Saturday, December 15, 2012

Ubuntu 12.10 running on VirtualBox

If you run Ubuntu 12.10 without 3D support, desktop is slow but it should work fine without problems, if you want 3D support to get a speedy desktop read below.

Here are the steps I followed, it should also work on win 7 64:
  • Install VirtualBox-4.2.5-82494-OSX.dmg, Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.2.5-82494.vbox-extpack.
  • In ubuntu "sudo /media/lafa/VBOXADDITIONS_4.2.5_82479/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run" to install guest additions.
  • Enable 3D Acceleration in Vbox Settings rebooted the vm.
  • in Ubuntu execute "ccsm" go to OPENGL and disable everything (sync,texture,framebuffer,vertex, buffer swapping), this makes Compiz work a lot more stable, in VirtualBox.
  • On the host os run "VBoxManage setextradata global GUI/Customizations noStatusBar", to help "Guest display is offset on retina display", until this bug is fixed.
I still have a problem when running in windowed mode, and the bug is:
  • In Full Screen mode, the mouse works great, but in my macbook pro 15 retina display, I'm having problems the VirtualBox rendering of the display of the guest OS, seems some calculation of X and Y axels to render the screen is off, by a lot and the mouse can not hit the right location on the guest OS.
  • View -> Scale Mode also does not work



I am running this on a MacBookPro Retina 15''.

Get the beta VirtualBox binaries from here:
https://www.virtualbox.org/ticket/11107


Guest display is offset on retina display when 3d acceleration is enabled
https://www.virtualbox.org/ticket/11021




Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Root AsusTranformer TF101 and install ICS using CyanogenMod 9

WARNING: This can brick your device, if you don't know what you are doing, STOP here.

I used OneclickrecoveryV0.4.zip on my transfomer with ASUS ICS 4.0.3 build 9.2.1.24

  1. From linux just install android sdk from google.
    And then run adb commandlien tool from  SDK_FOLDER/platform/tools/adb
  2. unzip OneclickrecoveryV0.4.zip
  3. Use the EasyRecoveryV0.4.bat file as a reference, read all comments and execute all adb comnands from top to bottom.


Instructions for linux

# INSTALL RECOVERY         
# ##########################
# Next I'm going to 'push' the recovery file to your TF.
# Ignore its screams of pain, the operation is quick.
# Just wait a minute...

adb push recoveryblob /sdcard/

# Now lets flash.
# Please note that I'm not responsible for bricks or nuclear war!

adb shell mv /data/local/tmp /data/local/tmp.bak
adb shell exit

# Going...

adb shell ln -s /dev/block/mmcblk0p4 /data/local/tmp
adb shell exit

# Done!
# Now lets reboot your TF!

adb reboot

# FLASHING
# ##########################
# Let your TF *TOTALLY* reboot.
# Now we flash the recovery. I hope it is not offended.
# DO NOT UNPLUG DURING THIS PROCESS!!!!!!!
# If you do, you might have a *Very* shiny paperweight.
# Starting... This will take awhile...

adb shell dd if=/sdcard/recoveryblob of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p4
adb shell exit

# Done! You should see some reported #s above.
# ##########################
# Now we reboot the TF again, you'll see a blue bar.
# It will take awhile to fill, then you have recovery!

adb reboot

# ROOTING    
# ##########################
# Again, wait for it to *TOTALLY* boot.
# Pushing superuser to your tf.

adb push Superuser-3.0.7-efghi-signed.zip /sdcard/

# Done!
# Now that you have recovery, reboot to recovery works, but it's lazy.
# I recommend you *always* use the combination VOL-DOWN and POWER!
# This helps you out in a situation where you can't boot, or something.
# For now though, I'll help get you into recovery for the first time.
# When you reboot it, hold down Volume-down, then it says..
# Checking for RCK, then you press Volume-up, and you're in!
# Rebooting tab...

adb reboot

# If you mess up and it boots, just turn off and try again.
# It's Volume-down plus power, then wait a few seconds..
# Then press Volume-up and you're in.
# You're in, but... Now what?
# Don't worry, it's really easy.

Touch 'wipe' then touch 'wipe cache'
Touch 'wipe dalvik-cache'
Go back, and hit install.
Hit install from internal.
Choose the superuser.zip and hit yes.

# Once that's done, you're rooted! -high five-
# Reboot your TF, and revel in the hard work you just did!

After rooting your Asus Transformer TF101 you should do a full nandroid backup of the current ASUS stock 4.0.3 rom to the sdcard using the recovery you just installed.

If you would like to install CyanogenMod 9 on your TF101, you can use the "ROM Manager" available on Google Play. Use ROM Manager App to install ClockworkMod recovery, this is required by "ROM Manager" and then use "ROM Manager" to download the latest daily build of CyanogenMod 9 available on the "Download ROM" option and download the google apps.

Reboot into recovery from "ROM Manager"doesn't work with the current version of "ROM Manager", when your TF101 reboots you need to use the volume down followed by volume up, to install the ROM.

Install will take while, after that CyanogenMod 9 will boot.

Install youtube app is missing from google apps zip file downloaded by "ROM Manager".
You can install the apk below to have youtube in the TF101 with CyanogenMod 9, it works with hd videos perfectly. other google apps are available from Google Play store.

Download Youtube apk from here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529715

How to restore to stock Android
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1780361

Reference:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1681155



Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Installing multiple iso on a usb drive with Ubuntu


I'm using Multisystem to install multiple isos on a USB drive.

Download:
http://liveusb.info/multisystem/install-depot-multisystem.sh.tar.bz2

unzip and run:

sudo install-depot-multisystem.sh

This will install all required packages and multisystem. After this just run mutisystem from the Ubuntu menu.

MultiSystem allows you to boot your USB drive using QEMU inside Ubuntu to test that the drive is working before booting it on another machine.


reference:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/multiboot-create-a-multiboot-usb-from-linux/

Monday, May 14, 2012

Ubuntu 12.04 removing history


Ubuntu removing history

Removing desktop history



rm ~/.local/share/recently-used.xbel 
touch ~/.local/share/recently-used.xbel 
sudo chattr +i ~/.local/share/recently-used.xbel

Then I did the following that cleared all the entries that were in there:

rm ~/.local/share/zeitgeist/activity.sqlite 
zeitgeist-daemon --replace &


reference:


http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1729516


Detect memory speed



apt-get install lshw

sudo lshw -short -C memory

Or

sudo dmidecode --type 17 | grep Speed

List Hardware


sudo lshw

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Ubuntu 12.04 on Lenovo Q150 with OCZ vertex 2 SSD and 4Gb of Memory

See my old post about about Lenovo Q150, OCZ vertex 2, 4gb of Memory and Ubuntu 11.04 installed on a SSD and using 4Gb of mem.

For ubuntu 12.04 on the Q150, I used a usbdrive flashed using "Startup Disk Creator" from ubuntu 11.10. to save the SSD from constant writes, I did not create a swap partition. I created only one partition and rely on 4Gb of real memory for all the memory needs.

Ubuntu 12.04 Desktop
This build detects all the hardware without problems, I recommend installing the nvidia drivers for better 3D and flash performance.


This new version boots faster and feels faster on the Q150 when compared to ubuntu 11.10.
I recommend the update since the install is a breeze and all hardware is setup without any fuzz. The sound, hdmi video out, wired network, wifi, a Logitech bluetooth keyboard, a usb wireless Logitech mouse, logitech usb sound bar speakers, blue-tooth dongle for the keyboard, all works great. I didn't found time to test hdmi sound out, but it should work since it worked on 11.10.


Software


I installed flash, chromium, banshee and hplip  for my wifi hp photosmart c8180 All-in-one printer using "Ubuntu Software center".

banshee and chromium


Hulu desktop

http://www.hulu.com/labs/hulu-desktop

Hulu Desktop
Dropbox and Google Music Manager


Google Music Manager 


https://play.google.com/music/listen


Select upload music, download 64 bit version, and double click on it to install it.

Also add it to startup from shutdown menu.




You can also get Google earth, chrome, gtalk plugin:

Skype

run command:
sudo apt-get install skype


Since this is so basic, I don't think there is much more to write about Ubuntu 12.04 installation and compatibility with the Q150, it all works great.



Ubuntu 12.4 install notes

Also related with install of Ubuntu 12.04 is my other post  Ubuntu 12.04 review on Lenovo Q150.

Add medibuntu repositories by running the commands below and use Software center to add the packages you need.

sudo -E wget --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/$(lsb_release -cs).list && sudo apt-get --quiet update && sudo apt-get --yes --quiet --allow-unauthenticated install medibuntu-keyring && sudo apt-get --quiet update
sudo apt-get --yes --quiet --allow-unauthenticated install medibuntu-keyring && sudo apt-get --quiet update
sudo apt-get install app-install-data-medibuntu apport-hooks-medibuntu 
sudo apt-get install non-free-codecs ubuntu-restricted-extras libdvdcss2


For google applications add one by one, the apps will add the repositories of the apps you install.
http://www.google.com/linuxrepositories/

Flash:
sudo apt-get install flashplugin-installer

Minitube and Vlc:
sudo apt-get install minitube vlc

Links:
http://www.unixmen.com/medibuntu-repositories-available-for-ubuntu-12-04-lts-precise-pangolin-ppa/
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/minitube/+bug/921287/comments/7


For MacBookPro users


Download the mac 12.04 iso for 64 bit (for EFI boot support) and boot your mac with it, it's the easiest method.

Sensors (temps & fans)


To enable proper detection of sensors edit /etc/modules:
gksudo gedit /etc/modules

Add to this to end of file, save and reboot:
coretemp

Bug report filed to track this not being part of the stock install.
To get the Macbook fans to work properly you will need to enable the Mactel PPA and install macfanctld.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mactel-support/ppa
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install macfanctld

For more info on macfanctld
man macfanctld

Temperature, fanspeed, environmental light and keyboard backlight can be controlled over the sysfs exported interface at /sys/devices/platform/applesmc.768/.



edit your to look like this /etc/macfanctl.conf
# Config file for macfanctl daemon
#
# Note: 0 < temp_X_floor < temp_X_ceiling
#       0 < fan_min < 6200       

fan_min: 2000

temp_avg_floor: 36
temp_avg_ceiling: 55

temp_TC0P_floor: 50
temp_TC0P_ceiling: 58

temp_TG0P_floor: 50
temp_TG0P_ceiling: 58

# Add sensors to be excluded here, separated by space, i.e.
# exclude: 1 7
# will disable reading of sensors temp1_input and temp7_input.

exclude:

# log_level values:
#   0: Startup / Exit logging only
#   1: Basic temp / fan logging
#   2: Log all sensors  

log_level: 0


Wireless card
The Broadcom driver was not installed by default, you either need to connect your MacBookPro to the internet and allow the installer to download updates while installing. Or use System->Administration->Additional Drivers to install the STA drivers.
Sometimes it won't allow you to install the Drivers from "Additional Drivers" (specially with PAE Kernel) So, you will need to install the firmware manually:
sudo apt-get install firmware-b43-installer b43-fwcutter

Then, you need to reinstall bcmwl: 
sudo apt-get install --reinstall bcmwl-kernel-source

Touchpad (bcm5974)

The touchpad works out of the box. Uncheck the "Enable mouse clicks with touchpad" checkbox under the Touchpad tab, and enable two-finger scrolling from the preference->mouse->touchpad applet. Then the touchpad will work just like in OSX. Clicking and holding with one finger and dragging with the other work like a dream. Furthermore tweaking the drag and drop time to be less may be help. 

LCD Brightness Control

(taken fromhttp://www.voria.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1091):

If backlight control does not work for you, follow these instructions, this also enable PowerControl for the screen using the nvidia driver to keep temp down and battery life longer:
  • Edit the file '/etc/X11/xorg.conf' and add this line into the Device section:
  • Option  "Coolbits" "1"
    Option  "RegistryDwords" "EnableBrightnessControl=1; PowerMizerEnable=0x1; PerfLevelSrc=0x2222; PowerMizerLevel=0x3; PowerMizerDefaultAC=0x3"

Mac boot startup keys

Press C during startupStart up from a bootable CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive (such as OS X install media).
Press D during startupStart up in Apple Hardware Test (AHT).
Press Option-Command-P-R until you hear startup sound a second time.Reset NVRAM
Press Option during startupStart up in Startup Manager, where you can select an OS X volume to start from. Note: Press N to make the the first bootable Network volume appear as well.
Press Eject, F12, or hold the mouse or trackpad buttonEjects any removable media, such as an optical disc.
Press N during startupAttempt to start up from a compatible network server (NetBoot).
Press T during startupStart up in Target Disk Mode.
Press Shift during startupStart up in Safe Boot mode and temporarily disable login items.
Press Command-V during startupStart up in Verbose mode.
Press Command-S during startupStart up in Single-User mode.
Press Option-N during startupStart from a NetBoot server using the default boot image.
Press Command-R during startup
Start from Lion Recovery1
1 Available on Macs that ship with OS X Lion. Some CPUs require an EFI BootROM update to support this feature


https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MacBookPro5-5/Precise
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MacBookPro

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