Linux

Kernel 2.6.8

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I upgraded my Linux box from Kernel 2.4.21 to 2.6.8 and so far everything looks good. I also did an apt-get dist-upgrade to bring the rest of the system up to date.

Linux Print Server

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I’ve connected my Epson Stylus C82 to the Linux box and I’ve set up CUPS to allow browsing & remote printing. It took a few hours of trial and error, but I’m now able to print to it from any of my Macs.

The changes to /etc/cups/cupsd.conf were to add the commands:

Browsing On
BrowseAddress 192.168.0.255
BrowseAllow 192.168.0.*

Also, for any areas which limit access to 127.0.0.1, I added ‘Allow From 192.168.0.*’.

Linux server setup

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I now have my Linux server fully set up. One of my main uses for it is a file server for my Mac network. I tried Netatalk but had lots of problems with long filename handling & dealing with case sensitivity. When I would copy folders to the server, it would complain about file names that were too long and abort the copy. When I tried to compile code on the server volume, I ran into lots of trouble where the case of file names weren’t consistent. I tried the various casefold options, but they caused more trouble.

Finally I tried Samba and it’s now working like a charm. No more long file name problems, and it’s not case sensitive.

Linux install

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I decided to go with Libranet, a Debian based distribution with enhanced system administration utilities. I got it installed in less than an hour and everything worked perfectly. However, I’ve spent most of today updating the packages from apt, which has taken a lot longer than the original installation. Most of the time was spent setting up packages.

Debian’s package management is almost exactly the same as Fink.

Server arrived

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My new server just arrived, a day ahead of schedule. I already have Debian installed on it and everything is working nicely.

Server Update

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The server shipped and should arrive Thursday. I’ve downloaded a few Linux distributions to decide which one to use. I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to Debian, Libranet, and Gentoo. I’ll see which one works best.

New Server

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I’ve ordered my new server, an AMD DURON 1.6GHz barebone system ($359 as configured) from CPU Solutions. I decided to go with Gentoo Linux as my OS. It’s not the fastest system, but it’s a lot faster than my old G3/350, which worked pretty nicely as a file server.

Server Replacement

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It looks like a drive hardware failure. Since that machine is a fairly old 350 MHz G3 with a crappy IDE controller that can’t handle larger drives, I’ve decided to replace it with a Linux box, which will have at least a 120G drive. I’ll most likely use NFS for the file server.

iPod not moving to Linux anytime soon

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In a press release announcing that the Dell DJ is now supported on desktop Linux machines, Lindows CEO Michael Robertson noted that Apple had declined to allow the iPod to work on the operating system. “We talked with Apple Computer about supporting the iPod but they want to keep that a closed system,” said Robertson. “Linux users should seriously consider the Dell DJ if they’re looking for an affordable MP3 Player.” (via MacMinute)

Sometimes Apple makes some really stupid decisions like this one and refusing to support RealPlayer format. Keeping the iPod a closed system is a big mistake and will hurt it in the long run. There’s no good reason to keep the iPod closed; it does nothing to help sales and will not stop any of the competitors. Wider support on other platforms and allowing the iPod to support as many audio formats as possible can only benefit everyone and sell more iPods.