Hello Everybody,
I resend this email in text mode since somebody complaint about the
first HTML version, which apparently could only be read in text mode
incl. all formatting characters etc., additionally apparently loading
your server unnecessarily due to HTML mode.
I am new to Linux (RH C4) and after some weeks of stuffing around to get
even the basics working, I am asking for help.
My setup:
Mobo D945GTP (onboard Sigmatel audio, onboard video)
Processor Intel P640
RAM 1GB, 2GB L2 Cache
HDD 2 off SATAII, WD 160GB in raid 0,
incl. prim. Active C:/ partition with XP Pro SP1
HDD 1 off SATAII, SG 160GB NTFS, 1 swap partition 2GB,
1 Linux root partition 15GB)
Monitor Hitachi CML171SXW
Modem External Siemens SpeedStream 4200 (as supplied by
Telstra Bigpond), presently used via USB connection, Ethernet
connected to 2nd PC for 2nd Internet
connection.
I bought the ‘RH Fedora 4 Unleashed’ book incl. DVD, kernel 2.6.11. The
installation as 2nd OS went OK, partitioning and formatting 2 GB swap
and 15GB root partition (both primary) with Disk Druid and using Linux
front end for selecting either OS (Windows XP Pro SP1 or Linux RH Core
4). I got the following ‘issues’:
Problem 1 Can’t establish a working ADSL Internet connection
Problem 2 Video only works in 1280x1024 resolution, for me too
small to be comfortable with
Problem 3 Can’t get audio working
Problem 1 – ADSL Connection
The installation program does not ask me to setup my network connection,
which I tried under ‘Setup Internet Connection’ as well as ‘Network’.
My modem is not listed and that’s were the trouble starts.
Somebody advised that I should setup the connection using DHCP instead
of PPPoA (listed when I access the modem thru Windows). Even with the
1200 odd pages book I got, the instructions are to me at least very
confusing. The same applies to Stanton Finleys installation notes.
It appears that I have to download and install some program. With the
Internet not working under Linux this is not possible.
Problem 2 – Monitor Resolution
The monitor’s HorizSync frequency range is picked up by the installation
program incorrectly. As soon as I change this to the correct info as
per manual, I get an ‘Out of Range’ signal after reboot.
The vertical refresh rate is correct and I have not changed this one.
The monitor’s support pixel resolution I had to change to cover all
resolutions available in acc. with the manual.
I tried and re-installed Linux at least 15 times with various
configurations of the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file, both altering horizontal
frequency as well as pixel modes. The only resolution that works is the
monitor’s native one, i.e. 1280x1024.
Problem 3 – Audio
During the installation I am ask to test sound, which does not work. I
get the message ‘Audio will not be available on your system’. No
further info, that’s it.
I have installed as part of the mobo drivers Sigmatel as the audio
driver, in acc. with the mobo installation instructions.
On the Intel website, for my motherboard, there is a network, video and
audio driver for Red Hat Linux available, (…._1.3_RHEL4_U1.TAR.GZ).
Should I download and install the individual drivers in Windows? Will
my Windows OS still work? What chance is there that the Linux RH
problems I have will be fixed? I have to say that at this stage I
cannot afford to loose Windows since this is the only thing I have that
works.
To make matters even worse, two days ago I was changing from Linux (with
the above hiccups) to Windows using Acronis OS Selector when suddenly
nothing worked. After re-booting I got a black screen with a blinking
underscore cursor on the top left, nothing else.
The only way to get into the system was by using an Acronis Disk
Director Boot Disk which got me going again, that is Windows only. When
I select Linux as the OS, I’ll get a black screen with ‘Grub_’ on the
top left, nothing else.
If I deactivate Acronis OS Selector, I get a black screen with ‘Grub_”.
Going in circles, must have to do something with the MBR, don’t know
how to wipe it.
Well this is my present situation, a pretty mess; not to mention the
hours spent during the last six weeks.
Somehow I am a bit weary, Stanton Finleys installation notes in the
beginning point out that the installation of Linux is easy and can be
done by everyone; however there are apparently 45 pages of installation
notes needed to get the job done!
Sorry, I am to say the least a bit frustrated and would appreciate some
help.
Wilfried
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