Linux

[C-Chan]

*sigh*

Shateiel-san is nowhere to be seen...... ;____;

It's been too long,... by now he's probably replaced the OS.  Oh well, I tried ne?  ^__^

Come to think of it, I don't recall Neiji-san ever updating me on his own problem.  Shouldn't be that long till he travels to the states...  -v-'

[Bella]

Hey, I still haven't checked to see what's on my Compaq's partition (remember, the mysterious one?) but I had an idea. I remember my friend's computer had a partition like that--it turns out it was a "recovery console", some command-line OS for finding bugs or something...but her computer was an XP...
Just a thought.

[C-Chan]

Hmmm,... *pensive* ...well I'm still not convinced of that either.  -__-
You see, it wasn't common practice to include recovery partitions in computers -- back then, companies still believed in supplying the original OS disk, or at least an OEM recovery disk.  -.-

Besides, when you ran GParted, it stated that the disk was empty (or rather that Free Disk Space = Total Disk Space).  Just to be extra sure, mount that drive again with Puppy and see if it lists any contents in that folder (Puppy-chan can see ALL, so no hidden files will ever get past her....  ^^).

If there's nothing in there, congratulations...!  ^v^
For who knows how many years, your Windows 98 has been crammed inside that tiny 1.5GB partition even while there was space aplenty elsewhere....  ^.^

[Bella]

It did come w/ a recovery disk. But why would it have a partition with nothing on it? : /

(That's a rhetorical question, BTW. XD)

[C-Chan]

Fufu... a rhetorical question that essentially reiterates the current position on the matter...........  -v-

In other words,......

We're back to square one: "Why is there an empty partition on your old Compaq that's nearly 5x bigger than your working one!"  ^0^

....

*ponders*

If memory serves, those old systems had trouble displaying partition sizes greater than 1.x GBs, since they used the FAT16 file system,...

In other words, sticking a 300GB hard drive into a Windows 3.1 system isn't a 300GB offering to the goddess 3.1-sama, because she was built in an era where 300 gigs was probably as large as the entire existing Arpnet/Internet/BBS system combined and hence far removed from the meager little clutches of the consumer.  The most she could physically recognize is 1.x GBs tops, so to even FATHOM the thought of using a 300GB hard drive would entail that you chop it up into 300 1.0GB partitions (ignoring the fact that there was also a limit to the number of recognizable logical partitions).  

Multi-GB hard drives were still relatively new in your Compaq's era, so my assumption is that the company might've done the FAT16 installation of Hacchan figuring you'd never in your dreams use up 6 whopping GBs of hard drive space! This could explain why you've only been able to use the 1.x GB partition but were never able to physically view the 5.x GB unused partition in Windows Explorer.   (too bad you can't sue Compaq by now... ^__^)

(Actually, now that  you reminded me, it would be worth a check to see if you can spot any indication that the drive exists in windows explorer.  If so, it would appear as a Drive D: or E:)

Naturally the new file systems (especially the journaled file systems used extensively by Linux, BSD and eComstation) have support for partition up to various TBs in size.  

Just in case we end up measuring the iPods of the future in terabytes, I'll shut up about that being enough space to last us a lifetime.....  ^____^;

(after all, I said the same about my 8GB hard drive....  -.-')

[Kami-Tux]

In other words, sticking a 300GB hard drive into a Windows 3.1 system isn't a 300GB offering to the goddess 3.1-sama, because she was built in an era where 300 gigs was probably as large as the entire existing Arpnet/Internet/BBS system combined and hence far removed from the meager little clutches of the consumer. The most she could physically recognize is 1.x GBs tops, so to even FATHOM the thought of using a 300GB hard drive would entail that you chop it up into 300 1.0GB partitions (ignoring the fact that there was also a limit to the number of recognizable logical partitions).

Afaik it was 2 GB, and wikipe-tan agrees with me.

[Bella]

I looked, the HD partition is in Win98 is listed as a (drive D: )  SYSTEM_SAVE

Folders included bootdisk, Cpqdrv, Cpqs, and data, also a recycle bin, and a couple of system files.

Yeah and K8's back, so I might try running a LiveCD on it, which could get hairy as K8's running a 64-bit AMD processor w/an ATI video card.

I dunno what could go wrong, but according to C-Chan ATI cards and AMD 64 processors pose problems w/ Linux...

Added after 55 minutes:

I checked. My video card is ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600/9700 Series.

BTW, C-Chan, what year was your problematic Acer made?

[C-Chan]

Fufu,... not a problem with Linux per se, as my Xubuntu 64-bit edition runs fine.  ^___^

Just anything not specifically designed for AMD64 can be flakey, since it's essentially trying to force a 32-bit environment (along with 32-bit drivers) on 64-bit hardware.  Admittedly, that also includes Windows.  *glares at old Windows MCE*

PCLOS didn't come with the free Xorg drivers, so it was either Vesa or the proprietary stuff, and the proprietary ATI stuff doth sucketh for my particular card.  ^^;

Your card, though, doesn't look like it would have a problem so go ahead and try.  ^__^

The worst that can happen on a LiveCD is that it will tell you that Xorg can't be initiated or you'll get the "Blank Screen of Death" courtesy of ATI (in either case, switch to a Vesa driver).  ^___^

My Acer's from 2005, btw.  Like I said, different hardware combinations yield different results, so if your eMachine runs PCLOS and Beryl like a dream, I'll take back any nasty thing I said about the brand (despite my friend's $200+ donation to WorstBuy's tech support over a busted eMachine).  ^.^;
I won't, however, go as far as to say I'll buy one, since my money is reserved for either one of those Asus $189 laptops or a cheap Mac (or both).  ^__^

Added after 2 hours 11 minutes:

I looked, the HD partition is in Win98 is listed as a (drive D: ) SYSTEM_SAVE

Folders included bootdisk, Cpqdrv, Cpqs, and data, also a recycle bin, and a couple of system files.

Aah shoot, didn't realize there was more.... ^^;
Okay lesse.... -v-

*studies findings*

*nerve pops*

Oh dear god, that is a recovery partition.  -v-
Must've been ahead of their time, or just shown a symbol of dark times to come... -.-

But SERIOUSLY,... a recovery partition that's 5X THE SIZE OF THE OS PARTITION?!!!  And not just that, but it has Windows 98 crammed inside a mere Logical Partition?!!!!!!!!!  O__o

....

*hears Cuckoo clock in the distance*

Ooooooooooooooooookay then,.....  ^_____^;
I see now why they were forced to merge with HP....  -v-'

Well,.......... okay,...... whatever,......

It really doesn't need that much space (I bet even 1 GB is too much), so if you're willing to use your Compaq for further experimentation, I say it's worth a shot appropriating at least 3gigs of space from that massive partition for experimental Linux HD installation.  ^__^
That's if you're feeling up to it, of course... better it than in K8, especially since the only partitioning you've done to date was a simple 300MB swap.... -v-

[Bella]

That's if you're feeling up to it, of course... better it than in K8, especially since the only partitioning you've done to date was a simple 300MB swap.... -v-

As I said before, K8 was made a Windows XP, and K8'll die an XP Not to mention she's still under warranty, and I'm looking into getting an extended warranty (cause she needs to run AT LEAST until when Windows Vienna comes out--crosses fingers )

Not to say she won't run liveCD or two along the way...I got Zenwalk to work! It boots up fast (about 30 seconds), I don't even have to restart to get to BIOS settings (coming out of hibernation it shows), and there are no display problems I can see. It's also very fast launching programs and stuff, due to proficient RAM.

All I need to find out is how to connect to WiFi. If that's even possible. Ha.

Oh dear god, that is a recovery partition. -v-
Must've been ahead of their time, or just shown a symbol of dark times to come... -.-

Why does it have a recovery partition and a recovery CD...

But SERIOUSLY,... a recovery partition that's 5X THE SIZE OF THE OS PARTITION?!!! And not just that, but it has Windows 98 crammed inside a mere Logical Partition?!!!!!!!!! O__o

Isn't that crazy?

*Continues to hear cuckoo clock....*

This is why I point-blank refuse to EVER buy a Compaq again : |

Added after 7 hours 33 minutes:

ZOMG! ZOMG! Z-O-M-Freaking-G!

I just gave SAMLinux a try on K8, and now I'm practically in hysterics...

...I thought something might be up when the screen jumped...

...So I opened a window...

...And OMG OMG O-M-G it has Beryl! Pre-installed OMG.

'Scuse me while I roll around like a psycho.

But it still won't go online via WiFi. Damn.

Added after 2 minutes:

There weren't any real display problems. Just on shutdown things got a bit funky.

And now I have to figure out how to work all the controls

*edit*

It won't save any changes when I boot into SAM from last time (IE, Themes, backgrounds, files, etc.)

I don't know why; K8 has a CD burner...anyhow, I might try booting though USB, but where would I find that file...?

AND, I can't transfer files from SAM to the external HD.

[grant_p]

I have an old Compaq 98 SE system, and I checked...it's a system save partition there, too.

However...

The SE upgrade to the base 98 that came with it is on a separate disk.  Even after the new system's loaded as SE, the system save is still 98.

And it seems my E-mach XP drive has the same stupidity.  In GRUB when I boot, giving me my options for my linux kernels and XP, it also lists the system save as another boot option.

This is...rather pointless...

[Bella]

Odd... O__O

I didn't even know about system save partitions until I worked on my friend's HP. Last year XD

[C-Chan]

As I said before, K8 was made a Windows XP, and K8'll die an XP Not to mention she's still under warranty, and I'm looking into getting an extended warranty (cause she needs to run AT LEAST until when Windows Vienna comes out--crosses fingers )

Not to say she won't run liveCD or two along the way...I got Zenwalk to work! It boots up fast (about 30 seconds), I don't even have to restart to get to BIOS settings (coming out of hibernation it shows), and there are no display problems I can see. It's also very fast launching programs and stuff, due to proficient RAM.

Now now, no one's trying to kill off XP-san,... just having her share her living space a little.  -v-
But yeah, if you're worried about the warranty, then forgetaboutit cause those vultures will use any excuse to not service your machine.  

(eeeeeeeewwwww,... you installed this "umuntu" thing on your machine.... WARRANTY VOID!  *evil laughter and money counting in the distance*)

Luckily, you got the right idea,.... If one of fortes of Linux is the LiveCD option, its nice to see you use it like there's no tomorrow.  And storage isn't a problem cause you have that external HD.  ^^

Zenwalks is built for older machines, so its no coincidence that it works like lightning on your machine (especially after that Claustrophic Compaq).  And neither is the BIOS thing, since most machines these days default to CD/DVD drive as the primary boot.  ^^

All I need to find out is how to connect to WiFi. If that's even possible. Ha.

On Zenwalk?  Either not likely or probably very hard.  -v-
If it's one of those minimalist systems, it might not come with the necessary stuff to receive WiFi connections (then again, Puppy does...)
Or more full-featured LiveCD may have no problems.

Then again, this is something the Bella-san will have to investigate on her own, as the Pig-Don't-Do-Wireless-Ya-Know-What-I'm-Sayin'?  `v'

Why does it have a recovery partition and a recovery CD...

Come to think of it, my slightly newer-then-yours Compaq had both too (just now I remembered).  The Recovery Partition is there to make sure software recoveries can remain convenient and localized.  The Recovery CD (which I eventually had to use) were for more severe instances when no internal recovery was possible.  -v-;

That's why it's so sad that most companies refuse to supply you with one, since a Recovery CD/DVD can easily return your system back to the pristine state it came in.  -.-

Isn't that crazy?

*Continues to hear cuckoo clock....*

This is why I point-blank refuse to EVER buy a Compaq again : |

Too late,.... Your folks have an HP don't they?  ^^
HP-Compaq are now the same thing, almost like Sprint+Nextell.... -.-'
Money to one feeds both.  ^____^
(sorry.... ^v^;)

ZOMG! ZOMG! Z-O-M-Freaking-G!

I just gave SAMLinux a try on K8, and now I'm practically in hysterics...

...I thought something might be up when the screen jumped...

...So I opened a window...

...And OMG OMG O-M-G it has Beryl! Pre-installed OMG.

'Scuse me while I roll around like a psycho.

Hoe?  Beryl's already preinstalled in SAM?  '__'
Hmmm,... interesting....  -.-
Come to think of it, I've only tried it on systems that are either old or have crappier ATI cards.  *kicks AMD64*

But... I guess if you're spinning a cube right now, it's Beryl then.  ^__^

Until I receive confirmation, methinks I should prepare an apology to eMachines as promised.  -v-;

BTW, do you like the Dock?  Or Frozen Bubble?  ^^

But it still won't go online via WiFi. Damn.

Whoops, you got me again in something outta my league.... -v-

I checked the SAM/PCLOS repository and there's something called "madwifi" which may or may not fix your problem.  -.-

But don't be surprised if wifi connections is a bit of a pain.  -v-

http://sam-linux.wikidot.com/wireless-networking-issues

There weren't any real display problems. Just on shutdown things got a bit funky.

You mean like there's a verbose mode or like it won't shutdown/restart your machine after pressing Enter?  I get that too every once in a while.  -.-

It won't save any changes when I boot into SAM from last time (IE, Themes, backgrounds, files, etc.)

I don't know why; K8 has a CD burner...anyhow, I might try booting though USB, but where would I find that file...?

AND, I can't transfer files from SAM to the external HD.

Fufufu.... sorry for letting Puppy-chan spoil you a bit.  ^^'
But saving LiveCD sessions is something it can do very well but others omit due to the fact that their LiveCDs are more for demonstrative purposes.  -.-

That's why SAM comes loaded with lots of applications,... cause when you're on the road, you want to have all the programs you'll ever need preinstalled and ready for you.  Any files you need to write can be written on a pendrive or something (especially if you'd rather not touch your computer's HD).  -.-

(Oh, and even if K8 has a CD burner, you can't write to the CD anymore and even if it's a CD-RW, all LiveCDs aren't designed to write to themselves precisely because its unheard of.)

As far as booting the LiveCD from a USB, there are some tutorials designed for this....

http://www.pclinuxos.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=20333.0
http://www.pclinuxos.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=21044.0

...but precisely for the same reason I mentioned earlier, it would still try to behave like it's a LiveCD (hence, no theme or background changes, although files can be saved into a folder directly on the USB stick).  

So in this case, if you're serious about using SAM but want to keep it separated from your HD, you have two options:

A)  Keep using the LiveCD and use a USB flash drive for regular storage of any documents (drawings, downloads, etc) that you create or acquire.

B)  Install SAM to your USB hard drive (in the install menu, there's the option to installing into USB).  

The last option would be great, but for one thing you said you had trouble with your USB HD.  Is the problem that SAM can't detect the USB HD (might be in the /mnt folder), or something else?  '__'

In addition to that, you'll have to make sure that K8 has the option of booting into "USB-HDD".  Otherwise, it'll never allow your USB HD to tell your regular HD what to do (via GRUB).  ^___^

[grant_p]

If you want a Linux-drive separate, you could do this:

http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/2622/how-to_dual-boot_ubuntu

Now, it IS out-of-date, but the basic idea is sound.  This is what I did to make my XP dual-boot.  The Linux drive is Master, so it handles GRUB and all the duel-boot mess, and the XP drive is Slave (don't tell her) so there is no change to it at all.

This way, I can just swap a cable and move a jumper and it's back to how it was originally.  Works great.  I'm typing in Linux right now, and then I can re-boot to XP  if I need IE.

The downside is in XP mode she has no idea Linux is eve there.  FIle swapping between the two is best done with a USB drive, at least for me.  And I changed Open Office's defaults to MS formats so as to have easy file-swaps.

I was afraid to partition.  This solved the problem.

[C-Chan]

Hmmm,... sadly, most of these silly warranties can also be voided if she opens up her machine.  -.-

Not sure if this applies with eMachine (it doesn't with Acer), but she may be forced to keep XP-tan the dominant one (with the external HD the slave if possible).  ^__^

But um,.... Do you really want to use IE instead of Firefox or Opera, Grant-san?  ^__^;
Worse comes to worse you can probably also install IE on Wine.

You can solve the XP cluelessness of Linux drives by installing something like this:

http://www.fs-driver.org/

Course, since this is an open admission that you're cheating on XP-san, she's bound to cry, whine or fuss.  ^____^;

And until the ZFS filesystem becomes standard, you really must lose the fear of partitioning eventually.  Don't worry lad, it isn't hard....  ^__^

Like riding a bike..... ^.^

[Bella]

SAM says the external HD is read-only, so it can't write any files on it. It also says in order to do an installation, I'll have to format on the external HD (or look for a partition or something...). Which is kinda not good cause that's mainly a backup drive.

I guess I should look into getting flash drive : \

On the bright side, I can get onto and out of SAM without shutting down. Only hibernating.

Added after 46 minutes:

And neither is the BIOS thing, since most machines these days default to CD/DVD drive as the primary boot. ^^

No, I still have to go into the BIOS.
Easy, I have to do is press DEL on startup, voila, select CD drive, and it's a go.

Then again, this is something the Bella-san will have to investigate on her own, as the Pig-Don't-Do-Wireless-Ya-Know-What-I'm-Sayin'? `v'

Humpf. I like surfing on my porch XD

Too late,.... Your folks have an HP don't they? ^^
HP-Compaq are now the same thing, almost like Sprint+Nextell.... -.-'
Money to one feeds both. ^____^
(sorry.... ^v^

*covers ears* I'm NOT listening, lalalala...

But the HP works great. The Compaq's I've known (two) have both been quite annoying :\

But... I guess if you're spinning a cube right now, it's Beryl then. ^__^

Until I receive confirmation, methinks I should prepare an apology to eMachines as promised. -v-;

BTW, do you like the Dock? Or Frozen Bubble? ^^

*Cries like schoolgirl* Skydome...and Magic Fire...and transparency...and all these things that have gotten my Windows-centric friends/family to take a sudden interest in Linux...

Yup, that MUST be Beryl.

I love the dock, I haven't tried Frozen Bubble, though.

K8'll wait for that apology