New Here, and I already have a stupid question


Forum: HD Install
Topic: New Here, and I already have a stupid question
started by: Bidi

Posted by Bidi on Nov. 14 2004,07:23
First I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Stefan.  I just started playing around with Knoppix based Linux, had some (very limited) experience with Red Hat.  My dad then got a tip from a friend of his about the Knoppix LiveCD (and how it was way better then other Linuxes).  I like it better.  I have an HD install on one of my personal computers.  I then started searching the net for Knoppix stuff and ended up here.  So that's pretty much it.

Now for my stupid question.

I have this 9 year old Compaq laptop here at home that hasn't been used in aobut 3 years (suprisingly it still works).  It's a 486/SX (33Mhz), 16Mb RAM, 252Mb HD.  I was reading the FAQ and already have a pretty good idea on how to floppy-only install DSL.  So my big issue here is what to do with CPQDOS, the stupid antique Compaq BIOS system.  I'm pretty sure it's going to be a problem since I've deleted it before and the computer wouldn't even turn on.

I just want to do this on this laptop because like I've said before, it's 9 years old and Win3.11 isn't really something that does anything anymore in this world.  I've read the minimum requirement FAQ and I saw new future for that piece of crap.

Thanks everyone in advance,
-Stefan

Posted by roadie on Nov. 14 2004,07:47
There was a post a while ago concerning a 486SX, problem is no math-coprocessor.
Not sure if a solution was found, try a search of the forum.


roadie

Posted by Bidi on Nov. 14 2004,16:46
I did a search before and go one hit.  I think it was "skoas" (something along those lines) that recompiled the 2.4 kernel to work with a 386/486 with no coprocessor.  He mentions it works with DSL 0.7.0.  I'll try to use that with the 0.8.4, I'll also try remastering DSL and remove some of the stuff I know i'm not going to use, like spreadsheets, pdf, etc...  This should make it even smaller, after all, with a 250Mb HD space is an issue.  Running it compressed is also out of the question.

My biggest problem is the CPQDOS files, I really don't konw what do to with them and still make the computer work.

Posted by cbagger01 on Nov. 14 2004,20:20
If I remember correctly, DSL 0.8.x uses a different kernel version than DSL 0.7.x

Try using the recompiled kernel with DSL version 0.7.3 for your best chance of success.

Posted by AwPhuch on Nov. 15 2004,03:12
Quote (Bidi @ Nov. 14 2004,11:46)
My biggest problem is the CPQDOS files, I really don't konw what do to with them and still make the computer work.

< http://www.faqs.org/faqs....50.html >

It appears all those are is just hardware config files for DOS..you can safely wipe the drive using dban < http://awphuch2000.dyndns.org:1079/dban/ > and factory default the drive...however I dont think the 486sx with no mathcoprocessor is gonna fly...those are some very ooooollld spec man...you might be better off trying one of the floppy only distros like < http://blueflops.sourceforge.net/ > or < http://mulinux.sunsite.dk/mulinux.html >
Link to site is < http://www.linuxlinks.com/Distributions/Floppy/ >

Good luck bud and Welcome to the Revolution!!!

Brian
AwPhuch

Posted by Bidi on Nov. 15 2004,03:31
Quote (AwPhuch @ Nov. 14 2004,22:12)
...however I dont think the 486sx with no mathcoprocessor is gonna fly...those are some very ooooollld spec man...

Yep, thats what's so fun about this.  Currently I can't do anything since I can't find the floppy drive, it one of those PCMCIA external.

I'm just going to try DSL is cause if that little computer still runs after whatever many years (I was thinking about it, and it's actually more than 9 years, closer to 11-12 years), I can still do some damage.  I just gotta remember to save Wolf3D (yes, I have the original), that's the best game ever made for PCs.  I just want to have as much fun with this computer as I can.

Posted by ke4nt1 on Nov. 15 2004,05:05
Wolf 3D would make a good extensions for DSL... Hmm..  )
Someone want to mod one up?
Surely if the Doom II is now released and free to use,
the Wolf3D would be as well!

73
ke4nt

Posted by Bidi on Nov. 15 2004,15:21
If you guys want I have the .zip file for Wolf3D.  It's only 1.17Mb, so uploading it wouldn't be bad at all.
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