP, 2003, 2008), and Mac OS X. The installer comes with the following prepackaged goods: