DSL noob
Forum: User Feedback
Topic: DSL noob
started by: awdark
Posted by awdark on Aug. 16 2006,04:03
Linux is unique in itself. But installing it without an optical drive, floppy drive, USB drive boot, or netboot option on a laptop proves to be a difficult and amusing task.
Its really neat! My wifi works (Prism2 DWL122 usb) with the exception of never saving my network options.
Dillo and Opera crashed on everything then I realized that I forgot to set a swap file. >_< Made the partition, just didn't set it.
Now with the swap file, Opera works, GAIM works (really neat software installer system), and yeah.
Im finally beginning to understand the linux file system and how the software works in comparison to windows.
Quirks I want to fix.
*I asked in the network section about saving Prism2 options but if someone can answer faster here that would be nice.
*more advanced options? The control panel is nice and simple but um... im used to windows so it feels like im missing something in the control panel. I have seen something like xsetup.sh and similar references to edit boot options... where and how could I modify that?
*last question.. Is there a kismet in that software installer list?
Formatted and rebuilt it, so fixed the boot issues. Just the little questions remain ^_^
Posted by cmanb on Aug. 17 2006,04:19
The fact that you made a swap partition makes me think that you did a harddrive install. Is this right?1. I feel like most times when I fiddle with my network settings, I am asked by a prompt box at shutdown if I want to save my network settings. Are you not getting this?
2. In the control panel, what is it you are trying to control?
3. Don't know 'bout no kismet.
Posted by AwPhuch on Aug. 17 2006,05:18
Please remember Linux is NOT WindowsYou pretty much have to unlearn the Windows dumbed down general public wizards and stuff and realize that in linux you have to go thru a learning curve...you learn more using linux..but sometimes its frustrating getting there
Posted by awdark on Aug. 17 2006,05:21
Yeah, its a hard drive install, guess I forgot to mention that.Hmm, when I enter the settings for the Prism2 I just fill in the blanks hit okay... wait a little and I get a connected popup.
I was hoping the control panel would have power options as I am running it on a laptop. Perhaps mouse control because I find myself switching from USB to PS/2 mice and it seems to like to stick to one mouse.
Was hoping for kismet or similar wifi scanner. Actually which packages should I look for? Can I use like RPM or DEB files?
Webserver works!
Saw the post right above mine. Yeah, its a real challenge. Some things I take for granted like changing the resolution or how long before the screen goes dark or what my power button does just doesn't exist.
Edit:
Figured out monkeywebserver (HD install doesn't fix the broken shortcuts) Still don't know how to modify the index.html in the /opt/monkey/htfiles (something like that) folder but at least I can get the main server to work.
Wired lan works better than wireless, which is obvious as wireless needs authentication and all that setup. Still don't know how to get it to save the settings.
Actually installed a .deb version of Kismet. Doesn't work because im missing some other parts to it, but it installed. I needed dsl-dpkg.dsl to get that dpkg -i to work.
-_- still waiting for my 32 meg ram stick to come to make this ghettoblaster laptop fly.
Posted by awdark on Aug. 18 2006,21:08
DSL really flies when you have a normal amount of ram!I got an extra stick today and wow 64mb really makes it feel nice... and a lot less HDD seeking.
Why is Synaptics not included with DSL? It seems nicer than My DSL.
Actually, is there a list for My DSL? Like with the description and all that? I would like to skim through the list instead of clicking individual entries for a description. I don't know what I seek, but I would like to see!
Still can't get wifi settings to stay, will check the wifi forum for any updates.
Is there a nicer task switcher? I am multi-task obsessive and tend to have a dozen and a half winodws open at any given time and that left right left thing at the bottom is a tad boring. Not bad but yeah.
How do I avoid loosing programs? I have had Opera bounce to the edge of my screen several times. I thought it crashed and closed but in fact it decided to shift off my screen and only show itself as a little sliver at the side for me to drag back out..
=( I hope you guys don't mind updates like this. The linux experience is very amusing. Especially when I have a linux experienced friend. He just isn't used to DSL so I come here to ask what he doesn't know.
Posted by awdark on Aug. 21 2006,21:22
Im messing with media files now. Mplayer for some odd reason never starts... Any idea how to uninstall things? I think I can delete it from my desktop, but i want to uninstall it.
The keyboard fluxbox thread is quite interesting, I modified the keys file but it doesnt work
wanted windows+R for a terminal window. Windows+F10 to shutdown. Ill have to check out my keybindings.I thought DSL might have a control panel similar to this:
< http://www.slax.org/screens....%20menu >
Would there be similar things I can get for it? Like to browse wireless networks, maybe some power control to adjust timeout time and all that.. I figure thats just a nice interface to do the same thing where DSL will have a less colorful but equally usable interface somewhere.