Linux

After a failed flashing attempt(don’t attempt to tftp flash u-boot.kwb from within U-Boot!) I needed to use JTAG combined with the included JTAG adapter. To do this, make sure that the UART cable is unplugged, and the JTAG cable is plugged in(unplug/replug the USB adapter just to be safe). First grab the guruplug-installer package, then grab a known-good copy of U-Boot. $ cd Downloads/ $ tar zxvf Guruplug-installer.tar.gz $ cd guruplug-installer $ sudo .

At which point I decided I wanted to try to restore the original kernel, so that I would at least have a working system with which to test. Therein lied the rub. The files posted here are completely broken. Thankfully, a friend of mine also ordered a GuruPlug. So I grabbed his images. Here’s how to ACTUALLY restore your GuruPlug if you flash a bad kernel to it. Download the extracted uImage.

First off, you’re going to have to install the munin package. You’ll also need to have a web server installed, I prefer apache: # For Gentoo, emerge munin apache # For CentOS/Fedora yum install munin apache # For Debian aptitude install munin apache Gentoo and CentOS both install the HTTP root in /var/www/localhost/htdocs/munin. After setup, the graphs will be available at http://localhost/munin Debian requires a bit more attention. Debian munin installs the HTTP root in /var/www/munin.

Munin showed the most promise and compatibility with many of the services we run at the OSL, such as memcached and varnish. I liked how the plugin system is set up independently on each host, and that each plugin can be managed, configured, and consolidated through symlinks. For the benefit of the uninitiated the setup on each node goes something like this: #For gentoo emerge munin #For Fedora/CentOS yum install munin-node #For Debian/Ubuntu apt-get install munin-node Each client is a “node”, and runs the daemon ‘munin-node’.

Kernel Support is in the mainline kernel except for: Fingerprint reader Touchscreen Panel buttons Wireless It’s an Atheros 5008 card, supported fully by the ath5k driver. Early driver versions in old kernels such as 2.6.30 have very shaky hardware support, therefore unless you’re running the latest available code, I would recommend swapping it out. I’ve removed the integrated wireless card in favour of an Intel 5350AGN, which has been working well in the laptop.

Warning: This information comes without a warranty. I wont guarantee support if you break your hardware. Im not responsible for anything you do with this information. For entertainment purposes only. I`m probably lying. 1. Obtain your Windows ISO. Probably using MSDNAA or something. 2. Make sure your hard drive is partitioned properly. This means leaving one partition open for windows. Make sure it`s easily identifiable from the windows installer(I give Windows 120GB of my 160GB drive).

I started the journey long ago with >Ion3. My main problem with it was the terrible default configuration. Hundreds of lines of incomprehensible Lua means that it’s very difficult to write a proper laptop status bar. I slogged through, learned Lua, and eventually came up with something that was usable. Then I learned of the author’s bat-shit insane-ness. Not wanting to get sued, I switched away. I wanted something that was easy to understand and script with a “large” install base.

So far build quality seems good, and it’s battery life is working as advertised(although I haven’t had it for long enough to do a completely battery drain test. It comes with a stylus and 3 magnets for attaching to a refrigerator. The magnets are TOUGH to pull apart. I’d recommend using a butter knife or box cutter to wedge between them. According to my Kill-A-Watt, the entire laptop uses 14 watts with the backlight on and battery charging.