Re: Need dial-up friendly install on USB stick
On 20/08/11 02:18, Richard Owlett wrote:
> Scott Ferguson wrote:
>> On 19/08/11 22:41, Richard Owlett wrote:
<snipped>
>> Of the distributions you've mentioned, with the exception of Multicore
>> which I've never heard of, all should support the US Robotics modem,
>> have dialers, can support NTFS, and will support some sorts of WiFi.
>>
>
> But the primary problem is bootstrapping the system.
A few distros don't default boot with Thinkpads/Leveno laptops.
>
>>>
>>> I've roamed the web for a couple of months
Then you'll be aware of the advantages of installing Debian to a hard
drive, the various arguments about USB stick wear, and the problems
associated with using Linux to manage Windoof filesystems.
>>>(no longer sure Google is
>>> really a friend ;) I was originally referred to Ubuntu but I've come
>>> to think is fundamentally I need Debian style repository
>>
>> ?
>> Debian and Ubuntu both use Debian style repositories.
>
> That's why I posted here. I think I was pointed to Ubuntu because my
> friend liked the "user experience". I didn't find it that great and
> sometime next year support for at least one dialer will be dropped.
Debian has different "user experiences", and, more choices. As long as
ppp continues, then dialers will be available. TTBOMK wvdial isn't about
to vanish
>
>>
>>> , much else is negotiable.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> It "sounds" like you want to install a Debian desktop to a USB key, use
>> it to access an NTFS partition on the laptop, and, use (the laptop's)
>> wifi connection, as well as access internet via the US Robotics modem
>> (and the WiFi?)... is that correct??
>
> Essentially.
> The desktop will connect only thru the US Robotics modem.
> The laptop will connect typically through WiFi (use the US Robotics
> modem when laptop is being used as a backup).
>
Wasn't sure when you'd said "desktop" if you meant a machine, or an
interface.
So... you have a home machine (desktop) and a portable machine (laptop)??
And you'd like the build on the USB stick to use with both machines??
I'm assuming the laptop is the least powerful machine?
In which case build your USB stick OS for the laptop, and it should
"just work" on the Desktop machine.
<snipped>
>>
>> What Desktop Environment were you after?
>
> Any GUI. I'm from era of 026's, KSR-33's, and "glass teletypes".
The more "integrated" the DE, the less choices you'll have to make about
applications.
>
>> What tasks do you want to do on this Desktop?
>
> Vast majority will be text based. The remainder will be using Tc/Tl or
> gnu plot. Even my use of internet will be strongly text oriented. The
> one proprietary program I will want is known to run fine under WINE.
K... so nothing that manipulates large files, or requires a lot of
resources??
And nothing that can't be done with a standard set of system tools and
desktop applications??
<snipped>
>> What chipset is the WiFi?
>
> I couldn't identify it.
"WiFi".... do you mean using the laptop's Bluetooth??
>
>> What make and model is your laptop?
>
> IBM Thinkpad (Lenovo T43)
There's a few variables with that machine....
Using Windoof - what is the maximum screen resolution?
eg. 1024x768 or 1400x1050
Is that a 14.1 or 15" screen?
output from lspci will prove useful
model number?
eg. 187x, 276x, 278x
>
>> How much RAM does your laptop have installed?
>
> 1 GB
>>
>> Cheers
>>
If you allocate 5GB to system, leaving you up to 11 GB for /home.
With 5GB of space, and the minimum specs of the T43, you could, with a
little work, use Gnome or KDE as a desktop. Though I'd suggest something
lighter - Fluxbox, Blackbox, XFCE, fvwn, etc, etc (I mainly use KDE, so
I'll leave alternative suggestions to the more knowledgeable).
Having decided on a Desktop and applications, you will need to chose a
format.
There are two main approaches to permanently running from a USB stick -
live (and save settings), or standard (except don't have a swap).
My personal choice is standard - set your DE to no dancing bears (turn
off bling) - and don't create a swap partition. USB sticks are cheap -
backup from one stick to another regularly and you should be fine. I've
had linux installed native to a USB stick for several years without
problems so far - but others have strong beliefs on the subject of wear
levelling.
Refs:-
http://live.debian.net
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_environment
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:T43
http://www.linux-laptop.net/ibm.html
http://www.foosel.org/linux/t43
http://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/Thinkpad
Gather the required system info (and model number), choose a DE, pick
some applications, determine what style of installation you want.
I'm guessing you're going to want to do the actual install at the library?
Cheers
--
"You ever look at their faces? "We're pro-life." Don't they look it?
Don't they just exude joie de vivre?"
~ Bill Hicks
Reply to: