2008-10-20 01:32:38
Linux wrecking fest
On Saturday, I attended the Linux install fest of the GNU Generation at EPFL. Despite the fact that it was all about penguins, it was actually quite a bit of fun meeting all different types of people.
During the preparation phase, we wired all installation tables with power and ethernet cables of different lengths. For that purpose, we used GNU/multi power sockets.
Nathalie ensured that I got a sufficiently twisted case, so in my case it was not about an installation but rather to make a Firewire hard disk work on an existing installation. (Yes, Linux install fests are also for fixing problems.)
After ensuring that it is not a problem with the Firewire OHCI, I discovered that plugging the disk into the OHCI caused an interrupt storm. On some rare occasions, however, it would work as usual. On a Windows and a MacOS of nearby users, the same occurred. Thus, it seemed that the firewire client interface on the disk was broken.
Another patient nearby had problems with the network card not transmitting. After a reboot, it disappeared entirely from the PCI device list. Deactivating and reactivating it in the BIOS did not help, it remained gone, even on the Windows installation of the notebook.
But on the upside, I also managed to make a compiz installation work, showed people how to use zsh, SSH keys, sshfs and gmailfs, and apparently left a good general impression: my client gave me the best possible evaluation.
Other features from the event were an eekpc cluster…
…and a foldable keyboard.
