Author Topic: Making Linux Mint 7 work even better! (Read 28078 times)

Stefan Pynappels · « **on:** October 23, 2009, 06:02:56 AM »

Ok, this is a continuation from the Windows 7 thread.

We had established that Vista sucked, Windows 7 had good potential, but Linux Mint was also worth looking at. Darren downloaded and tried it, thought it was great but could not get sound to work.

The project now is to get that sorted out for him, but I thought I'd not be cheeky and post this in project logs.........

So First things first:

Can you post make and model of the laptop you are using please Darren? also include details of the Graphics and Sound controllers (Make and model).

It looks like ALSA (sound driver package in Linux) is not recognising your Audio Controller. If we can switch this on you should be good to go.

Darren · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2009, 06:43:18 AM »

This is what comes up as my audio devices

High Definition Audio Device
Realtek High Definition Audio
Unimodem Half-Duplex Audio Device

The complete details are below, but the main details are

Asus A7A
AMD Turion 64x2 1.9Ghz 32 bit

Hope that helps?

Don't worry about time on my part, no matter if it takes days as I can swap between Vista and Linux to keep going

Computer Profile Summary
Computer Name:    Amithea-6jvbczq (in WORKGROUP)
Profile Date:    Friday, October 23, 2009 11:33:37 AM
Advisor Version:    8.1b
Windows Logon:    Administrator

Plan for your next computer refresh...
click for Belarc's System Management products

Operating System         System Model
Windows Vista Ultimate (build 6000)
Install Language: English (United States)
System Locale: English (United States)         ASUSTeK Computer Inc. A7U 1.0
System Serial Number: NF1S7C25140552
Enclosure Type: Notebook
Processor a         Main Circuit Board b
1.90 gigahertz AMD Turion 64 X2
256 kilobyte primary memory cache
1024 kilobyte secondary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (2 total)
Not hyper-threaded         Board: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. A7U 1.0
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. A7UAS.2 10/09/2007
Drives         Memory Modules c,d
250.06 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
199.45 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-T20N ATA Device [CD-ROM drive]
SanDisk Cruzer Fleur USB Device [CD-ROM drive]

SanDisk Cruzer Fleur USB Device (1.02 GB) -- drive 1, s/n
TOSHIBA MK2552GSX [Hard drive] (250.06 GB) -- drive 0, s/n Y84YT4HPT, rev LV010A, SMART Status: Healthy         1792 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory

Slot 'DIMM0' has 1024 MB
Slot 'DIMM1' has 1024 MB
     Local Drive Volumes

Stefan Pynappels · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2009, 06:55:04 AM »

Hi Darren, that is great, I'll get a proper look at it later, but the Realtek Audio driver does sometimes cause issues.

Just as an aside, it is probably better to delete everything below the following section, as there is some personal info there. There is enough info there for me to work on.

Slot 'DIMM0' has 1024 MB
Slot 'DIMM1' has 1024 MB
Local Drive Volumes

Stefan Pynappels · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2009, 09:59:03 AM »

Ok, lets try the easiest thing first. Have you ever user a Linux terminal before? It is basically just you typing command directly to the Operating System, rather than clicking on buttons to do a task. Scary at First!

So, I need you to open a terminal. It will be under Applications or Programs or something, I don't have a Linux Mint machine in front of me at the moment.
Then Click on Terminal and a text window will open. This is the most powerful part of any Linux system.

type in the following, and press enter.

alsamixer

This will give you a very basic graphic mixer, and pushing the Up-Arrow on your keyboard will increase the volume here. Even if you have already done it from the toolbar or desktop, this one is independent. Put it up to maximum.

Now see if you have sound! If not, we will go to the next step.

Darren · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2009, 10:12:00 AM »

Ok, done that, easy enough.

Master (and all others) already at max but I played with them just to be sure.

No change, still no sound.

Stefan Pynappels · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2009, 10:23:16 AM »

Ok,
Still in the Terminal, type in the following and press enter:

lspci

And copy and paste the output into a post here so i can have a look at that. I want to just see what the OS thinks the Soundcard is.

Darren · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2009, 10:24:38 AM »

00:00.0 Host bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS690 Host Bridge
00:01.0 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS690 PCI to PCI Bridge (Internal gfx)
00:04.0 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc Device 7914
00:05.0 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS690 PCI to PCI Bridge (PCI Express Port 1)
00:06.0 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS690 PCI to PCI Bridge (PCI Express Port 2)
00:07.0 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc RS690 PCI to PCI Bridge (PCI Express Port 3)
00:12.0 SATA controller: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 Non-Raid-5 SATA
00:13.0 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 USB (OHCI0)
00:13.1 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 USB (OHCI1)
00:13.2 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 USB (OHCI2)
00:13.3 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 USB (OHCI3)
00:13.4 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 USB (OHCI4)
00:13.5 USB Controller: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 USB Controller (EHCI)
00:14.0 SMBus: ATI Technologies Inc SBx00 SMBus Controller (rev 14)
00:14.1 IDE interface: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 IDE
00:14.2 Audio device: ATI Technologies Inc SBx00 Azalia (Intel HDA)
00:14.3 ISA bridge: ATI Technologies Inc SB600 PCI to LPC Bridge
00:14.4 PCI bridge: ATI Technologies Inc SBx00 PCI to PCI Bridge
00:18.0 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] HyperTransport Technology Configuration
00:18.1 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] Address Map
00:18.2 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] DRAM Controller
00:18.3 Host bridge: Advanced Micro Devices [AMD] K8 [Athlon64/Opteron] Miscellaneous Control
01:05.0 VGA compatible controller: ATI Technologies Inc RS690M [Radeon X1200 Series]
01:05.2 Audio device: ATI Technologies Inc Radeon X1200 Series Audio Controller
05:00.0 SATA controller: JMicron Technologies, Inc. JMicron 20360/20363 AHCI Controller (rev 02)
07:00.0 Ethernet controller: Atheros Communications Inc. AR242x 802.11abg Wireless PCI Express Adapter (rev 01)
08:01.0 FireWire (IEEE 1394): Ricoh Co Ltd R5C832 IEEE 1394 Controller (rev 05)
08:01.1 SD Host controller: Ricoh Co Ltd R5C822 SD/SDIO/MMC/MS/MSPro Host Adapter (rev 22)
08:01.2 System peripheral: Ricoh Co Ltd R5C843 MMC Host Controller (rev 12)
08:01.3 System peripheral: Ricoh Co Ltd R5C592 Memory Stick Bus Host Adapter (rev 12)
08:01.4 System peripheral: Ricoh Co Ltd xD-Picture Card Controller (rev ff)
08:02.0 Ethernet controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL-8110SC/8169SC Gigabit Ethernet (rev 10)

Stefan Pynappels · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2009, 10:42:33 AM »

Ok, did you see this gives a different Audio Controller? The Windows driver is a more generic driver, but now we know the exact model we are dealing with.
We also see that it is an Intel HDA controller (High Def Audio).
So now we are going to enable the default Intel HDA switch in ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture). That name is a lie, it is not Advanced, it is a major pain in the arse and has been ever since it was introduced.

In the terminal enter the following:

gksu gedit /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf

This will open the alsa-base.conf file in the Gedit text editor.

At the very end of that file, you need to add the following:

options snd-hda-intel index=0 model=asus

and then you need to save the file, just use the save button.

You will then need to reboot to allow the new settings to take effect.

Let me know how you get on.

Darren · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2009, 10:51:52 AM »

OK done that, no change sound wise.

I bow to your knowledge

, how a new user copes is beyond me? I guess that's where MS keeps the lead....

Checked the file, the changes are still there

Stefan Pynappels · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2009, 10:56:17 AM »

Unfortunately this is still something of a problem with Linux, a lot is now plug and play but somethings still take some figuring.

Sorry bout that....

Have to go and do some more work, but will give you something else to try later if you still want to carry on.

Stefan.

Darren · « **Reply #10 on:** October 23, 2009, 11:00:50 AM »

Sure, so far it's the only thing that I've come across that's an issue, been using it all day

Just loaded it onto an old laptop for the eldest, she keeps destroying XP with viruses and I'm sick of re-loading it even though I do use clone.

Thought I'd try Linux and see how she gets on? Seems ok so far, I'm sure I heard it make a sound as it was loading? I'll report back on that later.

Thanks for your help..... but don't let me keep you from more important things

sorveltaja · « **Reply #11 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:09:30 PM »

Realtek has Linux audio drivers on its site also. Not sure if that package brings any new or better drivers, but here is direct link, because Realtek's site seems to be really slow: ftp://WebUser:pGL7E6v@152.104.238.19/pc/audio/LinuxPkg_5.13.tar.bz2

I remember struggling with same kind of problems with Linux in the past...

P.S Here is link to Realtek's driver site, just in case that ftp link doesn work: http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=24&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false&SortByDesc=1

CrewCab · « **Reply #12 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:10:19 PM »

Good idea not to clog up the Windows 7 thread chaps

Anyway .................. Darren, how have you got on with installing Linux alongside windows, I'm tempted but don't want to cause a crash I just don't have the time to deal with at the moment, it looks like there is a lot of open source software out there which will work fine for me (Open office, Thunderbird etc), but I will miss my CAD Software, is the only way (without buying new software) to have a dual boot system.

CC

Darren · « **Reply #13 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:14:12 PM »

Dave the dual boot works flawlessly, I have both Vista and Linux on this machine now.

I also use CAD and a couple of other stuff, but not often. So Vista can be kept for those and Linux for the dangerous surfing .....

Linux comes with Open Office and most everything else you should need in that download. You won't have to hunt for much

Just no CAD

CrewCab · « **Reply #14 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:16:02 PM »

Thanks Darren, how does it deal with networking, just simple stuff like shared printers and files etc.

CC

Darren · « **Reply #15 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:19:12 PM »

Dunno I don't use networking.... but I imagine that would be high priority for the Linux guys?

The wireless networking works with no input from me .... Unlike Vista

Darren · « **Reply #16 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:22:18 PM »

Quote from: sorveltaja on October 23, 2009, 12:09:30 PM

Realtek has Linux audio drivers on its site also. Not sure if that package brings any new or better drivers, but here is direct link, because Realtek's site seems to be really slow: ftp://WebUser:pGL7E6v@152.104.238.19/pc/audio/LinuxPkg_5.13.tar.bz2

I remember struggling what with same kind of problems with Linux in the past...

P.S Here is link to Realtek's driver site, just in case that ftp link doesn work: http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=24&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false&SortByDesc=1

Thanks, I downloaded the file, opened it and started to have nightmares ..... what do I do with it !!!
I'll wait for Stef, but thanks for the info, it might be just what's needed .... I'm just too simple to comprehend it. Linux has a totally different way of doing things and I've hardly learnt to crawl yet

sorveltaja · « **Reply #17 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:34:34 PM »

Yes I know.. too bad the Realtek doesn't offer the drivers as an RPM-packet or equivalent. It would be the format, that Linux's installer understands, making whole process much simpler to the user.

Twinsquirrel · « **Reply #18 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:36:25 PM »

Hi all,

Dave CC you could take the plunge without using dual boot by running Linux as a "virtual machine" from within windoze xp/vista/7 by using either sun VirtualBox http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads(free) or VMWare workstation which is a free trial. I run multiple OS's from within XP without much of a performance hit, Ubuntu is much faster than Vista even when it is running as a virtual machine with Vista!!!!!!! One advantage is that it will bridge your existing networking settings from XP into the new OS.

Darren,

I had similar problems with Ubuntu (which I think mint is based on) with sound and it can be a good evenings work to get to the bottom of the problem but it is well worth it in the end. One thing you could try is right clicking on the volume/sound mixer on your desktop,clicking on preferences and making sure that the ALSA mixer is selected NOT OSS which can sometimes happen. I dont wanna make too many more suggestions as Stephan is more up to date than me.

I really hope you have success with this as once you start to learn a little Linux is very rewarding, a little like modding, the more you put in the more you get out.

Dave (DH)

Darren · « **Reply #19 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:55:47 PM »

Hi Dave/Twin

I have spotted that one an tried it, no joy

CrewCab · « **Reply #20 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:59:21 PM »

OK Guys ............. taking the plunge "NOW" ............... wish me luck, if I'm gone for quite some time it may not be going well

............. however we have a backup plan

CC

Darren · « **Reply #21 on:** October 23, 2009, 01:17:31 PM »

Bye Dave, one born every min,

CrewCab · « **Reply #22 on:** October 23, 2009, 02:51:30 PM »

I'm back .............

Though to be fair this is the backup plan, same 'puter with no changes

I'm in the process of putting together a new machine for my office, currently it has windows XP on it and a few other bits and bobs like open office, and Firefox etc, so it seemed the ideal candidate to play with as there is no data to loose if it all goes "mammary glands" skywards

It should be cooked in about 15 mins so we'll see

CC

CrewCab · « **Reply #23 on:** October 23, 2009, 02:52:22 PM »

Dave / TwinSquirrel, good to see your still alive and kicking mate, welcome back

CC

Twinsquirrel · « **Reply #24 on:** October 23, 2009, 02:56:29 PM »

Thanks Dave,

I Installed Vista 6 months ago and have been trying to get back on-line since

CrewCab · « **Reply #25 on:** October 23, 2009, 03:00:17 PM »

Quote from: Twinsquirrel on October 23, 2009, 02:56:29 PM

I Installed Vista 6 months ago and have been trying to get back on-line since

That really would't surprise me

anyway how's tricks did you eventually get a bigger mill that would actually fit in your workshop, I still chuckle about the one you won on ebay that was 2'-0" higher than the workshop roof

Bet you'd thought we all forgot eh

CC

CrewCab · « **Reply #26 on:** October 23, 2009, 03:37:39 PM »

OK ................. I'm back courtesy of Linux (or Gloria)

as it appear to be affectionately known

All seems well so far, well I can browse the web anyway .................. blimey I can see my home network, and access the files ............ often more than I can do with XP ...............

OK ............... No sound so far

and not accessing the printers, but on the whole much easier to get this far

Can we discuss another computer related issue here as well guys, antivirus software ................... it just seems to take over my life and is a real PITA .............. any suggestions.

CC

Darren · « **Reply #27 on:** October 23, 2009, 03:47:36 PM »

You'll have to ask the knowledgeable ones, but as I understand Gloria is quite immune to viruses, that's half the point of her existence.

I thought the network stuff would jump into action, must try it sometime.

I never bothered much with networks with Windoze as it was a pia to set up and failed if you coughed in the same room meaning seting it up from scratch again and again and ....well it was unreliable for me. When it did work it often stated you didn't have permission to access the files "see your administrator" I am the admin and I ain't got a clue !!!

As for printer probs, maybe the vendor has a Linux driver?

Twinsquirrel · « **Reply #28 on:** October 23, 2009, 03:51:27 PM »

Quote

Bet you'd thought we all forgot eh

Oi!

Yup decided against turning the workshop into a giraffe house and bought one of these bad boys http://www.amadeal.co.uk/xj20.htm. I still have no idea what I am doing with it though but intend to get very well acquainted with it over the winter.

Quote

OK ................. I'm back courtesy of Linux (or Gloria)

I wont tell Mrs CC about Gloria if you promise not to mention "that" mill again

Dave DH

Darren · « **Reply #29 on:** October 23, 2009, 04:13:11 PM »

Just tried networking, just set the share permissions and away we go .... so easy and it works ......

I might find a use for networking now

Darren · « **Reply #30 on:** October 23, 2009, 04:20:12 PM »

Won't share files on a USB pen though

Can't mount them or something .... do the files have to be on the HD?

Stefan Pynappels · « **Reply #31 on:** October 23, 2009, 04:40:52 PM »

Well well, we have more interest do we? Cool!

Ok, some housekeeping first. Viruses? What viruses? This is not Micro$not you know, Linux is not hated by 150% of the world so it is not attacked by every virus writer. You have nothing to fear from any virus written for Windows, and that means 99.99999999999999999% of all the viruses in existence. Seriously, I've never had any viruses in the 15 years I've been running Linux systems.

Networking is also a doddle, its what Linux was originally created for. Just remember that everything is based on whether your user has permission to access any file on the system. If you do, you're laughing.

Printers are normally no problem, just look for a CUPS (Common Unix Print Service or something) generic print driver for your printer. A little searching will normally find one and if it is a network printer, it is often easier.

Sorry I was not able to get to the sound problem again tonight, have ended work late and will not get a chance to look at this again until tomorrow. If anyone else has any ideas, feel free to jump in, that is how the Linux community tends to work, everyone chips in and problems (eventually) get sorted.

Talk to you tomorrow Darren, keep the faith!

Darren · « **Reply #32 on:** October 23, 2009, 04:59:27 PM »

No worries Stef, I'm really I'm really getting into this, the more I look at the OS the more I like it.

Still so far just the sound issue, everything else I've tried so far seems to work not only fine, but very well and easy. Not tried printers yet though.

I won't be around much during the day tomorrow, but I'll catch up in the evening on any suggestion you may pu to the board

John Hill · « **Reply #33 on:** October 23, 2009, 06:46:01 PM »

When you get that sorted Darren you will be able to walk me through getting Linux onto my Sony UX!

Darren · « **Reply #34 on:** October 23, 2009, 07:30:33 PM »

Wots a Sony UX

dsquire · « **Reply #35 on:** October 23, 2009, 10:33:51 PM »

Bogs, Its all your fault

First John said this on: October 21, 2009, 08:16:36 am »

..... This message is now being sent with my all singing, all dancing, new desktop computer.From a bare bones box, to being on the net, 1.5 hours.[

Bogs

Then I said this on: October 21, 2009, 11:41:32 am

Nice to see that you have the new computer up and running. Just remember that now you it can make can make bigger screwups faster.
Don

and on October 21, 2009, 12:52:47 pm John replied with

I have another couple of days getting it how I like, then I am going to try the new windows 7.

Bogs

Then ~~everyone~~ well a few guys started ~~laughing~~ at joking with John for installing Windows 7. Now it seems as though it has gone full circle and some of those same people and others are looking at an alternative option.

And it seems as if a new virus has been formed and is spreading quickley. I think that we should call this one MadModder Linux-itus. Note, we may need a new smiley to reflect this!

It appears as if several members have taken the plunge or are at least thinking about taking the plunge. So far most comments have been favourable.

As we speak I am downloading the file myself and have been reading "Official User Guide" Linux Mint 7 “Gloria”, MAIN EDITION, Document Version 1.0.7.

From what I have read so far I like it so will probably give it a try once I get my system cleaned up and backed up properly. 20 years ago I knew my way around a computer fairly well in DOS so it should feel right at home giving a few text commands in the control center.

I have often wondered about Linux in the past but never took the time to check it out or read up on it. Today, from what I have read I know that I want to investigate it further and give it a try. I will let everyone know how I make out as I proceed slowly.

Thanks John. I think you started something good here, at least that is the way I see it.

Cheers

Don

John Hill · « **Reply #36 on:** October 23, 2009, 11:00:35 PM »

Quote from: Darren on October 23, 2009, 07:30:33 PM

Wots a Sony UX

Hand size PC, screen slides up to reveal the keyboard, WiFi and all the usual gadgets like camera and fingprint scanner, but if you want a CD you have to plug it in.

tumutbound · « **Reply #37 on:** October 23, 2009, 11:57:39 PM »

Quote from: dsquire on October 23, 2009, 10:33:51 PM

And it seems as if a new virus has been formed and is spreading quickley. I think that we should call this one MadModder Linux-itus. Note, we may need a new smiley to reflect this!

Does this one fit the bill?

bogstandard · « **Reply #38 on:** October 24, 2009, 02:12:25 AM »

Imagine what would have happened to poor Stew's grinding post if it was left on there.

But it is nice to see how a small spark evolves into a raging inferno, with hopefully someone benefitting from it in the end.

Bogs

Darren · « **Reply #39 on:** October 24, 2009, 04:34:42 AM »

Quote from: John Hill on October 23, 2009, 11:00:35 PM

Quote from: Darren on October 23, 2009, 07:30:33 PM
Wots a Sony UX

Hand size PC, screen slides up to reveal the keyboard, WiFi and all the usual gadgets like camera and fingprint scanner, but if you want a CD you have to plug it in.

And there was me expecting something from Noah's toybox, coming from you ......

Darren · « **Reply #40 on:** October 24, 2009, 05:46:43 AM »

I want to share my CD drive on my main laptop with another laptop that has no CD drive across the network.

I have done this in Windows but can seem to set the cdrom to share in Linux .... just files, same with hard drives, can't set the whole HD just the files inside?

Any ideas?

CrewCab · « **Reply #41 on:** October 24, 2009, 01:58:51 PM »

Quote from: Twinsquirrel on October 23, 2009, 03:51:27 PM

bought one of these bad boys

TS (Dave) mill link no worky

................. have you got a CNC jobbie

OK I'll not mention the "headroom" issue again

................ but let's be honest ............. we all had a good laugh mate

as for "Sun VirtualBox" .............. I've downloaded and installed it (after a restore point), then installed Linux Mint 7 (I think ............

........... the green box thingie appears anyway) .................. but after that I must confess to being hopelessly lost .....

............. like was said earlier, I was far more at home with DOS 20 years or so ago

any suggestions

gratefully received

CC

Twinsquirrel · « **Reply #42 on:** October 24, 2009, 03:04:12 PM »

CC

No, not CNC (yet) http://www.amadeal.co.uk/acatalog/XJ20.html I think Chester sell the same machine

er "green box thingy" is that the Mint 7 splash boot screen? once you have installed the os in VBox you should be able to just click start and it will boot up as if it is a fresh install on a seperate machine.

CrewCab · « **Reply #43 on:** October 24, 2009, 03:40:20 PM »

Green box is on screen but as yet I can't progress from there ..........

........... if I right click it tells me I can capture the host machine pointer

sorry, out of my comfort zone here

CC

bogstandard · « **Reply #44 on:** October 24, 2009, 04:27:27 PM »

I am going to go a bit

here.

I would just like to say that my new machine is now up and running as smooth as a baby's bum.

It has only taken 4 days. Mainly because of incompatibility of drivers and programs. There does seem to be a big difference between XP pro and XP 64 bit pro. Due to a lot of websearching, I have even managed to replace my old trusted programs that I couldn't live without, with new all singing all dancing modern stuff.

I am just waiting for the 1TB drive to turn up, and I can get all my archives transferred across. Only then will I feel comfortable enough to get back into posting in any depth.

The only thing I can't get my head around is firewalls, totally confusing, so now when I leave the machine running unattended, I am going to clamp the drive data cable with a hand vice, that should stop the viruses getting thru.

So the circle is now complete, it is up to yourselves to sort your problems out.

Bogs

Twinsquirrel · « **Reply #45 on:** October 24, 2009, 04:38:35 PM »

CC

Yep, "capture the host machines pointer" just means it will use your mouse to control the pointer on the Mint install. Press "alt+I" to release it again.

Because you are in a virtual machine there is no danger of doing any damage to your main OS as the whole Virtual machine exist as just 1 file on your hard disk

CrewCab · « **Reply #46 on:** October 24, 2009, 04:47:36 PM »

All well and good ....... but .....

........ how the hell do I get it to do anything

CC

CrewCab · « **Reply #47 on:** October 24, 2009, 04:48:12 PM »

John, I like the clamp idea ............. think I will follow suit

CC

Darren · « **Reply #48 on:** October 24, 2009, 05:26:31 PM »

Dave, all I can say is I loaded Mint into a separate partition and it's working flawlessly. (apart from the sound)

The computer sure prefers it to, I'll make some notes and explain that bit tomorrow.

Tinker · « **Reply #49 on:** October 25, 2009, 01:08:05 PM »

I recently made a statement about Mint working well here...

Spoke too soon. It works well from the CD in "Compatibility Mode".

Trying to run it from the HD is a bust. It tries to boot and hangs.

As far as I can tell, it doesn't like the built-in mouse on my Toshiba Satellite A30 laptop.

Can't seem to find any helpful information by hunting through the web site and related links.

Tinker · « **Reply #50 on:** October 25, 2009, 01:15:03 PM »

Just remembered another question...

Anybody know how to tell the boot loader that linux is NOT the preferred choice?

When I wake my machine up from hibernation, I have to watch for it & choose Windows. This is a little annoying first thing in the morning as I like to go pour my coffee while it's coming to life.

Darren · « **Reply #51 on:** October 25, 2009, 01:15:26 PM »

Maybe you had a bad install, I did on my second old laptop but another go sorted it out

Darren · « **Reply #52 on:** October 25, 2009, 01:29:06 PM »

Linux left Windows as first choice for boot-up on both my machines, it's really annoying

The thing is with Linux there is no need to shut the computer down overnight, in fact I believe it can be left running for years with no ill effects.
It's hard to explain, but it runs nothing like windows and goes into an auto sleep when left.

Things I have noticed, my laptop was always noisy, mainly the HD ran full pelt constantly, now I can't remember the last time I heard it? It must be running?
Or maybe it's the fan I used to hear? Dunno.

Secondly with Vista if I put my hand over the fan vent the air coming out was hot, and I mean hot, certainly hot enough to keep your cuppa warm on a cold day. On a hot summers day I used to get worried about just how hot my laptop was getting, even the keys were warm.

Now the air vent temp is barely noticeable above room temp....

If I look in System monitor I find the memory used is 22% (Vista 90-100) swap file 0% (can't remember?) CPU1 34% CPU2 27% (70-100 for both almost all the time)

This laptop has now been on for 3 days con't, if I were running Vista I would have forced at least one if not two re-boots per day to clear the memory as the machine got slower and slower.

One thing for sure, my laptop will last a lot longer under Linux, no doubt about that.
And my electric bill will also thank me...

Tinker · « **Reply #53 on:** October 25, 2009, 01:31:31 PM »

Quote from: Darren on October 25, 2009, 01:15:26 PM

Maybe you had a bad install, I did on my second old laptop but another go sorted it out

A good possibility...Maybe later I'll try re-installing.

sorveltaja · « **Reply #54 on:** October 25, 2009, 01:47:19 PM »

Quote from: Tinker on October 25, 2009, 01:15:03 PM

Just remembered another question...

Anybody know how to tell the boot loader that linux is NOT the preferred choice?

When I wake my machine up from hibernation, I have to watch for it & choose Windows. This is a little annoying first thing in the morning as I like to go pour my coffee while it's coming to life.

Answer to the question might be, if my memory serves, that there is an option in Linux to choose primary booting OS.

In my case, hibernation is definitely no-no. Just haven't got it to work properly in Windows anyway.

sorveltaja · « **Reply #55 on:** October 25, 2009, 01:53:47 PM »

Quote from: Darren on October 25, 2009, 01:29:06 PM

Linux left Windows as first choice for boot-up on both my machines, it's really annoying

The thing is with Linux there is no need to shut the computer down overnight, in fact I believe it can be left running for years with no ill effects.
It's hard to explain, but it runs nothing like windows and goes into an auto sleep when left.

Things I have noticed, my laptop was always noisy, mainly the HD ran full pelt constantly, now I can't remember the last time I heard it? It must be running?
Or maybe it's the fan I used to hear? Dunno.

Secondly with Vista if I put my hand over the fan vent the air coming out was hot, and I mean hot, certainly hot enough to keep your cuppa warm on a cold day. On a hot summers day I used to get worried about just how hot my laptop was getting, even the keys were warm.

Now the air vent temp is barely noticeable above room temp....

If I look in System monitor I find the memory used is 22% (Vista 90-100) swap file 0% (can't remember?) CPU1 34% CPU2 27% (70-100 for both almost all the time)

This laptop has now been on for 3 days con't, if I were running Vista I would have forced at least one if not two re-boots per day to clear the memory as the machine got slower and slower.

One thing for sure, my laptop will last a lot longer under Linux, no doubt about that.
And my electric bill will also thank me...

Is there a task manager in Vista? Or some other system tool, that shows you, how many processes you have on background? I'll bet there are dozens of useless processes there...

Darren · « **Reply #56 on:** October 25, 2009, 02:00:38 PM »

Yes Vista has one, and there are usually hundreds of processes active all taking some memory space and CPU resources. Windows never shuts them down when they are no longer needed and that is where the main problem lays. Eventually the system just bogs down and refuses to run. Then comes the forced re-boot I mentioned.

With Linux as I look now only 2 processes using any resources Firefox being one because I'm writing this.

There are plenty of others open, but all are using zero memory or CPU because Linux properly puts them to sleep when not being used. This is something Vista can't seem to do?

sorveltaja · « **Reply #57 on:** October 25, 2009, 02:08:42 PM »

Hundreds of processes in Vista??? No wonder, that it requires regular re-booting. 30-50 processes would be more than enough, depending on the antivirus and firewall softwares.

Tinker · « **Reply #58 on:** October 25, 2009, 03:40:41 PM »

Quote from: Darren on October 25, 2009, 01:29:06 PM

Linux left Windows as first choice for boot-up on both my machines, it's really annoying

And yet it went the other way around here.

Quote from: Darren on October 25, 2009, 01:29:06 PM

The thing is with Linux there is no need to shut the computer down overnight, in fact I believe it can be left running for years with no ill effects.
It's hard to explain, but it runs nothing like windows and goes into an auto sleep when left.

I need to shut this one down on a regular basis simply because I tend to use it on battery a fair bit. If it were a desktop machine, I'd generally leave it running.

Darren · « **Reply #59 on:** October 25, 2009, 03:52:15 PM »

I think the same applies, when sleeping it consumes no power. I went out all day yesterday (bumbling around the stores duty) without switching mine off. When I go out all day I unplug mine and stick in a cupboard due to teenagers in the house (just in case)

When I came back I expected it to be dead, it wasn't ..... I was quite surprised because it had been 8hrs and my bat only lasts about 2.

I hope you get yours running, I've always poo'ed Linux, this install has changed the way I think about it now.

John Hill · « **Reply #60 on:** October 25, 2009, 06:35:59 PM »

We run Winderz for months and months on our airport jobs without rebooting. It is not Winderz but the crappy applications that eventually kill the machine and no doubt Linux is vulernable to the same thing it just depends on what you have running.

Of course any Winderz system has a very short life expectancy if it is connected to the Internet with so much out there to distract it, so to speak.

Darren · « **Reply #61 on:** October 26, 2009, 05:56:44 PM »

Starting to find a few little annoying quirks, it seemed at first the Linux guys had sorted the OS out to a good usable level. Now I'm not so enthusiastic.

eg today I'm trying to upload jpgs to my Photobucket acc, it just can't do it in Linux. I can see the jpg's on my computer, but when I try to upload them they become invisible for selection.

Spent two days searching for a resolution on the sound problem, forums are littered with solutions ... all different btw, and most of them I haven't a clue what they are on about or how to implement the "simple" instructions. I never thought of myself as dumb, but some of these instructions are making me have a re-think.

Also I have downloaded several image editing packages and all of them won't allow me to crop an image, the icon is always greyed out. Another annoying thing I found is that image programs by different names are in fact the same thing. What a waste of time downloading and installing then all.

becoming a little less impressed as time goes on.

The OS is great, if all you do is browse the net and send a few emails. (without sound)

dsquire · « **Reply #62 on:** November 09, 2009, 08:13:11 PM »

Quote from: Darren on October 26, 2009, 05:56:44 PM

Starting to find a few little annoying quirks, it seemed at first the Linux guys had sorted the OS out to a good usable level. Now I'm not so enthusiastic.

eg today I'm trying to upload jpgs to my Photobucket acc, it just can't do it in Linux. I can see the jpg's on my computer, but when I try to upload them they become invisible for selection.

Spent two days searching for a resolution on the sound problem, forums are littered with solutions ... all different btw, and most of them I haven't a clue what they are on about or how to implement the "simple" instructions. I never thought of myself as dumb, but some of these instructions are making me have a re-think.

Also I have downloaded several image editing packages and all of them won't allow me to crop an image, the icon is always greyed out. Another annoying thing I found is that image programs by different names are in fact the same thing. What a waste of time downloading and installing then all.

becoming a little less impressed as time goes on.

The OS is great, if all you do is browse the net and send a few emails. (without sound)

Darren

Are you still using the Linux Mint 7 system and if so how is it working for you?

Cheers

Don

Darren · « **Reply #63 on:** November 09, 2009, 09:35:36 PM »

Hi Don,

I had to stop using it as I couldn't get the sound to work on my machine.

I could also not upload photos to my PhotoBucket account.

Those two things alone were enough to put me off. I'm afraid that as much as I don't like Vista I have had to go back to it for now.
Windows 7 may be my only option out of this as Vista also presents a few problems.

Sadly I can't put XP on this machine as the manufactures didn't write the device drivers for XP.

Darren · « **Reply #64 on:** November 10, 2009, 02:33:05 PM »

Anyone here using Windows 7?

If so how are you getting on with it?

Darren · « **Reply #65 on:** November 10, 2009, 08:22:11 PM »

Hi, a question for you teccy types

My comp is x86 type with an AMD Turion 64x2 CPU with 2gb of RAM.

Originally it had Vista 32bit installed from the manufacturers.

My question is, what bit should it have, 32 or 64

Russel · « **Reply #66 on:** November 10, 2009, 08:52:15 PM »

Windows 7 works very well for me. I downloaded and installed the release candidate and ran it for a while. I was impressed.

As far as Vista 64 bit or 32 bit, with 2 Gb of RAM 32 bit would be fine. The biggest difference between the two versions is that 64 bit can access more RAM than 32 bit. Vista 32 will use about 3 to 3.5 Gb of RAM maximum, depending on your video display adapter memory etc. Vista 64 bit can access 128 Gb of RAM.

There are other differences, but If I were you I would use Vista 32 bit. You are less likely to have trouble with device drivers.

If you would like to read about some of the other differences, follow this link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946765

Darren · « **Reply #67 on:** November 10, 2009, 09:01:51 PM »

Thanks Russel,

I have been playing with 7 today, first installed 32bit and the OS fell apart in about two hours. So many problems that I had to format the drive and start again.

I then installed 64bit and "touch wood" it seems to be fine all evening.

I've no idea if the first install failure was just one of those "things" or if my comp really needed 64bit?

I've spent some time reading about the subject tonight and getting the picture that the 32bit should be fine (windows would just run a tad slower "possibly")
But 64bit can give some problems depending on other hardware issues, but if they cope you should see quite a difference in performance. Just depends if the various hardware device software was designed for 64bit and it seems that many are not, even today.

And they talk about 128bit coming, jeeze, get 64 sorted first

News:

Author Topic: Making Linux Mint 7 work even better! (Read 28078 times)

tumutbound

bogstandard

bogstandard

Russel