Extreme problems

Forum: DSL Embedded
Topic: Extreme problems
started by: randomtrouble

Posted by randomtrouble on Dec. 04 2006,15:48

I posted this problem on the "DSL Embedded" section some days ago, but there seems to be low activity, hence I try here:

I got DSL a week ago or so, and I have gradually become more and more obsessed with it. However, I struggle intensely.

I simply want to run an application called Chibitracker. I'm mostly using the embedded version, running it with Windows XP as the host OS, but I also got the real HD install on an older computer.

(Background info: Before I even thought about compiling, I downloaded an executable file specifically fixed by the author of the program. Somehow, I got the file to execute (but with some errors) that one evening, but never since - I regret I didn't write down all the commands, but this is the core of my annoyance: it HAS worked, so it is obviously -possible-!)

Anyway, I have now gotten to the point where I try to compile Chibitracker myself. It required that I installed Python2.2. In addition to Scons. However, the trouble appear when I am about to activate the installation of Chibitracker. When I type "scons" in the Chibitracker folder, which the instructional document suggests, I get this error:

"sh: line 1: sdl-config: command not found............. Error: cant execute sdl-config, make sure SDL is installed..........TypError: 'str' object is not callable: File 'SConstruct', line 65: exit(255);"

Yes, SDL is installed. I am positive, I have installed libsdl.1.2debian-all mostly. Anyway, I thought maybe I needed something else, something in additition, as the error message questions whether SDL is installed.

So I found out I wanted to try installing "libsdl1.2-dev", and then I got this error:

"Some packages could not be installed. This may mean that you have requested an impossible situation or if you are using the unstable distribution that some required packages have not yet been created or been moved out of Incoming.

Since you only requested a single operation it is extremely likely that the package is simply not installable and a bug report against that package should be filled. The following info may help to resolve the situation: The following packages have unmet dependencies: libsdl1.2-dev: Depends: xlibs-dev but it is not going to be installed...... E: Broken package"

Oh - for the record; I also tried installing the "xlibs-dev" package, but it returned the same type of error message.

And regarding my /etc/apt/sources.list file, well, I mostly leave it unedited, but I occasionally edit in as recommended by other DSL/Debian users, but I always have a copy of the original.

Yeah, and as I am asking questions already - is there a way to upgrade the libstdc++5 to for instance libstdc++6? I tried the apt-get upgrade command but it didn't work perfectly.

Now I am curious about your replies.

EDIT: OK - a final question; is there anything you'd recommend me to delete from the standard set with applications in DSL? Something that I may not need. Because it seems like there's only 93.3M capacity in the embedded version. That one decreases fast when working with APT-GET...

Posted by roberts on Dec. 04 2006,18:57

If your question is on the embedded version then that is where it should be posted.

Those users who are knowledgable about embedded will more likely be able to respond.

DSL as implemeneted (embedded in Qemu) is a sandbox with limited but useful capabilities, browser access, email, etc.

If you need to "open it" you will need to visit the Qemu forums to learn how to make larger virtual drives, or perhaps access to real physical drives, etc.

Perhaps it would be easier to try to get your application running without Qemu and then later move it into Qemu, rather than trying to play in the sandbox.

Qemu on Windows:
< http://www.h7.dion.ne.jp/~qemu-win >

Posted by randomtrouble on Dec. 04 2006,20:27

Allright, so you suggest that the problem may be eliminated if I try the same on the older computer where I have a real HD install?

Interesting.

Posted by roberts on Dec. 04 2006,20:52

No. Your have a compound question.
You were asking how to have more space available in dsl-embedded.
Try to simply a compound situation and eliminate the sandbox. That is my suggestion.
If you have issues/questions regarding apt then we have a section for apt-get.

Posted by ^thehatsrule^ on Dec. 04 2006,22:30

Well, hdb is also provided as an empty virtual drive in dsl-embedded as 60mb. The max per virtual drive (I found) was 500mb.

Posted by roberts on Dec. 04 2006,22:48

You would likely need more than virtual drive space to use apt-get in a very constrained space of embedded/frugal. The default for DSL in the virtual machine is 128MB. Even opening up that you would still face the issues of backup and restore from the sandbox and an understaning of many Debian related files to include so as to persist a reboot. At a minimum all the downloaded debs and their dependanices.

Just as I don't recommend using mydsl extensions for a traditional hard drive install, so too, do I not recommend using apt-get in a frugal install.

Of course, if one is intent on doing it, it can be done as with most things using technology. I just don't recommend it. It is not an approach I would do. I think as the topic title suggests it will lead to 'extreme' challenges.

Posted by cdr on Dec. 05 2006,01:01

Can hdb be a compressed and dynamically expanding drive like qcow format? I would love to see a smaller initial foot print.

-cdr

Posted by roberts on Dec. 05 2006,01:23

There are so many new features in Qemu that I cannot keep up.
Qemu, just as DSL, keeps improving and adding new features.
Add to that, that I am not a fan nor even much of a user of Windows.

I know what I orginally setup may very well be dated. But it is useful for what it was designed to do.
Mainly to be a sandbox and therefore preserve the nomadic nature of DSL while allowing net access through the pass-thru ability of Qemu.

I don't have large powerful systems to run Windows/Qemu/DSL. I am not planning much in the way of specific Qemu/DSL changes. If you or others want to explore qcow or other advancements in Qemu. Let me know. I will follow your posts in the embedded section. I will try to be helpful when I can.

If something is configured that fits DSL's philosopy then perhaps it will be offered as a replacement to the current configuration.

Posted by cdr on Dec. 05 2006,01:29

I'll contribute whatever I find out.

-cdr