Linux Mint

[Confuzius]

Blake
Going back to your original ubuntu boot error, check out this thread
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1165715
It seems like a moderately common problem, and the fix was to install it from usb using usbnetbootin http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=811397 and during install remove, then reinsert the usb, it manages to fool it into working somehow... who knows, might be worth a shot...

[OldSaw]

Is this where a guy can go for some computer help?
guess not since its in this clown house subforum. I will have to look elsewhere.









Linux. Still waiting for a serious linux post by me on this thread?


:yesnod: :lol:




With bated breath! :lol:

Kind of like those pictures in the home buying thread.

[OldSaw]

+1 congrats.

on the wifi... there's also the kludgie fix of ndiswrapper if worse comes to worst. Then you'll really be larnin'. (once the crying stops, anyhow :biggrin:)

Do you have any clue as to how significant of a post that was and you just let it go by without any flair?!?!

[RichGem]

Do you have any clue as to how significant of a post that was and you just let it go by without any flair?!?!

Oh, I noticed, but I didn't want to interfere with the Minster of Flair's job. *ahem*

[OldSaw]

Oh, I noticed, but I didn't want to interfere with the Minster of Flair's job. *ahem*

It's not like I have a pager that notifies me when these critical posts come up. However, I do have full authority to reprimand those who scoff at flair at significant posts. I can't be everywhere.

Now, if you would please edit your post with some flair, we can all get back to our regular silliness.

[RichGem]

It's not like I have a pager that notifies me when these critical posts come up. However, I do have full authority to reprimand those who scoff at flair at significant posts. I can't be everywhere.

Now, if you would please edit your post with some flair, we can all get back to our regular silliness.


Now, I really can't go back and do that b/c that would imply that you have the right to reprimand the Czar, which you don't. You serve at Our Pleasure. However, to keep you happy, if you were to supply some flair, i could amend it to my post. Maybe.

ps. pager's in the mail.

[Lynchmeister]

+1 congrats.

on the wifi... there's also the kludgie fix of ndiswrapper if worse comes to worst. Then you'll really be larnin'. (once the crying stops, anyhow :biggrin:)

For all my ups and downs with Linux WiFi, I still to this day have no idea what ndiswrapper is and how it works. :001_huh:

[RichGem]

For all my ups and downs with Linux WiFi, I still to this day have no idea what ndiswrapper is and how it works. :001_huh:


short answer: it's a kernel module (not part of the main kernel) that let's you use the specific windows wifi driver even tho the win drivers aren't compatible with linux under other circumstances.

[soapbox]

short answer: it's a kernel module (not part of the main kernel) that let's you use the specific windows wifi driver even tho the win drivers aren't compatible with linux under other circumstances.

Nicely said -- I would add that it's better than nothing but ... only better than nothing.

Edit: not that I could write the code to make ndiswrapper...

[blackfoot]

Outstanding!

You have found the dirty truth about Linux -- wireless chipsets are difficult to support, since most of them were meant for XP and nothing else.

On the one hand, you might be best served by getting a wireless chipset (USB, PCI card for a desktop, or PCMCIA card for a laptop) that's known compatible.

On the other, it's likely that your chipset will work, probably. Kind of.

See this page for more (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WirelessCardsSupported).

Actually, I started with XP. The computer just doesn't see the card for some reason.

[RichGem]

Nicely said -- I would add that it's better than nothing but ... only better than nothing.

Edit: not that I could write the code to make ndiswrapper...

thanks.

I've had very little experience with ndiswrapper... but from all reports, it works, but slowly and not fantastically. But, as you said, better than nothing. My one experience with it ended in total frustration (I was still a relative n00b and didn't have the kernel sources to compile against and, in any case, didin't really understand the whole modprobe,etc. business) and I gave up.

I've heard that it's gotten better since.

[blackfoot]

If the Minister of Flair slot is still vacant, try this.

http://www.desktopexchange.com/gallery/albums/Megan_Fox_Wallpaper/Megan_Fox_2.jpg

[soapbox]

Oh yeah, we're a great tech support forum. :rolleyes:

[blackfoot]

Oh yeah, we're a great tech support forum. :rolleyes:

:cool:

[RichGem]

If the Minister of Flair slot is still vacant, try this.

http://www.desktopexchange.com/gallery/albums/Megan_Fox_Wallpaper/Megan_Fox_2.jpg

:confused: Nothing there.

[blackfoot]

:confused: Nothing there.

Sucks to be you!

[RichGem]

Sucks to be you!

No... "It's good to be the Czar."

[soapbox]

No... "It's good to be the Czar."

You at work, Rich? It's a fairly large graphic but not NSFW by nearly all standards.

[blackfoot]

You at work, Rich? It's a fairly large graphic but not NSFW by nearly all standards.

Sorry, it was better than most of hers.

[RichGem]

You at work, Rich? It's a fairly large graphic but not NSFW by nearly all standards.


Yeah, I'm at work, but my internet is not filtered.

[blackfoot]

How do you install hardware on Ubuntu?

[RichGem]

How do you install hardware on Ubuntu?

It should be auto-detected. But, can you be more specific? What hardware is giving you problems? (other than wifi... don't talk to me about wifi. :biggrin:)

[blackfoot]

It should be auto-detected. But, can you be more specific? What hardware is giving you problems? (other than wifi... don't talk to me about wifi. :biggrin:)

Then, I speak to you not.

[blackfoot]

I took the card out and started and now put it back in, hoping to get it to work.

[RichGem]

I took the card out and started and now put it back in, hoping to get it to work.

Although it shouldn't be necessary, sometimes hardware (particularly some USB) is best detected in Linux from a cold-start state.

[DougC]

Yeah maybe, or try the lspci command and see if it's showing up. You may just not have a the kernel module for it or maybe not been set up in ndiswraper.

Soz, just read the lsat few comments on this thread so I've not seen if you tried anything else..

[soapbox]

How do you install hardware on Ubuntu?


Yeah maybe, or try the lspci command and see if it's showing up. You may just not have a the kernel module for it or maybe not been set up in ndiswrapper.

First -- welcome, DougC!

Second -- good advice from DougC too -- open a Terminal window (so you can use the command line) and type lspci so you can see if your machine has detected the addon. The output of the command will list a lot of stuff, so you'll have to sift through the lines of output and figure out which device -- if listed -- is your wireless chipset.

[DougC]

you could post it on here so we could have a look.

[blackfoot]

First -- welcome, DougC!

Second -- good advice from DougC too -- open a Terminal window (so you can use the command line) and type lspci so you can see if your machine has detected the addon. The output of the command will list a lot of stuff, so you'll have to sift through the lines of output and figure out which device -- if listed -- is your wireless chipset.

I don't see it.

[soapbox]

I don't see it.

OK, if you'll humor me one more command that uses lspci:

please type


lspci | grep -i ethernet

and post the result? You can copy and paste the above command. The "pipe" character should be just above your "return" key since you're using a US keyboard.

In short, you're re-running the lspci but "piping" the results through grep, which will search each line for a case-insensitive "ethernet" and report just what you have in terms of networking hardware.

[blackfoot]

OK, if you'll humor me one more command that uses lspci:

please type


lspci | grep -i ethernet

and post the result? You can copy and paste the above command. The "pipe" character should be just above your "return" key since you're using a US keyboard.

In short, you're re-running the lspci but "piping" the results through grep, which will search each line for a case-insensitive "ethernet" and report just what you have in terms of networking hardware.

How about this? Can you even read that?

[soapbox]

How about this? Can you even read that?

Hrm, looks like it didn't like something you typed.

Try just the plain lspci command (nothing but those five letters) and copy/paste the results here. (If you would, please put CODE tags around the text so it'll be easier to read)

[blackfoot]

Hrm, looks like it didn't like something you typed.

Try just the plain lspci command (nothing but those five letters) and copy/paste the results here. (If you would, please put CODE tags around the text so it'll be easier to read)

Do you mean quote?

[RichGem]

Hrm, looks like it didn't like something you typed.

Try just the plain lspci command (nothing but those five letters) and copy/paste the results here. (If you would, please put CODE tags around the text so it'll be easier to read)

I don't remember... does he need to sudo to lspci?


Do you mean quote?

no, code tags, but used the same way.

[blackfoot]

I don't have Linux on the laptop and can't seem to copy and paste between the two via USB device. Suggestions?

[soapbox]

I don't remember... does he need to sudo to lspci?

Aha, that's it! Yeah, Blake, re-run that command with "sudo" in front of it, thusly:


sudo lspci | grep -i ethernet

and then it'll ask for your password.

[blackfoot]

Aha, that's it! Yeah, Blake, re-run that command with "sudo" in front of it, thusly:


sudo lspci | grep -i ethernet

and then it'll ask for your password.

What is the large space and vertical line?

[RichGem]

What is the large space and vertical line?


| is called the "pipe" character which is actually unimportant right now. You access it by "shift" plus "backslash". ie: shift \

the big space is unimportant and as a big space was just a typo. which, in this case, the computer will ignore. in that "sentance," if you will, the spacing at that point is unimportant and could be omitted.

[soapbox]

What is the large space and vertical line?

The amount of whitespace doesn't matter; but the "pipe" is the key, above your return key. Press shift and that key to get the "|" character. (note it even looks like a pipe).

Or just copy and paste the text from my post.

[blackfoot]

[sudo] password for blake:

I couldn't type though.

[blackfoot]

never mind. It just doesn't show the letters.

[blackfoot]

Sorry. I had trouble getting this to this computer.

[soapbox]

Sorry. I had trouble getting this to this computer.

After a lot of squinting, it appears you have a Marvell brand, 802.11 (that's the formal code spec for wireless ethernet) chipset. It detects your wireless!

Yeah, that and $2 gets you a cup of coffee at Starbuck's, I know, I know.

But that's a good sign. The slightly bad news is that I think you're going to have to use ndiswrapper to use the Marvell wireless.

[blackfoot]

I am leaving for work. If you have any advice, I'll catch up in the morning. Thanks for all of the help guys!

[blackfoot]

After a lot of squinting, it appears you have a Marvell brand, 802.11 (that's the formal code spec for wireless ethernet) chipset. It detects your wireless!

Yeah, that and $2 gets you a cup of coffee at Starbuck's, I know, I know.

But that's a good sign. The slightly bad news is that I think you're going to have to use ndiswrapper to use the Marvell wireless.

What is that?

[soapbox]

And it also appears that you have two wired ethernet ports -- is that correct? Maybe one built in to the motherboard and an add-on PCI card?

[blackfoot]

And it also appears that you have two wired ethernet ports -- is that correct? Maybe one built in to the motherboard and an add-on PCI card?

Exactly, Sherlock!

[soapbox]

I am leaving for work. If you have any advice, I'll catch up in the morning. Thanks for all of the help guys!

Roger that -- best of luck tonight!


What is that?

ndiswrapper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NDISwrapper) is a "translation layer" between a Windows-only wireless hardware driver and your linux operating system. In other words, while there isn't a "Linux-native" driver for these wireless chipsets, they are still usable in Linux and thus you can use the wireless card in Ubuntu.

[RichGem]

before going the ndiswrapper route (unless Jesse knows for sure that your wifi isn't supported... cause I don't know period)... maybe the interface just isn't coming up automattically?

try a

sudo ifup -a


and see if you can surf.

[blackfoot]

before going the ndiswrapper route (unless Jesse knows for sure that your wifi isn't supported... cause I don't know period)... maybe the interface just isn't coming up automattically?

try a

sudo ifup -a


and see if you can surf.

No. It just gave another command line. At the top, I click the wireless signal bar and can see the card. But it is shaded and I can't click on it.

[RichGem]

No. It just gave another command line. At the top, I click the wireless signal bar and can see the card. But it is shaded and I can't click on it.


I'm no expert (by any means) on Ubuntu on or wifi in general. But, it sounds like ubuntu sees your wifi card and can use it. But, the interface either isn't set up correctly or just isn't starting. That debugging, tho, will have to be for wiser minds than mine, I'm afraid.

[blackfoot]

I'm no expert (by any means) on Ubuntu on or wifi in general. But, it sounds like ubuntu sees your wifi card and can use it. But, the interface either isn't set up correctly or just isn't starting. That debugging, tho, will have to be for wiser minds than mine, I'm afraid.

I am a little embarrassed. That has been there the entire time but I thought my card was a different brand. :blushing: So this is going the same route as Cory's, huh?

[RichGem]

I am a little embarrassed. That has been there the entire time but I thought my card was a different brand. :blushing: So this is going the same route as Cory's, huh?

lol. don't feel bad. wifi, especially in laptops, is notorious under linux b/c manufacturers don't share their specs and b/c of size and money saving, you could easily have two identical cards from the same manufacturer that have two totally different chipsets... one supported by linux, one not... yet the OEM never mentions the difference.

although, wifi support is a billion times better than it was even a year or two ago.

[blackfoot]

lol. don't feel bad. wifi, especially in laptops, is notorious under linux b/c manufacturers don't share their specs and b/c of size and money saving, you could easily have two identical cards from the same manufacturer that have two totally different chipsets... one supported by linux, one not... yet the OEM never mentions the difference.

although, wifi support is a billion times better than it was even a year or two ago.

Does it help that I know what card I put in?

[Confuzius]

I'm trying to figure this out, from the network manager you can see your network but it's greyed out?

[blackfoot]

I'm trying to figure this out, from the network manager you can see your network but it's greyed out?

To the left of my volume icon is a signal strength icon. It has a red box with a white X in it. When I click on it I can see two network cards, one being the Marvel.

[RichGem]

Does it help that I know what card I put in?

probably.


I'm trying to figure this out, from the network manager you can see your network but it's greyed out?

I'm thinking Jordan, that the interface needs to be manually set up and then activated, but I have no real experience in doing it this way.

[Lynchmeister]

I am a little embarrassed. That has been there the entire time but I thought my card was a different brand. :blushing: So this is going the same route as Cory's, huh?

Afraid so...the similarities are striking.

If you want to fix the problem, get drunk and consult gugi. Hey...worked for me! :lol:

[RichGem]

Afraid so...the similarities are striking.

If you want to fix the problem, get drunk and consult gugi. Hey...worked for me! :lol:


I thought it was "get drunk WHILE consulting gugi" ?

ot... but, have you seen the new Cheddar National Anthem?

[Lynchmeister]

I thought it was "get drunk WHILE consulting gugi" ?

ot... but, have you seen the new Cheddar National Anthem?

...well...there was some of that too. :w00t:

Re: CNA - Nope, but now I'm curious.

[RichGem]

...well...there was some of that too. :w00t:

Re: CNA - Nope, but now I'm curious.


check out either the social group or the "new czar" thread.

[Lynchmeister]

check out either the social group or the "new czar" thread.


...oh boy...:tongue:

[blackfoot]

What is gugi?

[Lynchmeister]

What is gugi?

Not what, but rather who. He's a member here who literally stayed up till 2 or 3 in the morning and held my hand through my first successful Linux install...all the while I was knocking back beers. By the time we were done, I could barely see the screen. :lol:




































Disclaimer: I do not endorse drinking and computing.

[blackfoot]

Not what, but rather who. He's a member here who literally stayed up till 2 or 3 in the morning and held my hand through my first successful Linux install...all the while I was knocking back beers. By the time we were done, I could barely see the screen. :lol:




































Disclaimer: I do not endorse drinking and computing.

I am getting the gin.

[soapbox]

I am getting the gin.

Don't forget the limes... :wink:

[blackfoot]

Don't forget the limes... :wink:

:a17:

[blackfoot]

Alright guys, I need you again. Here is the deal. I am using this (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WirelessTroubleShootingGuide#check) to figure out my problem. I am at 4.2.3. I am told to enter

sudo lsmod

On this page, it tells me to enter

lsmod | grep ath

This command does not appear to do anything.

The page also talks about modprobe (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WirelessTroubleShootingGuide#modprobe). However, I am not sure I am supposed to move on to this step yet or not.

Okay Gurus. Any advice?

[soapbox]

Alright guys, I need you again. Here is the deal. I am using this (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WirelessTroubleShootingGuide#check) to figure out my problem. I am at 4.2.3. I am told to enter

sudo lsmod

On this page, it tells me to enter

lsmod | grep ath

This command does not appear to do anything.

The page also talks about modprobe (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WirelessTroubleShootingGuide#modprobe). However, I am not sure I am supposed to move on to this step yet or not.

Okay Gurus. Any advice?

First, the good news. At least some Marvell wireless chipsets are supported natively in Linux. Maybe yours is.

Alright, a couple of pieces of info we/you need:

Post the actual line (retype it manually if you have to) of output from
lspci | grep -i marv
The lsmod command you typed did exactly what you asked of it -- it checked to see if any of the kernel modules contained "ath", and there aren't any. Unsurprising -- because you don't have an Atheros wireless chipset! :smile:
Instead, once you know the actual chipset you have, you can google for its linux kernel module name. For instance, it might be libertas_sdio. See if you can correlate the marvell chipset to the kernel module you need.
once you know the kernel module you need you can continue with modprobe, so stay tuned. But it would be helpful if you read (at least skim) the man page for modprobe; open a terminal window and type man modprobe and hit enter.


Now, Ubuntu should not be this difficult, and it should have figured out that the Marvell chipset should be active and enabled, so I'm not really sure why it didn't figure all this out. BUT you're here, now, and if you can solve it with the articles you found, so much the better. We're removing the veil from Ubuntu and showing you that, with help, you can solve these problems the "hard" way. :001_smile

[RichGem]

Has anyone else noticed that we're on pg. 404 of this thread? As in http error 404?

:idea:

[soapbox]

Has anyone else noticed that we're on pg. 404 of this thread? As in http error 404?

:idea:

"useful content not found"?
"you're looking in the wrong place"?
"intelligence missing"?

All of those could apply...

[RichGem]

"useful content not found"?
"you're looking in the wrong place"?
"intelligence missing"?

All of those could apply...

I was thinking more in terms of Blake having trouble with wifi, but yeah, those could work too. :biggrin:

[soapbox]

I was thinking more in terms of Blake having trouble with wifi, but yeah, those could work too. :biggrin:

Blake might not be far enough along for 404 jokes to be funny.

Now my phone number, that starts with 404--good fodder for jokes, there. :biggrin:

[RichGem]

Blake might not be far enough along for 404 jokes to be funny.

At least he still has his hair intact at this point. :blush:



Now my phone number, that starts with 404--good fodder for jokes, there. :biggrin:


Well, when you give it out as 404-555-1212, what do you expect? :lol:

[soapbox]

Well, when you give it out as 404-555-1212, what do you expect? :lol:

"missing" + "information" -- nice. Very nice.

[blackfoot]

First, the good news. At least some Marvell wireless chipsets are supported natively in Linux. Maybe yours is.

Alright, a couple of pieces of info we/you need:

Post the actual line (retype it manually if you have to) of output from
lspci | grep -i marv
The lsmod command you typed did exactly what you asked of it -- it checked to see if any of the kernel modules contained "ath", and there aren't any. Unsurprising -- because you don't have an Atheros wireless chipset! :smile:
Instead, once you know the actual chipset you have, you can google for its linux kernel module name. For instance, it might be libertas_sdio. See if you can correlate the marvell chipset to the kernel module you need.
once you know the kernel module you need you can continue with modprobe, so stay tuned. But it would be helpful if you read (at least skim) the man page for modprobe; open a terminal window and type man modprobe and hit enter.


Now, Ubuntu should not be this difficult, and it should have figured out that the Marvell chipset should be active and enabled, so I'm not really sure why it didn't figure all this out. BUT you're here, now, and if you can solve it with the articles you found, so much the better. We're removing the veil from Ubuntu and showing you that, with help, you can solve these problems the "hard" way. :001_smile

When I entered

sudo lshw
the configuration line is latency=64

This is supposed to be where the driver is listed. Is latency=64 the driver?

When I entered

sudo lspci | grep -i marv

I get

02:05.5 Ethernet controller: 3Com Corporation 3c940 10/100/1000Base-T [Marvell] (rev 12)
02:0d.0 Ethernet controller: Marvell Technology Group Ltd. Marvell W8300 802.11 Adapter (rev 07)

[OldSaw]

Now, I really can't go back and do that b/c that would imply that you have the right to reprimand the Czar, which you don't. You serve at Our Pleasure. However, to keep you happy, if you were to supply some flair, i could amend it to my post. Maybe.

ps. pager's in the mail.

Aside from the many smileys you could try this old stand by.
59750

[blackfoot]

Aside from the many smileys you could try this old stand by.
59750

:thumbup1:

[OldSaw]

Where'd everyone go? Are we taking a Linux break?

[RichGem]

Where'd everyone go? Are we taking a Linux break?

ya mean blake hasn't been fixed yet?

[blackfoot]

ya mean blake hasn't been fixed yet?

No. No Linux love. :frown: I posted this (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1344614&postcount=8076) and haven't heard back. I am not going to be home to work on it until next week, now.

[OldSaw]

ya mean blake hasn't been fixed yet?

I left you an idea for some flair to put in #8000.

[RichGem]

No. No Linux love. :frown: I posted this (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1344614&postcount=8076) and haven't heard back. I am not going to be home to work on it until next week, now.


oh yeah that. wish I could help, but over my head.

[blackfoot]

oh yeah that. wish I could help, but over my head.

Well, penguins aren't particularly tall.

[soapbox]

02:05.5 Ethernet controller: 3Com Corporation 3c940 10/100/1000Base-T [Marvell] (rev 12)
02:0d.0 Ethernet controller: Marvell Technology Group Ltd. Marvell W8300 802.11 Adapter (rev 07)

I've been sifting through these problems for a couple of days. Not easy to do when I can't test your issues.

Looks like you're going to have to use ndiswrapper. Look at this thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=7635167) to see if it helps. If it looks like complete Greek I'll walk you through it.

Since your wireless chipset is maybe four or so years old...you shouldn't count on linux drivers anytime soon. But ndiswrapper will work.

[blackfoot]

I've been sifting through these problems for a couple of days. Not easy to do when I can't test your issues.

Looks like you're going to have to use ndiswrapper. Look at this thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=7635167) to see if it helps. If it looks like complete Greek I'll walk you through it.

Since your wireless chipset is maybe four or so years old...you shouldn't count on linux drivers anytime soon. But ndiswrapper will work.

I will try and follow it when I am at my computer. I read a little and made some sense of it. It appears to either be plans for a nuclear missile, or German chocolate cake. I think I've got it. :thumbup:

[Lynchmeister]

I will try and follow it when I am at my computer. I read a little and made some sense of it. It appears to either be plans for a nuclear missile, or German chocolate cake. I think I've got it. :thumbup:


Love it! :lol::lol::lol:

[soapbox]

I will try and follow it when I am at my computer. I read a little and made some sense of it. It appears to either be plans for a nuclear missile, or German chocolate cake. I think I've got it. :thumbup:

If you end up with either one of these, please let me know, mmmkay? :wink:

[blackfoot]

If you end up with either one of these, please let me know, mmmkay? :wink:

Will do. :biggrin:

[OldSaw]

oh yeah that. wish I could help, but over my head.

Apparently flair is over your head too. A real Czar would just make it happen and wouldn't have to be prompted. This is starting to sound an awful lot like a previous Czar's lack of photo posting.

[RichGem]

Apparently flair is over your head too. A real Czar would just make it happen and wouldn't have to be prompted. This is starting to sound an awful lot like a previous Czar's lack of photo posting.

And let the minions off that easily? Puh-lease! Take it up with them.

[OldSaw]

And let the minions off that easily? Puh-lease! Take it up with them.

I must say I am disappointed. :frown:

[RichGem]

I must say I am disappointed. :frown:

Disappointment is character-building. :cool:

[OldSaw]

Disappointment is character-building. :cool:

That's what they said when I was in the Navy. You'll notice I'm not with that outfit anymore.

[RichGem]

That's what they said when I was in the Navy. You'll notice I'm not with that outfit anymore.

Didn't I appoint you Minister of Flair or something? Yeesh... I mean, do I have to do your job too?

[OldSaw]

Didn't I appoint you Minister of Flair or something? Yeesh... I mean, do I have to do your job too?

I gave you a suggestion, but only YOU or a moderator can edit your post. Of course, as Czar, feel free to over ride my suggestion and create your own flair.

[RichGem]

I gave you a suggestion, but only YOU or a moderator can edit your post. Of course, as Czar, feel free to over ride my suggestion and create your own flair.


Yes, but as M of Flair, you are charged with anticipating flair worthy post numbers and fulfilling their flair-worthiness before others miss (or omit) the chance.


Can I override your syntax too? :tongue: :biggrin:

[blackfoot]

Linux love!

[OldSaw]

Yes, but as M of Flair, you are charged with anticipating flair worthy post numbers and fulfilling their flair-worthiness before others miss (or omit) the chance.


Can I override your syntax too? :tongue: :biggrin:

Why not just appease the masses and post some flair to show that you care about the peasant class. After all, they don't have much else to look forward to.

[blackfoot]

Why not just appease the masses and post some flair to show that you care about the peasant class. After all, they don't have much else to look forward to.

That sounded suspiciously like a jab. :a11:

[Lynchmeister]

Linux love!

Are ya feelin' it yet? :w00t:

[blackfoot]

Are ya feelin' it yet? :w00t:

Oh yeah. Actually, I am pretty excited. I helped build this computer, but my little brother did all of the installation stuff. I am really enjoying being able to do it myself. So linux love for all! Ask me in a week or two :lol:

[RichGem]

Are ya feelin' it yet? :w00t:

What's not to love about linux?

[blackfoot]

What's not to love about linux?

Your wireless card not working?

[RichGem]

Your wireless card not working?

ok. true. But, other than that.
(and that's more the fault of the OEM, not linux, but why quibble)

[blackfoot]

ok. true. But, other than that.
(and that's more the fault of the OEM, not linux, but why quibble)

All right... all right... but apart from better sanitation and medicine and education and irrigation and public health and roads and a freshwater system and baths and public order... what have the Romans done for us?

[RichGem]

All right... all right... but apart from better sanitation and medicine and education and irrigation and public health and roads and a freshwater system and baths and public order... what have the Romans done for us?

They were fantastically creative when it came to torturing prisoners. :ihih:

[blackfoot]

They were fantastically creative when it came to torturing prisoners. :ihih:

What, crucifixion? I've seen worse.

[RichGem]

What, crucifixion? I've seen worse.

Crucifixion was only the beginning and considered a "mild" form of execution.

[OldSaw]

All right... all right... but apart from better sanitation and medicine and education and irrigation and public health and roads and a freshwater system and baths and public order... what have the Romans done for us?

They also had flair. Which is more than I can say for the current fellow claiming to be Czar. I also hear they were pretty good at keeping promises, unlike someone else who reneges on his promise to post flair after a suitable suggestion was made.

[RichGem]

OH the things I do for the minions.


http://www.blogworks.org/images/lish_flair.jpg
http://www.wrestling-caricatures.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/flair3.jpeg

[OldSaw]

OH the things I do for the minions.


http://www.blogworks.org/images/lish_flair.jpg
http://www.wrestling-caricatures.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/flair3.jpeg

Now you're getting it. All you have to do is put that in the 8000th post and we will all rest easy again.

[burnwood]

I saw that Dennis posted in here and had do my linux inspection.

Dennis, no linux?
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/fail.jpg

[RichGem]

Now you're getting it. All you have to do is put that in the 8000th post and we will all rest easy again.

too late to edit.


I saw that Dennis posted in here and had do my linux inspection.

Dennis, no linux?
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/fail.jpg

:lol: aka: Chip goes on a diet. :wink:

[OldSaw]

I saw that Dennis posted in here and had do my linux inspection.

Dennis, no linux?
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/fail.jpg

Crap! I forgot to say Linux.







#31

[RichGem]

Also posted by me over in the Shaved Penguins. Any ideas?




I woke up my eeePC this AM to check out B&B and had a weird keyboard issue: the right side of my keyboard was tansmitting numbers and symbols instead of the correct letters. Weird. I messed with it a bit, including restarting firefox and no change. I finally restarted X and everything was fine. I've never had this happen on any computer before and assume it was just a gremlin. But, anyone else have this issue at some point?

[OldSaw]

I had a great Linux weekend. I have been practicing my Texas Holdem, on an open source program for Linux, for at least six months now and have been in the money 14 out of 22 games with my family, typically 12-15 players on two tables. I just took first place in both games last night yet my brother still thinks he plays better than I do. :lol: Thanks Linux.

I have also been using it to coach my God child, my brother's 16 year old daughter. It really bugged him when she beat him and ended up playing heads up against me. I was half tempted to throw the game and let her win, but that wouldn't be doing her any favors. I was happy to see how well she played and wouldn't even let her dad stand behind her and look at her cards.

OK, carry on.

[soapbox]

Anyone seen Chip around lately, or is he still ill/catching up at work?

[RichGem]

Anyone seen Chip around lately, or is he still ill/catching up at work?


I got email last night. Still alive; still catching up at work. Logging tons of hours in front of a screen setting up a db for work and too bug-eyed to log on here.

On a cross post... ya mean I gotta wait for the 29th plus before I get soap #9? :sad: The heck with packing! Your Czar needs soap!

Congrats to Baby SB on the stair climb! & good luck on the interview!

[eclipse75]

Linux is for those who want to mess around with the more technical side of computers or need to get work done using the computers actual resources. Generally speaking, I mean for your every day user, Linux isn't no where on par with Windows. This is coming from a Slack user.

[blackfoot]

Linux is for those who want to mess around with the more technical side of computers or need to get work done using the computers actual resources. Generally speaking, I mean for your every day user, Linux isn't no where on par with Windows. This is coming from a Slack user.

And the M3 is superior. :spockflam

[RichGem]

And the M3 is superior. :spockflam

Flame bait indeed, which is why I didn't respond.

[Confuzius]

Just got a new laptop!!
AMD Athalon X2 QL-64 (2.1ghz for what it's worth)
4gb ram
320gb HDD
Nvidia 8200m (with HDMI out!)
Wifi works out of the box!!!

Now I've got to figure out how to repurpose my other computer :-D
Sources say it will include heavy Linux.

[soapbox]

Flame bait indeed, which is why I didn't respond.

I don't think it was really flame bait -- for most users, Windows is a known, comfortable environment and re-learning KDE or Gnome would be a big chore. Dad and I haven't tried to convert Mom to Mac OS X: she used a PC at NASA for 27 years...and she's fine with it.

I do think that the Linux Desktop is ready for prime time, but for a just-starting-out user I think Linux would be fine, with a little help from WINE.

[blackfoot]

I don't think it was really flame bait -- for most users, Windows is a known, comfortable environment and re-learning KDE or Gnome would be a big chore. Dad and I haven't tried to convert Mom to Mac OS X: she used a PC at NASA for 27 years...and she's fine with it.

I do think that the Linux Desktop is ready for prime time, but for a just-starting-out user I think Linux would be fine, with a little help from WINE.

And members here. :biggrin:

[soapbox]

And members here. :biggrin:

Heh, yeah, and some tech support from generous linux veterans. :smile:

[OldSaw]

I like both, but not on the same computer. I have one just for Linux and that's the way I like it.

[blackfoot]

I like both, but not on the same computer. I have one just for Linux and that's the way I like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWf1MdHv80Q

[OldSaw]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWf1MdHv80Q

I could have done without that.

[blackfoot]

I could have done without that.

Me too, yet it is making me giggle still. I haven't slept much since..I'm not sure when. :001_huh: :biggrin:

[RichGem]

So, Blake, that's the way you like it?

[blackfoot]

So, Blake, that's the way you like it?

I see you setting me up for a custom title. Bad penguin! :nono:

[RichGem]

I see you setting me up for a custom title. Bad penguin! :nono:


Uh huh. uh huh.


:biggrin: :lol:

[blackfoot]

Uh huh. uh huh.


:biggrin: :lol:

I am punch drunk, not naive. :biggrin:

[soapbox]

I can't wait to build my new Linux supercomputer...at work...and install top-of-the-line NVidia graphics cards...and play Quake on it.

[soapbox]

Uh huh. uh huh.


:biggrin: :lol:

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

AWESOME.

[RichGem]

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

AWESOME.

<takes a bow>

[blackfoot]

Update: Good and bad news. My brother-in-law thinks my wireless card is bad. He had me try to get it working in Windows. We get the driver installed correctly, but it wouldn't work. He pointed out I was having problems with it before. I was having to repair the connection all of the time. So, he thinks it may be bad.

[RichGem]

Update: Good and bad news. My brother-in-law thinks my wireless card is bad. He had me try to get it working in Windows. We get the driver installed correctly, but it wouldn't work. He pointed out I was having problems with it before. I was having to repair the connection all of the time. So, he thinks it may be bad.

that's actually all good news. now just be sure to replace it with one that is supported natively in linux and you're good to go. in the mean while, you could wire up via ethernet to your router (if you haven't already).

[blackfoot]

that's actually all good news. now just be sure to replace it with one that is supported natively in linux and you're good to go. in the mean while, you could wire up via ethernet to your router (if you haven't already).

Problem is, the router is downstairs and computer upstairs.

[RichGem]

Problem is, the router is downstairs and computer upstairs.



You can get some pretty long ethernet cables these days, ya know. :wink:

or... just move the computer and/or router.:biggrin:

[blackfoot]

You can get some pretty long ethernet cables these days, ya know. :wink:

or... just move the computer and/or router.:biggrin:

It sounds simple. However, I don't have a cable hook-up in the war room. :frown:

[RichGem]

It sounds simple. However, I don't have a cable hook-up in the war room. :frown:


:a36:

[blackfoot]

:a36:

I appreciate the thought though. :cool:

[Lynchmeister]

I like both, but not on the same computer. I have one just for Linux and that's the way I like it.

I've discovered that this is my preference as well.


You can get some pretty long ethernet cables these days, ya know. :wink:

or... just move the computer and/or router.:biggrin:

:whistling:

[blackfoot]

I've discovered that this is my preference as well.



:whistling:

That's okay, I'll find my own thank you. :biggrin:

[RichGem]

@ Blake and Cory... here's a "random" fact .... did you know that the human intestine (depending on the size of the person) can be up to 35 ft in length?

Now, doubled over... that's at least a 70ft ethernet cable you could get.

[blackfoot]

@ Blake and Cory... here's a "random" fact .... did you know that the human intestine (depending on the size of the person) can be up to 35 ft in length?

Now, doubled over... that's at least a 70ft ethernet cable you could get.

I..I am at a loss. Cory, I..Oh, never mind. :w00t:

[Lynchmeister]

@ Blake and Cory... here's a "random" fact .... did you know that the human intestine (depending on the size of the person) can be up to 35 ft in length?

Now, doubled over... that's at least a 70ft ethernet cable you could get.


I..I am at a loss. Cory, I..Oh, never mind. :w00t:

My official comment is that I have no comment. :eek:

[blackfoot]

My official comment is that I have no comment. :eek:

How do you maintain your cable with all of the couch posing? Never mind, I don't think I want to know.

[RichGem]

My official comment is that I have no comment. :eek:

In your defense, I don't think you are of the proportions which would indicate a 35 ft long intestinal tract.

[RichGem]

How do you maintain your cable with all of the couch posing? Never mind, I don't think I want to know.

Even I am censoring myself on this one.

[OldSaw]

How do you maintain your cable with all of the couch posing? Never mind, I don't think I want to know.

Looking for tips? You guys should really discuss this in PM's. The rest of us don't even want our imaginations involved in this one.

[OldSaw]

Oh! and Linux.

[soapbox]

Problem is, the router is downstairs and computer upstairs.


It sounds simple. However, I don't have a cable hook-up in the war room. :frown:

I dealt with this problem definitively; I bought a second wireless router, put dd-wrt (http://dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/index.php) on both routers, and the second one is a wireless-to-wired bridge, so that you can have a wired "outpost." For me, I put it in the office, where the printer and MythTV live -- they don't have nor do they need wireless, but it's nice to be able to print to them via the wireless connection in the house. It has been rock solid and hugely convenient.

dd-wrt is not hard to use. And, as with everything else here -- we'll help you through it.

So, yes, you have to get a second wireless router. Or, if your wireless router isn't supported by dd-wrt, well, you'd have to buy two. See here (http://dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/dd-wrt/hardware.html) for the hardware that is supported.

[richmondesi]

I dealt with this problem definitively; I bought a second wireless router, put dd-wrt (http://dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/index.php) on both routers, and the second one is a wireless-to-wired bridge, so that you can have a wired "outpost." For me, I put it in the office, where the printer and MythTV live -- they don't have nor do they need wireless, but it's nice to be able to print to them via the wireless connection in the house. It has been rock solid and hugely convenient.

dd-wrt is not hard to use. And, as with everything else here -- we'll help you through it.

So, yes, you have to get a second wireless router. Or, if your wireless router isn't supported by dd-wrt, well, you'd have to buy two. See here (http://dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/dd-wrt/hardware.html) for the hardware that is supported.

I once set up a similar network at my parents ranch. We had an office in the barn and I had a house 2000 feet south of it, and he had one 2000 feet north of it. I set up a couple of line of sight antennas a couple of bridges and we all shared the bandwidth. Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy :tongue:

[soapbox]

I once set up a similar network at my parents ranch. We had an office in the barn and I had a house 2000 feet south of it, and he had one 2000 feet north of it. I set up a couple of line of sight antennas a couple of bridges and we all shared the bandwidth. Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy :tongue:

KickASS! Very impressive! (see, Blake, we can help).

[blackfoot]

KickASS! Very impressive! (see, Blake, we can help).

I am liking this idea.

[soapbox]

I am liking this idea.

First, the basics: are you in a position to buy another wireless router? And, if so, which one do you currently own? This one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190) is the one I use and it's on sale for $53 right now. The second router, plus a few ethernet cables (ahem), are all you need for this project.

[blackfoot]

First, the basics: are you in a position to buy another wireless router? And, if so, which one do you currently own? This one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190) is the one I use and it's on sale for $53 right now. The second router, plus a few ethernet cables (ahem), are all you need for this project.

The wireless card was cheaper. I may have to wait a week or two, but maybe not. I will check on it.

[OldSaw]

I'm using the Linux machine today. This thing sure boots up a LOT faster than the win-DOZE machine.

[blackfoot]

I'm using the Linux machine today. This thing sure boots up a LOT faster than the win-DOZE machine.

I thought Linux was faster too.

[OldSaw]

I thought Linux was faster too.

See, now just get that wi-fi thing going and you will be hooked.

[blackfoot]

See, now just get that wi-fi thing going and you will be hooked.

I can't wait.

[Confuzius]

F*$&&#37;ing samba!


That is all.

[blackfoot]

F*$&%ing samba!


That is all.

You don't like to dance? :lol:

To save money for the time being, I went ahead and ordered a network card. I do want to do the two router thing, but it will have to wait a little.

[RichGem]

fscking samba!


That is all.

ftfy. :wink:

[Confuzius]

I got it sorted out, but the default implementation of samba share in ubuntu is rather broken...

Also if anyone has any intermittent WIFI troubles check out WICD http://wicd.sourceforge.net/
It's a replacement for network-manager that is incredibly awesome. The default one would take me several minutes to connect and sometimes it would ask me the passwork again (With the correct password entered, it just wanted me to press OK again). WICD is fast and provides alot more information on your connection and the networks around you.

[profsaffel]

Whoo Hoo! Jim got my router problem to work by ...drum roll please... using a different router! :rolleyes:

"Of multiple solutions, usually the simplest is the preferred."

Now, if ALL computer problems were this simple.

Now, back to your regularly schedule Linux thread.

[blackfoot]

Linux!

[uberlegit]

OK, so, don't feel like digging through 409 pages of thread... sorry guys :rolleyes:

May have been asked before, but...

Is there a filesystem that works for read/write on both Linux and MacOS X?

[RichGem]

OK, so, don't feel like digging through 409 pages of thread... sorry guys :rolleyes:

May have been asked before, but...

Is there a filesystem that works for read/write on both Linux and MacOS X?


Linux can read/write both HFS and HFS+

Dos and vfat are also posibilities.

correction: linux support for hfs+ is read only at this time.

correction2: some linux kernels (don't ask me which ones) allow hfs+ write as well, and/or you can recompile the kernel to allow this. (possibly an experimental/beta feature at this time.)

[uberlegit]

Linux can read/write both HFS and HFS+

Dos and vfat are also posibilities.

correction: linux support for hfs+ is read only at this time.

correction2: some linux kernels (don't ask me which ones) allow hfs+ write as well, and/or you can recompile the kernel to allow this.

I guess HFS+ non-journaled is read/write?

[RichGem]

I guess HFS+ non-journaled is read/write?

I would suspect that as well; most likely the journaling is the stumbling point.

but isn't hfs+ non-journaled = hfs ?

[uberlegit]

I would suspect that as well; most likely the journaling is the stumbling point.

but isn't hfs+ non-journaled = hfs ?

A quick wiki browse says allocation blocks and filename size are big differences -- what exactly does journaling do, and would it be a bad idea to reformat my Mac partition to non-journaled? Performance hit?

[RichGem]

I also read somewhere that while Mac X doesn't support ext2/3 natively (since it's a unix descendant, not a linux), it can be added on if you need to go that direction.

fwiw.

[uberlegit]

I also read somewhere that Mac X doesn't support ext2/3 natively (since it's a unix descendant, not a linux), but it can be added on if you need to go that direction.

fwiw.

Looked into that, I actually currently use FUSE to add ext support, the performance is just really unacceptable... ideally I'd like to have my Mac, Linux and storage partitions all use the same format to avoid this

edit: if not the same format (doubtfully possible) then at least natively mountable

[RichGem]

A quick wiki browse says allocation blocks and filename size are big differences -- what exactly does journaling do, and would it be a bad idea to reformat my Mac partition to non-journaled? Performance hit?

journaling works differently depending on the implimentation and options, but essentially, it's a method of error correction if for, ex., you lose power or shut-down in the middle of a write operation. journaling allows you to recover the borked info (to a point), at least in theory.

in theory (again) a non-journaled system would write a bit faster (tho may not really be noticeable) since there's no redundancy in the write ops. Up to you what you want to do on that score.

I don't kow exact stats for mac journalled vs. non. you might want to check into that.

or, just set up another partition that would be shared and in a format that both OSes can handle.

[uberlegit]

or, just set up another partition that would be shared and in a format that both OSes can handle.

hfs non-journalled seems to fit the bill here; thanks for talking me through it :biggrin:

[RichGem]

hfs non-journalled seems to fit the bill here; thanks for talking me through it :biggrin:

glad to help. :biggrin:

[blackfoot]

Wow, I didn't understand a word of that!

[soapbox]

Wow, I didn't understand a word of that!

I'm really impressed, Rich. Nice going. FWIW, Mac can also read/write UFS, but after 10.4 ("Tiger") you can't install it and run OS X off of a UFS volume. I think the directory-level encryption probably required too much jumping through hoops for UFS to work, so they no longer support it for the OS partition.

[blackfoot]

I'm really impressed, Rich. Nice going. FWIW, Mac can also read/write UFS, but after 10.4 ("Tiger") you can't install it and run OS X off of a UFS volume. I think the directory-level encryption probably required too much jumping through hoops for UFS to work, so they no longer support it for the OS partition.

Um..Linux?

[RichGem]

Wow, I didn't understand a word of that!

Looks like you've got some homework to do then, young man. :biggrin:


I'm really impressed, Rich. Nice going. FWIW, Mac can also read/write UFS, but after 10.4 ("Tiger") you can't install it and run OS X off of a UFS volume. I think the directory-level encryption probably required too much jumping through hoops for UFS to work, so they no longer support it for the OS partition.

whew. thanks. :blush:


Um..Linux?


exactly. and OS X. and UNIX.

[soapbox]

Um..Linux?

:lol: :lol:

I love how that's the apparent answer to so many questions in this thread, like the Simpsons episode "The Joy of Sect" where the Simpsons join a religious sect called The Movementarians.

[blackfoot]

:lol: :lol:

I love how that's the apparent answer to so many questions in this thread, like the Simpsons episode "The Joy of Sect" where the Simpsons join a religious sect called The Movementarians.

It works on multiple threads. :biggrin:

[uberlegit]

Update:

Apparently Mint Gloria KDE edition at least reads HFS+/J out of the box, I haven't tried writing but I'm at work now so alas... Read/write does work for non-J, so hooray! :biggrin:

On a less successful note, I've been pulling my hair out trying to get broadcom wireless working...
- I tried the fwcutter method described here (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/Driver/bcm43xx), no dice.
- I tried Broadcom's "Wireless LAN" driver under NDISwrapper, no dice.

So now, I have:
1) Burned BootCamp drivers to CD
2) Taken the CD to my windows machine at work
3) Pulled the driver out of the executable.
... And it should work. Turns out Broadcom's driver is one version point newer than Apple's provided driver and leaves it behind. OR NDISwrapper just doesn't want to play nice with it. I won't be able to find out until later today, at which point I will either be very, very happy or start to tear my hair out again :biggrin:

[Confuzius]

Didi you try the easy way to see if the broadcom wireless was recognized in your "hardware drivers" (the same place where you enable your non-free video card drivers) In Gnome it's "System>Administation>Hardware Drivers" I'm not sure for KDE...

[uberlegit]

Didi you try the easy way to see if the broadcom wireless was recognized in your "hardware drivers" (the same place where you enable your non-free video card drivers) In Gnome it's "System>Administation>Hardware Drivers" I'm not sure for KDE...

Unless I'm missing something, Mint only came with the restricted video drivers

More: The broadcom drivers were on the CD using the above-linked fwcutter method, but they did not work.

[uberlegit]

The last I'm posting on this today... device is showing in lshw but not in ifconfig... this is starting to get over my head... caved and plugged in wired connection for the time being so I didn't have to keep rebooting to get between Mint and MacOS. This allowed me to use the b43-fwcutter automatic tool but it just won't magically work...


catalinaa@mint ~ $ lshw -c network
*-network
description: Network controller
product: BCM4328 802.11a/b/g/n
vendor: Broadcom Corporation
physical id: 0
bus info: pci@0000:03:00.0
version: 01
width: 64 bits
clock: 33MHz
capabilities: bus_master cap_list
configuration: driver=b43-pci-bridge latency=0 module=ssb

catalinaa@mint ~ $ ifconfig
eth0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 00:17:f2:cd:48:fc
inet addr:192.168.1.2 Bcast:192.168.1.255 Mask:255.255.255.0
inet6 addr: fe80::217:f2ff:fecd:48fc/64 Scope:Link
UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:2225 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:1674 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
RX bytes:2879952 (2.8 MB) TX bytes:182204 (182.2 KB)
Interrupt:16

lo Link encap:Local Loopback
inet addr:127.0.0.1 Mask:255.0.0.0
inet6 addr: ::1/128 Scope:Host
UP LOOPBACK RUNNING MTU:16436 Metric:1
RX packets:38 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:38 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
RX bytes:1940 (1.9 KB) TX bytes:1940 (1.9 KB)

[uberlegit]

Plasma has crashed like 3 times in the past 4 hours. Back to Gnome with me...

[uberlegit]

Didi you try the easy way to see if the broadcom wireless was recognized in your "hardware drivers" (the same place where you enable your non-free video card drivers) In Gnome it's "System>Administation>Hardware Drivers" I'm not sure for KDE...

:mad2:

Apparently, despite having installed the Broadcom restricted driver, I never used it without some other driver interfering... it's working now.

*facepalm*

[OldSaw]

I see the Linux lives on.

[blackfoot]

I see the Linux lives on.

Linux never dies.

[richmondesi]

My PC laptop is *foul f-word-ing* TERRIBLE. In fact both of them are! I'm not sure how to do it, but I want either a laptop running Linux or I'll get a Mac. What do you guys think. No Linux "homer" advice please. I'm about to drop some serious coin, and I am tired of having reliability issues. Thanks!

[soapbox]

My PC laptop is *foul f-word-ing* TERRIBLE. In fact both of them are! I'm not sure how to do it, but I want either a laptop running Linux or I'll get a Mac. What do you guys think. No Linux "homer" advice please. I'm about to drop some serious coin, and I am tired of having reliability issues. Thanks!

If you're really frustrated with Windows and not with the age and reliability of your laptops, then Linux and Mac are good choices. Biggest considerations are: first -- do you use these for corporate email and/or work; and second, just how willing are you to learn to use a new operating system?

I'm a long-time Apple veteran (Christmas 1981) and really like OSX. I use Linux for heavier computing and inventive-but-esoteric tasks like a Tivo "workalike" called MythTV. I really like Linux on my desktop, but I'm willing to put up with its eccentricities and have never used a Linux laptop for long-term personal use. I am impressed with Ubuntu, but as we've seen here, nothing is perfect, especially wireless chipset drivers for Linux.

Apple laptops are great and still easier to use than Linux, but I like Linux a lot.

Paul -- let me know what you think and we'll continue.

[richmondesi]

If you're really frustrated with Windows and not with the age and reliability of your laptops, then Linux and Mac are good choices. Biggest considerations are: first -- do you use these for corporate email and/or work; and second, just how willing are you to learn to use a new operating system?

I'm a long-time Apple veteran (Christmas 1981) and really like OSX. I use Linux for heavier computing and inventive-but-esoteric tasks like a Tivo "workalike" called MythTV. I really like Linux on my desktop, but I'm willing to put up with its eccentricities and have never used a Linux laptop for long-term personal use. I am impressed with Ubuntu, but as we've seen here, nothing is perfect, especially wireless chipset drivers for Linux.

Apple laptops are great and still easier to use than Linux, but I like Linux a lot.

Paul -- let me know what you think and we'll continue.

I don't have heavy duty computing requirements. I'm self-employed, have 4 email accounts ( myway, aol, godaddy, microsoft exchange online). When I do plug into the company information it is through a web portal.

The last straw with my laptop was this most recent HP that I bought last spring that has been in for repair 4 times. Most recently the optical drive, hard drive, and motherboard all fried... I'm done with it. Mac is a viable option, but I just want something that I don't have to worry about.

I'm not sure about Linux compatibility with programs like QuickBooks, but I already run open office instead of the Office suite, and I like the idea of Linux... Mac is really expensive, but worth it if it is as reliable as I'm thinking.

[RichGem]

I don't have heavy duty computing requirements. I'm self-employed, have 4 email accounts ( myway, aol, godaddy, microsoft exchange online). When I do plug into the company information it is through a web portal.

The last straw with my laptop was this most recent HP that I bought last spring that has been in for repair 4 times. Most recently the optical drive, hard drive, and motherboard all fried... I'm done with it. Mac is a viable option, but I just want something that I don't have to worry about.

I'm not sure about Linux compatibility with programs like QuickBooks, but I already run open office instead of the Office suite, and I like the idea of Linux... Mac is really expensive, but worth it if it is as reliable as I'm thinking.

linux will not run quickbooks. however, "gnucash" will understand quickbook files.

[richmondesi]

linux will not run quickbooks. however, "gnucash" will understand quickbook files.

quickbooks isn't a priority at all... in fact it is so expensive, I'd prefer an alternative because I don't have any need for that. I just need a decent accounting software that will get me reports that I need for tax purposes

Gnucash will understand QB, but will it create a file that QB will open for my accountant?

[sol92258]

easy solution: buy the Mac, buy Parallels, run Linux
:biggrin:

that is, if you have the $$ for the Mac...I doesn't, but then I'm in a Windows world

[richmondesi]

easy solution: buy the Mac, buy Parallels, run Linux
:biggrin:

that is, if you have the $$ for the Mac...I doesn't, but then I'm in a Windows world

That doesn't sound like the right answer to me :confused::lol::lol:

[RichGem]

quickbooks isn't a priority at all... in fact it is so expensive, I'd prefer an alternative because I don't have any need for that. I just need a decent accounting software that will get me reports that I need for tax purposes

Gnucash will understand QB, but will it create a file that QB will open for my accountant?

I'm not sure as I have no need for that function and have never looked. I do know it will do *.qif which is also a quickbook format (I think :blush:).

Here's the homepage if you want to poke around: http://gnucash.org/

[RichGem]

wooo hooo... Post #8800 !!!!

Just 97 more to beat the Limecat.

[richmondesi]

I'm not sure as I have no need for that function and have never looked. I do know it will do *.qif which is also a quickbook format (I think :blush:).

Here's the homepage if you want to poke around: http://gnucash.org/

Quicken, not QB... it may still work, but it appears to be geared towards personal finances rather than business

[RichGem]

Quicken, not QB... it may still work, but it appears to be geared towards personal finances rather than business


Oh. yeah. my bad.

I haven't read it through yet, but this link (http://www.linux.com/archive/feature/41026) might help.

[richmondesi]

Oh. yeah. my bad.

I haven't read it through yet, but this link (http://www.linux.com/archive/feature/41026) might help.

That was definitely an interesting read... Anybody want to discuss this? Jesse?

[soapbox]

That was definitely an interesting read... Anybody want to discuss this? Jesse?

Here's my take on it. (remember, you asked for it).

1. The most important characteristic of any data format is that it remain readable and useful into the long future. I was really surprised when MS removed support for WordPerfect 5.x from their save/as and import/from file formats. IF Intuit remains in the red and eventually goes under, those files must be readable by some other program. That program is very likely to be gnucash. Gnucash is actively developed and might be all you need.

2. Running Wine or CrossOver Office to use Quickbooks is going to be harder than, say, running Quickbooks under Parallels on a Mac; Parallels really runs Windows on your Mac, while Wine and the CrossOver products are not running Windows, but taking all the Windows software and running its code under Linux.

If you don't choose to use gnucash (or some other linux-friendly alternative), then I strongly recommend Mac OS X, Parallels (running Windows XP), and QuickBooks, rather than Codeweavers' stuff or Wine. Wine is a great tool for some stuff -- it runs MS Office 2000 extraordinarily well, for instance -- but I don't want your introduction to Linux to be filled with half-working stuff that was never really meant to work on Linux.

How does that sound, Paul? Does it make your decision any clearer? Or did I only muddy the waters more?

[richmondesi]

Here's my take on it. (remember, you asked for it).

1. The most important characteristic of any data format is that it remain readable and useful into the long future. I was really surprised when MS removed support for WordPerfect 5.x from their save/as and import/from file formats. IF Intuit remains in the red and eventually goes under, those files must be readable by some other program. That program is very likely to be gnucash. Gnucash is actively developed and might be all you need.

2. Running Wine or CrossOver Office to use Quickbooks is going to be harder than, say, running Quickbooks under Parallels on a Mac; Parallels really runs Windows on your Mac, while Wine and the CrossOver products are not running Windows, but taking all the Windows software and running its code under Linux.

If you don't choose to use gnucash (or some other linux-friendly alternative), then I strongly recommend Mac OS X, Parallels (running Windows XP), and QuickBooks, rather than Codeweavers' stuff or Wine. Wine is a great tool for some stuff -- it runs MS Office 2000 extraordinarily well, for instance -- but I don't want your introduction to Linux to be filled with half-working stuff that was never really meant to work on Linux.

How does that sound, Paul? Does it make your decision any clearer? Or did I only muddy the waters more?

No. That actually made sense. I wasn't aware that Intuit was really in the red until today actually. So, what kind of machine would I need to run Linux, and how would I go about doing that? I'm assuming I could really save money going that way. Is that right or wrong?

[uberlegit]

So, what kind of machine would I need to run Linux, and how would I go about doing that? I'm assuming I could really save money going that way. Is that right or wrong?

Just about anything that still runs. I actually like doing installs of lighter distros on some of my old standbys (I ran a PIII well through the P4 era).

For anything with a bit more... panache? You'll probably want something a little more robust, but you definitely don't need to stay in the hardware arms race to stay viable.

[soapbox]

No. That actually made sense. I wasn't aware that Intuit was really in the red until today actually. So, what kind of machine would I need to run Linux, and how would I go about doing that? I'm assuming I could really save money going that way. Is that right or wrong?

Nearly all currently-manufactured desktops and laptops will run Linux just fine. In fact, you can get an iMac or MacBook and, using Boot Camp or REFIt, run Windows on the machine, then reboot and run Linux, then reboot and run Mac OS X. OR you can run a Windows or Linux (or both) "virtual machine" on your Mac using Parallels or one of its competitors. Don't worry about running Linux. It runs on almost anything.

[richmondesi]

Nearly all currently-manufactured desktops and laptops will run Linux just fine. In fact, you can get an iMac or MacBook and, using Boot Camp or REFIt, run Windows on the machine, then reboot and run Linux, then reboot and run Mac OS X. OR you can run a Windows or Linux (or both) "virtual machine" on your Mac using Parallels or one of its competitors. Don't worry about running Linux. It runs on almost anything.

Ok... so should I get a Mac? That will allow me to run QB (I think), have a couple of reliable OS options and hardware that doesn't fry?

Or should I get a new (cheaper) laptop and run Linux on it only? I'm concerned about that as well. I mean the hard drive, optical drive and motherboard went out within a year... I need good components as well

[sol92258]

Don't worry about running Linux. It runs on almost anything.
yeah

[soapbox]

Ok... so should I get a Mac? That will allow me to run QB (I think), have a couple of reliable OS options and hardware that doesn't fry?

Or should I get a new (cheaper) laptop and run Linux on it only? I'm concerned about that as well. I mean the hard drive, optical drive and motherboard went out within a year... I need good components as well

Whether you get a new Mac, Dell, or whatever, get the extended warranty. I've had perennially good luck with Apple products, but every manufacturer makes a few duds. The crap manufacturers (Packard Bell, e.g.) eventually went under because they made such garbage, but everyone is trying to make a better product -- more cheaply.

Normally I think extended warranties are for suckers, but it's not that much money and it's a big investment.

Lastly -- whichever you go with, for the love of all things holy get a backup solution. External hard drive, Dilbert.com, a stack of DVD+Rs in your safety deposit box -- whatever it is, DO IT. BACK UP THAT DATA.

The primary decision rule I use for folks who are considering a Mac but currently own a PC is this:

Are you so fed up with Windows that you're willing to learn Mac OS X? It's easy to use, but it's different, and you will have to learn some new ways of doing things.

If they're sick of Windows and crazy driver issues and Internet Explorer and Vista breaking half their software...then they should get a Mac. If they're ok with IE7 or IE8 and they don't use much non-Microsoft software, they're probably ok with Windows.

[richmondesi]

Whether you get a new Mac, Dell, or whatever, get the extended warranty. I've had perennially good luck with Apple products, but every manufacturer makes a few duds. The crap manufacturers (Packard Bell, e.g.) eventually went under because they made such garbage, but everyone is trying to make a better product -- more cheaply.

Normally I think extended warranties are for suckers, but it's not that much money and it's a big investment.

Lastly -- whichever you go with, for the love of all things holy get a backup solution. External hard drive, Dilbert.com, a stack of DVD+Rs in your safety deposit box -- whatever it is, DO IT. BACK UP THAT DATA.

The primary decision rule I use for folks who are considering a Mac but currently own a PC is this:

Are you so fed up with Windows that you're willing to learn Mac OS X? It's easy to use, but it's different, and you will have to learn some new ways of doing things.

If they're sick of Windows and crazy driver issues and Internet Explorer and Vista breaking half their software...then they should get a Mac. If they're ok with IE7 or IE8 and they don't use much non-Microsoft software, they're probably ok with Windows.

Thanks Jesse, I'll be going to Mac and running Linux. I'm sure there will be a lot of questions coming soon:tongue:

[soapbox]

Thanks Jesse, I'll be going to Mac and running Linux. I'm sure there will be a lot of questions coming soon:tongue:

I'll be ready. And congrats! I really like Mac OS X.

[richmondesi]

I'll be ready. And congrats! I really like Mac OS X.

My buddy is a regional manager for Apple. He's supposed to be getting me a 10% discount... I can hardly wait!

[blackfoot]

Welcome to Linux, Paul!

[blackfoot]

Ladies and Gentlemen! Your attention, please.


Today, I present to you, my computer. It is not just a computer, though. It is my computer after I reformatted it, installed Linux, and fixed the ever elusive wireless issue. Yes, these amazing feats were accomplished with my own two hands and without a net! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, my computer is using wireless!

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/fiesta.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/martinismiley.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/hapydancsmil.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/springsmile.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/choir.gif

[RichGem]

Ladies and Gentlemen! Your attention, please.


Today, I present to you, my computer. It is not just a computer, though. It is my computer after I reformatted it, installed Linux, and fixed the ever elusive wireless issue. Yes, these amazing feats were accomplished with my own two hands and without a net! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, my computer is using wireless!

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/fiesta.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/martinismiley.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/hapydancsmil.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/springsmile.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/choir.gif


wooo hooo! Feel the Linux Love!

[blackfoot]

wooo hooo! Feel the Linux Love!

I am feeling it, baby! :ladysman:

[richmondesi]

you don't count the technical support in the Linux Mint Thread as a net?:confused:


Oh, and congratulations:wink:

[blackfoot]

you don't count the technical support in the Linux Mint Thread as a net?:confused:


Oh, and congratulations:wink:

Okay, so I didn't mention the safety harness. :rolleyes:

[soapbox]

Today, I present to you, my computer. It is not just a computer, though. It is my computer after I reformatted it, installed Linux, and fixed the ever elusive wireless issue. Yes, these amazing feats were accomplished with my own two hands and without a net! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, my computer is using wireless!

:w00t: :w00t: :w00t: Awesome! Congrats!


you don't count the technical support in the Linux Mint Thread as a net?:confused:

Yeah, seriously. We're not exactly chopped linux liver.


Okay, so I didn't mention the safety harness. :rolleyes:

And belay, and helmet, and chalk bag, and weather forecaster, and...

[Confuzius]

Congrats!

I've been having loads of fun with my laptop and linux, opened up a world of portable control my home computer from anywhere awesomeness.

Now I just need to find a new conky setup for my laptop...

[RichGem]

:w00t: :w00t: :w00t: Awesome! Congrats!



Yeah, seriously. We're not exactly chopped linux liver.




nor fermented rotting shark, for that matter.

[blackfoot]

nor fermented rotting shark, for that matter.

I will so pass on the shark, thank you.

[blackfoot]

Since the Internet was unavailable to me, I haven't even bee using this computer this whole time. Now, I have to figure out what to do next. Any suggestions about anti-virus programs on Linux? Or any other recommendations of things I need to check out would be great. Remember, these are my first steps into the world of Linux, so I don't know where I'm going yet. I just see a world of possibilities spinning around me. :w00t:

[OldSaw]

Ladies and Gentlemen! Your attention, please.


Today, I present to you, my computer. It is not just a computer, though. It is my computer after I reformatted it, installed Linux, and fixed the ever elusive wireless issue. Yes, these amazing feats were accomplished with my own two hands and without a net! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, my computer is using wireless!

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/fiesta.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/martinismiley.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/hapydancsmil.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/springsmile.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/choir.gif

:a50:

Congratulations, but I see you are still about 2000 posts deep into that standard title. I must say, it is getting boring. New standard titles must be created!

[blackfoot]

:a50:

Congratulations, but I see you are still about 2000 posts deep into that standard title. I must say, it is getting boring. New standard titles must be created!

Is it possible we've flown past the foresight of the mods, you and I?

[OldSaw]

Is it possible we've flown past the foresight of the mods, you and I?

It appears as though we have hit the top... for now. That doesn't mean they won't make new ones.

[blackfoot]

It appears as though we have hit the top... for now. That doesn't mean they won't make new ones.

And so we sit and wait in hope.

[Lynchmeister]

Ladies and Gentlemen! Your attention, please.


Today, I present to you, my computer. It is not just a computer, though. It is my computer after I reformatted it, installed Linux, and fixed the ever elusive wireless issue. Yes, these amazing feats were accomplished with my own two hands and without a net! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, my computer is using wireless!

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/fiesta.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/martinismiley.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/hapydancsmil.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/springsmile.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/choir.gif

Congratulations, Blake, and well done! It's a great feeling!

Now. Let's get down to the gritty gritty. How drunk were you?

:lol:

[RichGem]

Congratulations, Blake, and well done! It's a great feeling!

Now. Let's get down to the gritty gritty. How drunk were you?

:lol:



Don't know how/if drunk, but he kept most of his hair. :ohmy: (It's ok, Cory, you blazed the trail for him.) :biggrin:

[OldSaw]

Congratulations, Blake, and well done! It's a great feeling!

Now. Let's get down to the gritty gritty. How drunk were you?

:lol:

I wonder if he'll post pictures.

[blackfoot]

I wonder if he'll post pictures.

Ask and you shall receive!

Cory, sadly I was sober. :frown: I had only been home from work a short time and was about to go to bed. I work one more night and then I have my three day weekend. I work five weekends and then get two 3 day weekends. This will be the first of my two. Therefore, I will try to make up for my sobriety tomorrow after I get my motorcycle permit.

[Confuzius]

Since the Internet was unavailable to me, I haven't even bee using this computer this whole time. Now, I have to figure out what to do next. Any suggestions about anti-virus programs on Linux? Or any other recommendations of things I need to check out would be great. Remember, these are my first steps into the world of Linux, so I don't know where I'm going yet. I just see a world of possibilities spinning around me. :w00t:

Well the Ubuntu new user rite of passage is the desktop cube.

First we'll make sure that you have the ability to run it. Open up a terminal window (Applications > Accessories > Terminal) and type
glxinfo | grep render

And tell me what it gives you as an answer.

[blackfoot]

Well the Ubuntu new user rite of passage is the desktop cube.

First we'll make sure that you have the ability to run it. Open up a terminal window (Applications > Accessories > Terminal) and type
glxinfo | grep render

And tell me what it gives you as an answer.


OpenGL renderer string: Software Rasterizer

[Confuzius]

Ok, I think we'll need to enable the "restricted" graphics drivers. Restricted only because they're not open source.
Go to System > Administration > Hardware Drivers

(I think this is it, I'm on XP at work doing this by memory)

That should show you a window with some driver options, what are they?

Protip: pressing the print screen button on your keyboard will bring up a dialog to save a screenshot.

[blackfoot]

Ok, I think we'll need to enable the "restricted" graphics drivers. Restricted only because they're not open source.
Go to System > Administration > Hardware Drivers

(I think this is it, I'm on XP at work doing this by memory)

That should show you a window with some driver options, what are they?

Protip: pressing the print screen button on your keyboard will bring up a dialog to save a screenshot.

Hope you can read this.

[Confuzius]

Ok, click the reccomended one and activate it.
It should tell you to reboot.
Once you reboot go back and do the
glxinfo | grep render again and post what it says.

[blackfoot]

Ok, click the reccomended one and activate it.
It should tell you to reboot.
Once you reboot go back and do the
glxinfo | grep render again and post what it says.

Aye aye, Captain.

[blackfoot]

direct rendering: Yes
OpenGL renderer string: GeForce FX 5600/AGP/SSE2

[Confuzius]

Good stuff!! Nvidia cards are very friendly with linux.

Now to the fun stuff, we're going to install all the shiny bits, there's more graphical ways, but for speed and simplicity we'll do it from the terminal. Open up a terminal window and type


sudo apt-get install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-fusion-plugins-extra fusion-icon

It will ask for your password, then just answer yes, when it asks if you're sure.

EDIT: you can just copy and paste what's in that box.

[blackfoot]

Good stuff!! Nvidia cards are very friendly with linux.

Now to the fun stuff, we're going to install all the shiny bits, there's more graphical ways, but for speed and simplicity we'll do it from the terminal. Open up a terminal window and type


sudo apt-get install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-fusion-plugins-extra fusion-icon

It will ask for your password, then just answer yes, when it asks if you're sure.

EDIT: you can just copy and paste what's in that box.

Okay, now what?

[Confuzius]

click Applications, System Tools, Fusion Icon
You should now see a blue cube in your notification area (top right of your screen)
Right click it and choose settings manager

[blackfoot]

click Applications, System Tools, Fusion Icon
You should now see a blue cube in your notification area (top right of your screen)
Right click it and choose settings manager

When I left click on the Applications, System Tools, Fusion Icon, nothing happens. If I right click on it, it ask


Add this to Launcher Panel

Add this to Desktop

Entire Menu

Entire menu has these options.


Add this as drawer to Panel

Add this as Menu to Panel

[Confuzius]

When you left click it it probably opened the program, in the top right, like in this pic
http://www.cesarius.net/wp-content/uploads/compiz-fusion-icon.jpg

Right click that icon and open the settings manager.

[blackfoot]

When you left click it it probably opened the program, in the top right, like in this pic
http://www.cesarius.net/wp-content/uploads/compiz-fusion-icon.jpg

Right click that icon and open the settings manager.

I don't have that icon.

[Confuzius]

hmmm
open up a terminal window and type

fusion-icon
what happens?

[blackfoot]

hmmm
open up a terminal window and type

fusion-icon
what happens?

The last line says no space left for device. :eek: Can I give it more space? I assume it is because of the partition?