Ubuntu 4.10 on a Sony VAIO FX705
| Hardware | Status under Linux | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5GHz AMD Athlon | Works | PowerNow! can be configured (see below) |
| 15.0 SXGA+ TFT Display | Works | XFree86 tested. Works at 1400x1050 |
| ATI 3D RAGE MOBILITY M1 8MB | Works | Need to get new drivers. (see below) |
| 256MB SDRAM (in slot) | Works | |
| 30GB Hitachi HDD | Works | 10GB partition used for Linux |
| Removable 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive | Works | You have to make sure you add it as a module (see below) |
| Integrated Network Card | Works | |
| Internal 56K Modem AC97 | Unknown | This is combined with the sound card |
| 24x max CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive | Works | Can play any region DVD. CD writing untested |
| VIA AC97 Sound Card | Works | Default volume is a little low. Use headphones to check. |
| 4-pin IEEE-1394/Firewire | Works | iPod doesn't show "OK to disconnect" after unmounting |
This laptop is operating under Kernel version 2.6.8
Basic Installation of Ubuntu 4.10
Why use Ubuntu 4.10?
It is an up-to-date Debian based Linux distribution, and the FX705 is reasonably old hardware: a brilliant combination. Using older hardware means that drivers are likely well refined and tested.
Obtaining Ubuntu 4.10
ISOs can be downloaded from one of many mirror sites:
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/download/
The ISO needs to be burned on to CD to begin installation.
You can also order pressed CDs at no charge. Completely free. In fact, why don't you get 10 and hand them out to friends and strangers? (can take 4-6 weeks):
http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org/
Installing
Ubuntu uses the Debian installer. The only part that requires thought is the partitioning section. I went for a 512MB swap partition and 10GB ext3 partition for /. Everything else should be taken care of. It even DHCPs so you're online straightaway. Total space needed is under 2GB.
Post install modifications/tweaks
Root access
One oddity is the lack of a root password. Ubuntu prefers that you sudo to perform root operations. You can create a root password quite easily:
% sudo passwd rootATI drivers
Download the new drivers, install, and restart X. Just follow the instructions on the gatos site. I have tested the XFree86 4.3 driver only.
PowerNow!
This technology allows your processer to run at a lower clock speed when not being used. This means that you can save on battery power and less heat is generated - both issues on this laptop.
powernowd is installed by default. You have to make two modifications to files.
Add this line to your /etc/fstab
sysfs /sys /sysfs defaults 0 0
Add this line to your /etc/modules
powernow-k7
An applet can be added to any panel to show you what speed your CPU is currently running at.
Floppy access
The floppy drive needs to be added as a kernel module before you can use it.
% lsmod | grep floppy
% sudo modprobe floppy
% mount /media/floppy
MP3 playing
In order to get MP3s working:
# apt-get install gstreamer0.8-madMovie watching
I prefer to use xine to watch movies.
# apt-get install w32codecs
# apt-get install libdvdcss2
# apt-get install xine-ui
# hdparm -d1 /dev/hdc
Setting up additional features for Ubuntu
ACPI
/proc/acpi/*provide information including CPU temperature and battery levels.- The screen xlocks when you close the lid.
- If you want to add your own events then look at
/etc/acpi
Touchpad
I have not attempted this, but you can make your touchpad do more things:
Synaptics TouchPad driver for XOrg/XFree86
Other Useful Info
Netgear MA521 Wirless PCMCIA card
This was the one thing I was dreading. Under SUSE 8.2 this was quite tricky to get working. Thankfully things have progressed, and there is now an easy way to get this working. We use the Windows driver. Clever eh?
Download the latest windows 2000 driver (make sure it says ndis in the filename) from Realtek. Go to their site and enter 8180L into the search box, the go to Downloads. Unzip this file somewhere friendly.
# apt-get install ndiswrapper-utils
# ndiswrapper -i NET8180.INF
# modprobe ndiswrapper
check your dmesg
# ndiswrapper -mConfigure via the network configuration tool. Done. Hurrah!
Backports
Backports allow you to have the stuff on your otherwise stable system. The Firefox which ships with Ubuntu 4.10 is 0.93, but perhaps you've grown fond of 1.0. You can get it by adding a new repository to your /etc/apt/sources.list:
deb http://ubuntu-bp.sourceforge.net/ubuntu/ warty-backports main universe
There is some debate about whether it will make things tricky when you finally upgrade to Hoary Hedgehog in April. There are some instructions to revert your backports. I personally use backports. We'll see if I lament my decision come April.
Ubuntu Calendar
This idea tickles me. They have created a package which includes a new wallpaper for you every month. Simple, but effective.
# apt-get install ubuntu-calendar*Links
- Unofficial Ubuntu Guide - useful after you have installed Ubuntu
- Sony VAIO - download manuals, etc.
- Linux on Laptops - find out more about installing Linux on your specific laptop
- Gatos - all things ATI
- Synaptics TouchPad driver for XOrg/XFree86 - if you want more out of your touchpad
- Realtek - get the latest driver for the Netgear MA521
- NdisWrapper - get your wireless card working
- How to Set Up the NdisWrapper
- Linuxant - if you really have trouble getting the modem, or wireless card working
- gDesklets - for putting sensor related data on your desktop (see screenshot)
Add a comment
Great to see all the info there, but you've obviously given up on using "continue to read this post" links and just putting the first section on the main page... Any particular reason? (google/other search engine indexing?)
No I haven't. My template shows the full post on the first entry. When I put up my next entry it will shrink. :P
Regarding the iPod not showing "OK to disconnect" after unmounting, you have to do: rmmod sbp2 to unload the module. Then it will show "OK to disconnect".