[vox-tech] problematic computer (when installing linux)

[Jonathan Stickel]

Can I assume you've googled about your particular hardware?  Maybe your 
CD/DVD just won't play nice with DMA.  One thing worth trying is to see 
how your computer behaves with KNOPPIX.  When booting knoppix, do:

knoppix dma

to enable dma support of your drives.  If everything works, then you 
know your hardware is OK as long as it gets detected/configured properly.

HTH,
Jonathan


Dylan Beaudette wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> 
> I have a machine here that is starting to drive me crazy. It is a Compaq
> Pentiumm III class machine, with integrated everything, and a funky case.
> 
> I have tried just about every flavor of linux, and only 1 (SUSE 9.1) would
> even install. Even after I installed it, any attempts by the OS to enable
> DMA access to one of the CDROMS led to a nasty crash.
> 
> The CD drives function perfectly from windows, and in SUSE 9.1 when in it
> DMA mode...However, every linux install CD barfs about half way though the
> install process...
> 
> The offending IDE controller is an Intel 82801AA.
> 
> So it has come down to a couple options:
> 1. use windows, and put up with all the crap associated with it (obviously
> not ideal)
> 
> 2. re-install SUSE 9.1 and put up with broken DVD playback (needs DMA) and
> funky sound
> 
> 3. replace some of the hardware and install Debian / Yoper
> 
> My question to the list is: Does anyone know where one can get a hold of
> some decent pentium III class hardware that I can use to put together a
> working machine. Ideally a mini Shuttle-type system would be ideal, but
> they seem to price out at about $400 minimum.
> 
> Any ideas?
> 
> thanks,
> 
> Dylan
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