slaxworkshop
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
SLAX A HowTo Index/FAQ List
A HowTo Index/FAQ List
QUESTIONS CANNOT BE POSTED TO THIS THREAD
Please post questions, comments, corrections, suggestions, contributions, etc for this HowTo/FAQ List at the thread located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63374
What is this? This is an attempt to make a HowTo List and Q/A FAQ from various references on the SLAX Forums and the Web site. It does not contain a List of ALL HowTo's just some of the more "completed" and stable ones. If you see a HowTo that you think should be on this list, please post the suggestion to the above link.
Who maintains it? wireless maintains it.
A Wiki would be better but that option is not available yet. This is a Sticky Thread to keep it at the top for quick referencing. My hope is that people will consult this BEFORE asking questions.
It needs to be added to, edited and made pretty but... it is a start...
I will try to make each Q/A 1 per message for easier referencing in other messages by using the www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=# nomenclature.
Special thanks to:
All the wonderful contributors of the HowTo's and Informative Message Threads.
All of the users who have tested the procedures.
During the HowTo Index and FAQ List Reconstruction, the following people were key in the recovery:
Tomas for all his sleuthing and System Admin skills.
csmith for a PDF of the FAQ from June 7th.
Google for Google Cache!
So far (7/29/2007) the FAQ covers:
Q: Where can I find documentation for SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86243#86243
Q: I want to get off of Windows, never mind why, I just do? How can I switch to SLAX instead?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86259#86259
Q: What are the cheatcodes? Where can I find a list of them?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86265#86265
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a CDRom?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86270#86270
Q: How do I install SLAX modules onto a CDRom?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86273#86273
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a USB flash drive?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86282#86282
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a hard drive?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86291#86291
Q: How do I use Grub instead of isolinux as my bootloader? I'm a real Newbie to Linux so do you have Windows' instructions?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86330#86330
Q: How do I use Grub instead of isolinux as my bootloader? I am a Linux Lover, I don't own a copy of Windows.
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86332#86332
Q: How can I setup a Window Manager Log like KDM for SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86337#86337
Q: I want to Change the “Splash Screen” for SLAX. How do I do that?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86463#86463
Q: I have a bunch of Internet Appliances that I would love to use that dont have a lot of “local” space. How can I boot SLAX off a Network?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86465#86465
Q: How do I save my changes such as desktop setting for my SLAX session?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86466#86466
Q: Most places I go don't have printers readily available more me to use so I would like to print to a PDF File so I can print it out later. How Do I print to a PDF File?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86495#86495
Q: Can I use isoemu with SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86496#86496
Q: Can I extract a Modules contents, change it & repackage it?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86497#86497
Q: How do I make my own custom SLAX? I want to add modules and changing the base packages, etc. How do I go about this?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86498#86498
Q: How do I make my on Linux Live CD with custom kernel?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86499#86499
Q: I have an iPod nano and I want to install SLAX on it. Is that possible?
Q: How do I install SLAX on an iPod nano?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86500#86500
Q: I can't boot off a USB directly and I don't want to use the nocd cheatcode because that takes up a huge amount of memory. How do I boot from a CD that will then transfer to the USB flash drive for all the real important stuff AND I want the CD to be free for Music etc.
Q: How do I make a bootloader CD?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86502#86502
Q: How do I make a QEMU container for SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86503#86503
Q: I want to make my own SLAX modules. How do I do that?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86504#86504
Q: How do I set up my wireless card in SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86505#86505
Q: When I boot my PC with SLAX, I get a "disabling irq" message and the PC hangs. I must reboot it to get back my system. If I use the cheatcode nohotplug I can get by this problem but other things like my wireless networking, sound, and usb support is gone. How do I fix this problem?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86507#86507
Q: How do I post a module on the SLAX web site?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86508#86508
Q: When I use SLAX, the Gnome/GTK+ programs (such as GAIM, or Ekiga, or ScatterChat) have very small font sizes and it is very hard to read. I have tried to use the KDE control center to make the fonts bigger but that works for only KDE applications, the GTK+ applications still have very tiny fonts.
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86509#86509
Q: I am having trouble booting from an external USB Hard disk using the from= cheatcode.
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86510#86510
Q: Where is there information on how to I make fonts work and use Language Localization in SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86511#86511
Q: How can I make cheatcodes permanent?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86512#86512
Q: How can I get Flash sound to work inside a web brower?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86513#86513
Q: How do I load a SLAX .mo module?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86514#86514
Q: What is Linux Live?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86515#86515
Q: Are there any other distro's using Linux Live?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86516#86516
Q: What is UnionFS?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86517#86517
Q: What is SquashFS?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86518#86518
Q: How do I unmount a module I've mounted using uselivemod?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86522#86522
Q: What is a Module?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86523#86523
Q: When I try to log in as "guest" or other non-root user, I get permission denied or I can't cd into the /home/ or /usr or /etc or similar problem.
Q: Why can't I login as a non-root user?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86524#86524
Q: I am getting a Squashfs mismatch (version is 2.1), error is "I only support Squashfs 3.0". How do I fix this?
Q: The mo2dir command results in complaints about the module being file system version 2.1 and mo2dir only supporting file system version 3.0
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86529#86529
Q: How can I turn off the LCD monitor or Laptop LCD backlight?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86530#86530
Q: How do I use SLAX under Windows using a USB flash drive?
Q: I have SLAX installed on usb drive/usb flash drive. I would also use Slax underMS Windows XP(c). Is it possible to use qemu to boot from usb drive with installed SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86531#86531
Q: How can packages be removed from modules?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86532#86532
Q: How do I write my saveconfig session information to multisession media?
Q: How do I write my saveconfig session information to multisession CD CD/RW DVD?
Q: A really neat feature of Puppy Linux is the ability to save changes to a multisession CD. How can I do that with SLAX.
See the HowTo located at: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86533#86533
Q: I wish to run SLAX in a Virtual Machine. What VM software works?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86534#86534
Q: Can I still boot from USB with no BIOS USB boot support?
Q: Can I boot from Floppy, CDRom, CF or Network then transfer to USB?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86536#86536
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Q: Where can I find documentation for SLAX?
A: Well, there are a few Places:
www.slax.org/documentation.php
www.slax.org/cheatcodes.php
www.slax.org/features.php
www.slax.org/forum/
www.slax.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=17
Dustin's SLAX guide:
www.geocities.com/slaxfansite/
A really Great source of Linux Documentation is hosted at The Linux Documentation Project here: tldp.org/
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Q: I want to get off of Windows, never mind why, I just do? How can switch to SLAX instead?
A: See the HowTo How to Switch from Windows in a few simple steps here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13139
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Q: What are the cheatcodes? Where can I find a list of them?
A: There is a need for a more up to date cheatcode list but...
1) In the top level directory of every SLAX distro, there is a file called cheatcodes.txt
2) There is a list here www.slax.org/cheatcodes.php
3) During a SLAX CD boot, at the boot: prompt Press F1 and F2 for cheat codes
These screens are located in the /boot/boot/splash*.txt files. (Yes that is /boot/boot)
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Q: How do I install SLAX onto a CDRom?
A: There are MANY ways.
1)Using Windows, you can use a CDRom ISO burning software such as Nero or BurnCDCC (a Shockwave tutorial is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13412 that shows BurnCDCC)
2)Using Windows you can use MySLAX Creator (a Shockwave tutorial is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13129 and a great text HowTo is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8179 )
3)Using Windows XP, see Burning Slax Live-cd Complete How-to here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12638
4)Using Linux you can use Nero or K3B (a text tutorial is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12376 ) This tutorial ALSO includes how to make a multi-session CD and add Modules to the CD. Another method is discussed here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12655 but it is not for the faint of heart.
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Q: How do I install SLAX modules onto a CDRom?
A: Using Linux you can use Nero or K3B (a text tutorial for K3B is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12376 ) This tutorial ALSO includes how to make a multi-session CD and add Modules to the CD.
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Q: How do I install SLAX modules onto a CDRom?
A: Using Linux you can use Nero or K3B (a text tutorial for K3B is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12376 ) This tutorial ALSO includes how to make a multi-session CD and add Modules to the CD.
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Q: How do I install SLAX onto a USB flash drive?
A: There are MANY ways.
1)Using Windows you can use MySLAX Creator (a Shockwave tutorial is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13129 and a great text HowTo is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8179 )
2)Using SLAX, boot with the SLAX CD you wish to put on the USB Flash Drive
a)
b) Get an ISO image and mount it with
OR if you have a SLAXCD, mount it using
c) Format your USB flash drive with
d)
e)
Also, you can see this HowTo: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=67456#67456
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Q: How do I install SLAX onto a hard drive?
A:
A)Using SLAX,
1)
2)Get an ISO image and mount it with
OR if you have a SLAXCD, mount it using
3)Format your hard drive with
(or where ever the hard drive is located)
4)
5)
(or where ever the USB drive is located)
Also see the HowTo clean hdd install from a to z here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13244
OR
B) You starting with SLAX 5.1.7, you can boot from an ISO image. You can put the ISO image in a directory or at the top level of the file system and use the cheatcode from=
See the HowTo ???? here: ?????
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Q: How do I use Grub instead of isolinux as my bootloader? I'm a real Newbie to Linux so do you have Windows' instructions?
A: See the HowTo Make Slax use GRUB instead of ISOLINUX using WINDOWS! www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13408
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Q: How do I use Grub instead of isolinux as my bootloader? I am a Linux Lover, I don't own a copy of Windows.
A: See Using GRUB instead of ISOLINUX www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6146
Also check out this thread
slax.linux-live.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=51969
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Q: How can I setup a Window Manager Log like KDM for SLAX?
A: See below.
What you need on hand:
1) A SLAX Standard CD (maybe popcorn will work... I will check)
2) A Network connection is VERY helpful
3) At least 384MB RAM
4) Patience and work off a USB key if possible.
5) Make sure you are not working on anything. Save your work, reboot, start fresh.
I tried a few different ways:
1) The autoexec= cheatcode calling a custom module
2) The autoexec= cheatcode
3) a small startup module
4) change the /etc/inittab entry default run level to 4
NOTE: the default DPI setting
When calling the kdm loign manager, the kdm starts KDE with a default resolution of 72dpi. As mentioned in the HowTo Why do my GTK+ applications have very tiny fonts? here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63461#63461 you can correct this with the -dpi parameter. The startx -- -dpi method is modified slightly and the -dpi setting is inserted into the /opt/kde/share/config/kdm/kdmrc file at the ServerCmd= line. Just append -dpi= to the end of that line and save the file in /boot/rootcopy/opt/kde/share/config/kdm/ directory. If you use a CDRom to boot, you will need to remaster a SLAX CD with your change.
Method 1 - The autoexec= cheatcode with custom module
But you can try this instead if you want to use the autoexec= cheatcode method. You will be making a small module to call from the autoexec= cheatcode.
1) Log in as root and open a console or xterm window.
2) Then copy and paste the following into a console
3) Then copy and paste the following into the same console window.
You will need to boot with the autoexec= cheatcode
If you want to make that cheat code permanent, see www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63528#63528
Method 2 - The autoexec= cheatcode
1) Use of the autoexec= cheatcode can accomplish a great deal of things. But you must be careful how you use it.
A normal use of the autoexec= cheatcode doesn't work with a login manager since the window managers start their processes and the window manager binary terminates, thus causing SLAX to shutdown almost immediately after boot. So, you CANNOT do a
but you can put a very long delay after it... such as a sleep for 999 days, as the following illustrates:
If you want to make that cheat code permanent, see www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63528#63528
Method 3 - The startup module
3) A small startup module that runs during boot...
It is easy and fun to make a module. Let's get to work!
1) Log in as root and open a console or xterm window.
2) Then copy and paste the following into a console window.
3) Then copy and paste the following into the same console window.
Method 4 - The /rootcopy/etc/inittab file
4) Change the runlevel to 4 in the /etc/inittab file and copy it to /etc/inittab
NOTE: This method may not work for everyone, in particular those who must use xconf before startx.
Those of you NOT requiring xconf before startx, may try the following:
At the console root prompt (NO XWindows running).
If that gets you to an XDM window, then you can proceed. Otherwise this method wont work for you.
Those of you REQUIRING xconf before startx, may try the following:
At the console root prompt (NO XWindows running).
If that gets you to an XDM window, then you can proceed. Otherwise this method wont work for you.
NOTE: IF you get hung up, a CTRL-ALT-F1 will get you to a console window. You won't be able to do anything but CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot but then you will be back to a Fresh SLAX.
At this point, you can telinit 4 and get an XDM window, So now, you can change your /etc/inittab file and copy it to your /rootcopy directory (/boot/rootcopy is usually ok OR /mnt/hda1/rootcopy OR /mnt/sda1/rootcopy OR where ever it is)
Edit your /etc/telinit file and look for the following lines:
change the like
to
then
Now reboot. SLAX should come up with an XDM login box.
NOTES:
Now for testing purposes, I would do a few things first.
1) If you dont use xconf before you start your X (via startx) then you may not want to use it within the /tmp/startkde/etc/rc.d/rc.startkde script
2) you may want to make sure you have a SLAX CD ready to boot from, just in case something goes wrong. You can then boot from the CD and move the zzzzzzstartkde.mo or zzzzzzstart-kde.mo (depending which method above you chose) out of the modules directory.
3) If the resolution is not correct when you boot (aka it is like 640x480 or 800x600) try doing a ctrl-alt-backspace to resset the Window Manager.
4) ]IF you get hung up, a CTRL-ALT-F1 will get you to a console window. You won't be able to do anything but CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot but then you will be back to a Fresh SLAX.
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Q: I want to Change the “Splash Screen” for SLAX. How do I do that?
A: See HowTo Change the 2 different types of Splash Screens in SLAX here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13140
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Q: I have a bunch of Internet Appliances that I would love to use that dont have a lot of “local” space. How can I boot SLAX off a Network?
A: See the HowTo HOWTO - boot SLAX through the network here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12744
and also check out this HowTo Howto PXE boot SLAX with modules here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11933
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Q: How do I save my changes such as desktop setting for my SLAX session?
A: See HowTo To Reverse how save/restore settings works here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11235
and the HowTo How to Save/Restore Changes
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12935
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Q: Most places I go don't have printers readily available more me to use so I would like to print to a PDF File so I can print it out later. How Do I print to a PDF File?
A: See the HowTo Printing directly to a PDF file here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12999
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Q: Can I use isoemu with SLAX?
A: Yes. See HowTo slax || windows, HD installation with isoemu. here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12754
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Q: Can I extract, change, & repackage a Module's contents?
A: Yes. See HowTo HOWTO extract modules from the slax LIVECD here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13024
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Q: How do I make my own custom SLAX? I want to add modules and changing the base packages, etc. How do I go about this?
A: Start with the HowTo Remaster SLAX here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6158
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Q: How do I make my own Linux Live CD with my own custom kernel.
A: Start with this HowTo HowTo make a Live-CD with your own kernel here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6442
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Q: I have an iPod nano and I want to install SLAX on it. Is that possible?
Q: How do I install SLAX on an iPod nano?
A: Yes. See the HowTo install SLAX on an iPod nano here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6840
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Q: I can't boot off a USB directly and I don't want to use the nocd cheatcode because that takes up a huge amount of memory. How do I boot from a CD that will then transfer to the USB flash drive for all the real important stuff AND I want the CD to be free for Music etc.
A: Make a bootloader CD.
This HOW TO is for Making a Bootloader CD for a non USB bootable BIOS.
Why would you do such a thing if a WHOLE SLAX version can boot on a mini CD? Well, for one you dont need to use the nocd Cheatcode. Second, you want to FORCE the instance on the USB key to run. Third, You can use a Business Card CD (50MB) with this method which is easier to carry around. Fourth, you can actually use a slightly different variation of this method and put the bootable area on a small CF of 8MB or 16MB (you can even squeeze it to 4 MB). This will allow you to use SLAX on Internet Appliances such as a Gateway Connected Touchpad or an IOpener- anything with at least 128 MB of RAM.
To simplify the approach from the original posting (which was to give ALL the methods to create a bootloader CD), the assumptions are:
1) You have a SLAX Popcorn CD
2) You have enough RAM to boot a SLAX Popcorn CD using the slax copy2ram method.
3) You have 1 CD-R in your computer. It is /dev/hdc
NOTE: You SHOULD use the same version boot disk for your USB installed version.
e.g. if your USB version of SLAX is 5.1.6, the boot CD should use the same level SLAX of 5.1.6.
It is possible that there are versions with the same kernel that are compatible. For instance, a 5.0.8 boot disk MAY boot a 5.1.6 USB key. Don't risk it... just use the same version.
Making Your Bootloader CD
1) Boot your SLAX Popcorn CD (with copy2ram)
2) Make sure there is no directory called /tmp/slax-boot-cd
3) Go to the area where the boot files needed are
Put the SLAX Popcorn CD back in after it ejects it during boot:
4) Copy files needed to the /tmp/slax-boot-cd
(This Step is OPTIONAL)
5) The splash files are not needed but if you want a custom splash setup, you need to copy them as well. Mine were on my USB drive /mnt/sda1_removable
6) Change the /tmp/slax-boot-cd/isolinux.cfg file and put in all your preferred options
e.g.
NOTE: MUST use a isolinux.cfg file since it is a CDRom. A syslinux.cfg file will NOT work.
7) Make the iso image
(This Step is OPTIONAL)
8) You can copy this iso image to your thumb drive to burn at a later time. My USB thumbdrive was located at /mnt/sda1_removable
9) Make the CD-R Ready to be accessed
10) Put in blank media, close CD-R. Create the boot CD.
NOTE: This method can be slightly changed to also boot from a small CF (under 8MB) so that you can boot Internet Appliances from USB or from a network connection.
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Q: How do I make a QEMU container for SLAX?
A: See the HowTo How to install SLAX in QEMU here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7139
Also you can boot directly from an ISO image of SLAX by following the instructions in
Method 2 - Run SLAX with an emulator in the HowTo How to Switch from Windows in a few simple steps located here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13139
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Q: I want to make my own SLAX modules. How do I do that?
A: Check out the HowTo Build Modules from Source here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11025
and
another HowTo Making a QnDModuleMaker Module here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12601
which can handle the module building of an Installer type application.
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Q: How do I set up my wireless card in SLAX?
A: Check the HowTo Wireless Network FAQ - DO NOT POST QUESTIONS TO THIS THREAD here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13267
and also the Thread Working wireless cards in Slax here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9719
and lastly, a work in process Quick Guide to Setting up your Wireless Card on SLAX here:
slaxworkshop.blogspot.com/2006/07/quick-guide-to-setting-up-your_28.html
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Q: When I boot my PC with SLAX, I get a "disabling irq " message and the PC hangs. I must reboot it to get back my system. If I use the cheatcode nohotplug I can get by this problem but other things like my wireless networking, sound, and usb support is gone. How do I fix this problem?
A: This usually happens during the hotplug initialization. To help troubleshoot the problem, boot slax with the "nohotplug" cheatcode. At the bootloader boot prompt (boot:) to the following:
If that allows the system to boot, reboot the system and try this:
If that fixes your problem, you can make it permenant by putting it in your bootloader parameter list. For syslinux and Lilo you can add the parameters to the append line in your syslinux.cfg or lilo.conf file. For isolinux, you will need to add it to your isolinux.cfg file.
Sample syslinux.cfg file entry
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Q: How do I post a module on the SLAX web site?
A: Go to the modules section located here: www.slax.org/modules.php, click on the category you think the module should go in, and Click on the big GREEN + add module link. Then fill out the upload form accordingly.
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Q: When I use SLAX, the Gnome/GTK+ programs (such as GAIM, or Ekiga, or ScatterChat) have very small font sizes and it is very hard to read. I have tried to use the KDE control center to make the fonts bigger b ut that works for only KDE applications, the GTK+ applications still have very tiny fonts.
A: Try starting X with the following command:
You can change the number 120 to 96, 100, 110, 120, 140, or whatever. Play with the number until you have the size font you want.
If you started X manually with startx then ctrl-alt-backspace will kill X; then you can restart it with startx -- -dpi 120 or xconf;startx -- -dpi 120 (whatever you normally do). IF you did start X via the autoexec= cheatcode, make sure you make the change in the particular bootloader append line.
If the above solution does not work after you change the number to different numbers then try adding the following line to the end of your .Xresources file in your home directory:
If you want really big fonts use:
Then you need to Restart X.
If you started X manually with startx then ctrl-alt-backspace will kill X; then you can restart it with startx or xconf;startx (whatever you normally do). IF you did start X via the autoexec= cheatcode, SLAX will reboot after the ctrl-alt-backspace which will make you lose your change. If you are using the changes= cheat code or use the configsave command after you added the Xft.dpi line, your .Xresources file change will survive the reboot.
Note: you MUST use a method to save the change to the .Xresources file. Options are: the changes= cheat code, use the configsave command, or making your own module to add the line to the end of the .Xresouces file.
-----
Q: I am having trouble booting from an external USB Hard disk using the from= cheatcode.
After I copied the slax-5.1.7.iso to the second partiton (ext2 : cp slax-5.1.7.iso /mnt/sda2/slax.iso) and tried booting using
and it doesn't work.
A: This is a known problem. It should be fixed in SLAX 5.1.8.
To work around the USB timeout problem,
Both arguments are necessary : 'probeusb debug'
It should work from a vfat and an ext2 partition on the USB hard disk
-----
Q: Where is there information on how to I make fonts work and use Language Localization in SLAX?
A: Here are a few threads that discuss this:
This document describes which packages and which files are needed to create a SLAX module with your language.
slax.linux-live.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6156
Russian:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6758
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6859&highlight=localization
Vietnamese:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13250&highlight=vietnamese
Spanish:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8570&highlight=localization
French:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8907&highlight=french
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9618&highlight=french
German:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8597
www.slax.org/modules.php?id=715
-----
Q: How can I make cheatcodes permanent?
A: You need to add the desired cheatcodes the proper bootloader configuration line.
For syslinux,
You need to add the desired cheatcodes to the end of the append= line of your syslinux.cfg file.
If you are using a CD and wish to burn the cheatcodes onto the CD, change the isolinux.cfg file instead, then create your ISO with make_iso.sh
For Lilo,
You need to add the desired cheatcodes to the end of the append="" line of your lilo.conf file.
Remember, to put the cheat codes WITHIN the double quoted section. Also, don't forget to rerun lilo
For Grub,
[To Be Completed]
For Loadlin,
Edit the text file \LOCATION_OF_SLAX_IMAGE\slax_cd\boot\dos\config
and add your cheats as new lines [one per cheat] to the bottom of that file. They'll be recognized at the next boot.
Examples:
For starting X use something similar to the following:
For syslinux or isolinux,
(change the syslinux.cfg or the isolinux.cfg file respectively). Your .cfg file should contain an entry similar to the following:
or autoexec=startx if you dont want to run xconf.
For Lilo,
Your /boot/lilo.conf file should contain an entry similar to the following:
or autoexec=startx if you dont want to run xconf.
For Grub
[To be completed]
For Loadlin
[To be completed]
-----
Q: How can I get Flash sound to work inside a web brower?
A: Most likely it is one of the following:
1) you don't have the flash plugin installed... (check to see if /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so exists)
2) You don't have the MOZ_PLUGIN_PATH Environment variable set
3) artsd is preventing Flash from using the sound hardware. You need to kill it.
See the following in the Contributed HowTo Forum
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13048
-----
Q: How do I load a SLAX .mo module?
A: There are a few ways. Each of the following ways are functionally equivalent:
1) You load the module into your modules directory (you can get to it at /boot/modules or /mnt//modules)
2) You can use the SLAX Module manager located under KMenu>System then navigate to the desired module, select it and then click the Open Button
3) run the following command:
then navigate to the desired module, select it and then click the Open Button
4) Open Konqueror, Click Storage Media, navigate to the desired module, select it and then RIGHT click the module and Select Open with SLAX Module manager. Click Yes then Ok to the Dialog Boxes.
5) Use the uselivemod command
CAUTION: There is a bug, perhaps in unionfs that can crash SLAX when you dynamically load modules. BEFORE loading modules dynamically, always save your work, settings, etc. Method 1) does NOT suffer from this problem.
-----
Q: What is Linux Live?
A: Linux Live is a set of shell scripts which allows you to create own LiveCD from every Linux distribution. Just install your favourite distro, remove all unnecessary files (for example man pages and all other files which are not important for you) and then download and run these scripts to build your custom Live Linux.
SLAX was created using Linux Live scripts on Slackware.
-----
Q: Are there any other distro's using Linux Live?
A: Yes, there are MANY distro's that were created via Linux Live script. Check out the thread www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6592
-----
Q: What is UnionFS?
A: Unionfs, developed at Stony Brook university since 2004, is a stackable unification file system, which can merge the contents of several directories (so called branches) while keeping their physical content separate. It allows any mix of read-only and read-write branches, as well as insertion and deletion of branches on the fly. Unionfs can be used in several ways, for example to unify home directories from multiple filesystems on different disk partitions, or to merge several CDs to create a unified view of a photo archive. In a similar view, Unionfs, with copy-on-write functionality, can be used to merge read-only and read-write filesystems together and to virtually allow modification of read-only filesystems saving changes to the writable ones.
-----
Q: What is SquashFS?
A: Squashfs is a compressed read-only filesystem for Linux. Squashfs is intended for general read-only filesystem use, for archival use (i.e. in cases where a .tar.gz file may be used), and in constrained block device/memory systems (e.g. embedded systems) where low overhead is needed.
-----
Q: How do I unmount a module I've mounted using uselivemod?
A: Assuming you used a module at /root/module.mo, simply
CAUTION: This can make the system unstable!!! Make sure your work is saved before doing this!!!!
-----
Q: What is a Module?
A: Additional software for SLAX is provided in the form of compressed modules. The usage is very simple, just add your downloaded module to /modules/ directory on the CD to include it in SLAX permanently, or use "uselivemod" command in SLAX to activate the module on the fly, when the system is running. A module is a SquashFS "container" that loads into the UnionFS of SLAX.
-----
Q: When I try to log in as "guest" or other non-root user, I get permission denied or I can't cd into the /home/ or /usr or /etc or similar problem.
Q: Why can't I login as a non-root user?
A: One of your modules is malformed. Most likely you are using an "unblessed" module or created one yourself and the permissions are not correct for it. For instance, a module supplies files for the /etc directory, and the modules /etc has 700 permissions (rwx------). This will prevent a non-root user from seeing the contents of the /etc/directory... e.g. /etc/passwd file. This of course is a big problem, since the /etc/passwd file contains home directory info, password, etc. The /etc directory also contains many files that a non-root user needs to see as well.
To start your investigation,
Do the following;
and note any module that does not have permissions for group or other. For instance, a permission setting of 700 (drwx------) will cause such an issue. The permission should look similar to the following (drwxr-xr-x). All sub-directories should (usually) allow any user to have read and execute permissions on all them.
To fix it yourself requires you to unpack the module change permissions on the offending directories repackage the module.
See the following FAQ/HowTo List entry for some addition insight to repackaging modules
Q: Can I extract a Modules contents, change it & repackage it?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86497#86497
If you find a broken module, post to the forum and see if someone will be kind enough to fix it for you. You should put a comment in the module section for that module and "contact" the module's creator by clicking the Author icon for that module.
One way to help narrow down the problem is to Boot with the minimum amount of modules you need in your /boot/modules area, (say 1 or 2 of them). See if there is still a problem. If there is, looking through, /mnt/live/memory/images is easier since there are fewer modules loaded. If there isnt, start adding back modules, until there is a problem... Keep doing this process to identify the malformed modules (e.g. bad permissions).
-----
Q: I am getting a Squashfs mismatch (version is 2.1), error is "I only support Squashfs 3.0". How do I fix this?
Q: The mo2dir command results in complaints about the module being file system version 2.1 and mo2dir only supporting file system version 3.0
A: SquashFS is NOT backward compatible (somewhat) since it uses different compression algorithms in 2.x and 3.x. To use a module that is complaining about compatibility:
1) use the mount command to access the modules contents.
NOTE: Old modules may have some problem running on the newer system anyway. In particular ones that are kernel modules, or need kernel modules.
Use the mount command as follows:
2) Then repackage the module and rename it with
If you have a lot of modules with this problem you can repackage them with the below code. Make sure you have enough space to do this.
Instructions to make the module_conv.sh script.
copy and paste the following code into a file called /tmp/module_conv.sh
also set the three variables at the beginning of the script to the proper values.
then
After you check it all out, you can delete the original modules if you dont want them.
-----
Q: How can I turn off the LCD monitor or Laptop LCD backlight?
A: There are a few different options. If you want to actually turn off the backlight of the LCD monitor, you need to use either a vendor specific utility OR an APCI/BIOS utility.
Each video card vendor/chipset can require a different utility but the vbetool utility may be the best "generic" solution. Please keep in mind that a utility may "misbehave" with certain cards, etc.
NOTE: Remember when you turn off the LCD you won't be able to see anything on the screen... be prepared to execute an opposite "on" command.
Also, if you wish to use the FN+Fn#-Key's to adjust brightness, or turn off on on lid close, etc., you will need to write some scripts and delve deeper into the world of APCI. See the links in the Good References section at the bottom for more detailed discussions.
Well there are a few options...
I made a vbetool module located here:
www.slax.org/modules.php?id=1448
---------------------------------
xset
This will blank the screen within X windows until a key is hit/mouse movement
But to actually turn it OFF you need a vendor utility
I have been able to find:
---------------------------------
radeontool
For ATI Radeon Mobility graphics chip.
fdd.com/software/radeon/
---------------------------------
tbacklight
Toshiba Linux Utilities
www.penguin-soft.com/penguin/man/1/tbacklight.html
In particular...
tbacklight turns the LCD backlight on a Toshiba laptop or notebook on or off.
---------------------------------
vbetool
SLAX module - www.slax.org/modules.php?id=1448
vbetool - run real-mode video BIOS code to alter hardware state
SYNOPSIS
vbetool [[vbestate save|restore]|[vbemode set|get]|[vgamode]|[dpms on|off|standby|suspend|reduced]|[post]|[vbestate on|off]]
DESCRIPTION
vbetool uses lrmi in order to run code from the video BIOS. Currently, it is able to alter DPMS states, save/restore video card state and attempt to initialize the video card from scratch.
---------------------------------
Good References
Linux ACPI-HOWTO, The Sequel
www.columbia.edu/~ariel/acpi/acpi_howto.txt
[HOWTO] Automatically Turning Off your Monitor
forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic.php?t=110648
-----
Q: How do I use SLAX under Windows using a USB flash drive?
Q: I have SLAX installed on usb drive/usb flash drive. I would also use Slax underMS Windows XP(c). Is it possible to use qemu to boot from usb drive with installed SLAX?
A: Actually you can use a variety of emulators to run SLAX under various OS's.
Hopefully, more HowTo's showing how to use VirtualPC, VMWare, etc. will be referenced soon...
Qemu instructions For MS Windows:
Qemu instructions For Linux:
You can boot your USB stick as follows:
Examples:
NOTE:
is the raw device. e.g. sda, sdb, hda, etc...
Use the following form: /dev/sda
DO NOT use a partition # with the device name (e.g. sda1)
All optional:
-L
-k
-localtime
-m
-soundhw
-kernel-kqemu
There are many more options...
-----
Q: How can packages be removed from modules?
A: See the HowTo located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7183
-----
Q: How do I write my saveconfig session information to multisession media?
Q: How do I write my saveconfig session information to multisession CD CD/RW DVD?
Q: A really neat feature of Puppy Linux is the ability to save changes to a multisession CD. How can I do that with SLAX?
A: See the HowTo located at: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=66192#66192
-----
Q: I wish to run SLAX in a Virtual Machine. What VM software works?
A: Most likely ANY VM software that is known to work with Linux or Windows should work fine.
See the The Virtual Machine HowTo
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=75978#75978
-----
Q: Can I still boot from USB with no BIOS USB boot support?
Q: Can I boot from a floppy, CDRom, CF or Network, then transfer to USB?
A: Yes. See The SLAX Booting HowTo: The Many Ways of Booting SLAX
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=75975#75975
-----
QUESTIONS CANNOT BE POSTED TO THIS THREAD
Please post questions, comments, corrections, suggestions, contributions, etc for this HowTo/FAQ List at the thread located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63374
What is this? This is an attempt to make a HowTo List and Q/A FAQ from various references on the SLAX Forums and the Web site. It does not contain a List of ALL HowTo's just some of the more "completed" and stable ones. If you see a HowTo that you think should be on this list, please post the suggestion to the above link.
Who maintains it? wireless maintains it.
A Wiki would be better but that option is not available yet. This is a Sticky Thread to keep it at the top for quick referencing. My hope is that people will consult this BEFORE asking questions.
It needs to be added to, edited and made pretty but... it is a start...
I will try to make each Q/A 1 per message for easier referencing in other messages by using the www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=
Special thanks to:
All the wonderful contributors of the HowTo's and Informative Message Threads.
All of the users who have tested the procedures.
During the HowTo Index and FAQ List Reconstruction, the following people were key in the recovery:
Tomas for all his sleuthing and System Admin skills.
csmith for a PDF of the FAQ from June 7th.
Google for Google Cache!
So far (7/29/2007) the FAQ covers:
Q: Where can I find documentation for SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86243#86243
Q: I want to get off of Windows, never mind why, I just do? How can I switch to SLAX instead?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86259#86259
Q: What are the cheatcodes? Where can I find a list of them?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86265#86265
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a CDRom?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86270#86270
Q: How do I install SLAX modules onto a CDRom?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86273#86273
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a USB flash drive?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86282#86282
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a hard drive?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86291#86291
Q: How do I use Grub instead of isolinux as my bootloader? I'm a real Newbie to Linux so do you have Windows' instructions?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86330#86330
Q: How do I use Grub instead of isolinux as my bootloader? I am a Linux Lover, I don't own a copy of Windows.
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86332#86332
Q: How can I setup a Window Manager Log like KDM for SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86337#86337
Q: I want to Change the “Splash Screen” for SLAX. How do I do that?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86463#86463
Q: I have a bunch of Internet Appliances that I would love to use that dont have a lot of “local” space. How can I boot SLAX off a Network?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86465#86465
Q: How do I save my changes such as desktop setting for my SLAX session?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86466#86466
Q: Most places I go don't have printers readily available more me to use so I would like to print to a PDF File so I can print it out later. How Do I print to a PDF File?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86495#86495
Q: Can I use isoemu with SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86496#86496
Q: Can I extract a Modules contents, change it & repackage it?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86497#86497
Q: How do I make my own custom SLAX? I want to add modules and changing the base packages, etc. How do I go about this?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86498#86498
Q: How do I make my on Linux Live CD with custom kernel?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86499#86499
Q: I have an iPod nano and I want to install SLAX on it. Is that possible?
Q: How do I install SLAX on an iPod nano?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86500#86500
Q: I can't boot off a USB directly and I don't want to use the nocd cheatcode because that takes up a huge amount of memory. How do I boot from a CD that will then transfer to the USB flash drive for all the real important stuff AND I want the CD to be free for Music etc.
Q: How do I make a bootloader CD?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86502#86502
Q: How do I make a QEMU container for SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86503#86503
Q: I want to make my own SLAX modules. How do I do that?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86504#86504
Q: How do I set up my wireless card in SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86505#86505
Q: When I boot my PC with SLAX, I get a "disabling irq
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86507#86507
Q: How do I post a module on the SLAX web site?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86508#86508
Q: When I use SLAX, the Gnome/GTK+ programs (such as GAIM, or Ekiga, or ScatterChat) have very small font sizes and it is very hard to read. I have tried to use the KDE control center to make the fonts bigger but that works for only KDE applications, the GTK+ applications still have very tiny fonts.
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86509#86509
Q: I am having trouble booting from an external USB Hard disk using the from= cheatcode.
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86510#86510
Q: Where is there information on how to I make fonts work and use Language Localization in SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86511#86511
Q: How can I make cheatcodes permanent?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86512#86512
Q: How can I get Flash sound to work inside a web brower?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86513#86513
Q: How do I load a SLAX .mo module?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86514#86514
Q: What is Linux Live?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86515#86515
Q: Are there any other distro's using Linux Live?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86516#86516
Q: What is UnionFS?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86517#86517
Q: What is SquashFS?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86518#86518
Q: How do I unmount a module I've mounted using uselivemod?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86522#86522
Q: What is a Module?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86523#86523
Q: When I try to log in as "guest" or other non-root user, I get permission denied or I can't cd into the /home/ or /usr or /etc or similar problem.
Q: Why can't I login as a non-root user?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86524#86524
Q: I am getting a Squashfs mismatch (version is 2.1), error is "I only support Squashfs 3.0". How do I fix this?
Q: The mo2dir command results in complaints about the module being file system version 2.1 and mo2dir only supporting file system version 3.0
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86529#86529
Q: How can I turn off the LCD monitor or Laptop LCD backlight?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86530#86530
Q: How do I use SLAX under Windows using a USB flash drive?
Q: I have SLAX installed on usb drive/usb flash drive. I would also use Slax underMS Windows XP(c). Is it possible to use qemu to boot from usb drive with installed SLAX?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86531#86531
Q: How can packages be removed from modules?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86532#86532
Q: How do I write my saveconfig session information to multisession media?
Q: How do I write my saveconfig session information to multisession CD CD/RW DVD?
Q: A really neat feature of Puppy Linux is the ability to save changes to a multisession CD. How can I do that with SLAX.
See the HowTo located at: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86533#86533
Q: I wish to run SLAX in a Virtual Machine. What VM software works?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86534#86534
Q: Can I still boot from USB with no BIOS USB boot support?
Q: Can I boot from Floppy, CDRom, CF or Network then transfer to USB?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86536#86536
------
A: Well, there are a few Places:
www.slax.org/documentation.php
www.slax.org/cheatcodes.php
www.slax.org/features.php
www.slax.org/forum/
www.slax.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=17
Dustin's SLAX guide:
www.geocities.com/slaxfansite/
A really Great source of Linux Documentation is hosted at The Linux Documentation Project here: tldp.org/
-----
Q: I want to get off of Windows, never mind why, I just do? How can switch to SLAX instead?
A: See the HowTo How to Switch from Windows in a few simple steps here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13139
-----
Q: What are the cheatcodes? Where can I find a list of them?
A: There is a need for a more up to date cheatcode list but...
1) In the top level directory of every SLAX distro, there is a file called cheatcodes.txt
2) There is a list here www.slax.org/cheatcodes.php
3) During a SLAX CD boot, at the boot: prompt Press F1 and F2 for cheat codes
These screens are located in the /boot/boot/splash*.txt files. (Yes that is /boot/boot)
-----
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a CDRom?
A: There are MANY ways.
1)Using Windows, you can use a CDRom ISO burning software such as Nero or BurnCDCC (a Shockwave tutorial is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13412 that shows BurnCDCC)
2)Using Windows you can use MySLAX Creator (a Shockwave tutorial is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13129 and a great text HowTo is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8179 )
3)Using Windows XP, see Burning Slax Live-cd Complete How-to here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12638
4)Using Linux you can use Nero or K3B (a text tutorial is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12376 ) This tutorial ALSO includes how to make a multi-session CD and add Modules to the CD. Another method is discussed here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12655 but it is not for the faint of heart.
-----
Q: How do I install SLAX modules onto a CDRom?
A: Using Linux you can use Nero or K3B (a text tutorial for K3B is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12376 ) This tutorial ALSO includes how to make a multi-session CD and add Modules to the CD.
-----
Q: How do I install SLAX modules onto a CDRom?
A: Using Linux you can use Nero or K3B (a text tutorial for K3B is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12376 ) This tutorial ALSO includes how to make a multi-session CD and add Modules to the CD.
-----
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a USB flash drive?
A: There are MANY ways.
1)Using Windows you can use MySLAX Creator (a Shockwave tutorial is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13129 and a great text HowTo is located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8179 )
2)Using SLAX, boot with the SLAX CD you wish to put on the USB Flash Drive
a)
| Code: |
| mkdir /mnt/slax-image |
b) Get an ISO image and mount it with
| Code: |
| mount -o loop -t iso9660 SLAX-version.iso /mnt/slax-image |
OR if you have a SLAXCD, mount it using
| Code: |
| mount /dev/hdc /mnt/slax-image |
c) Format your USB flash drive with
| Code: |
| mkfs.msdos -F 32 /dev/sda1_removable # (or where ever the USB drive is located) |
d)
| Code: |
| cd /mnt/slax-image |
e)
| Code: |
| ./make-disk.sh /dev/sda1_removable #(or where ever the USB drive is located) |
Also, you can see this HowTo: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=67456#67456
-----
Q: How do I install SLAX onto a hard drive?
A:
A)Using SLAX,
1)
| Code: |
| mkdir /mnt/slax-image |
2)Get an ISO image and mount it with
| Code: |
| mount -o loop -t iso9660 SLAX-version.iso /mnt/slax-image |
| Code: |
| mount /dev/hdc /mnt/slax-image |
3)Format your hard drive with
| Code: |
| mkfs.ext3 /dev/hda1 |
4)
| Code: |
| cd /mnt/slax-image |
5)
| Code: |
| ./make-disk /dev/hda1 |
Also see the HowTo clean hdd install from a to z here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13244
OR
B) You starting with SLAX 5.1.7, you can boot from an ISO image. You can put the ISO image in a directory or at the top level of the file system and use the cheatcode from=
See the HowTo ???? here: ?????
-----
Q: How do I use Grub instead of isolinux as my bootloader? I'm a real Newbie to Linux so do you have Windows' instructions?
A: See the HowTo Make Slax use GRUB instead of ISOLINUX using WINDOWS! www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13408
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Q: How do I use Grub instead of isolinux as my bootloader? I am a Linux Lover, I don't own a copy of Windows.
A: See Using GRUB instead of ISOLINUX www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6146
Also check out this thread
slax.linux-live.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=51969
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Q: How can I setup a Window Manager Log like KDM for SLAX?
A: See below.
What you need on hand:
1) A SLAX Standard CD (maybe popcorn will work... I will check)
2) A Network connection is VERY helpful
3) At least 384MB RAM
4) Patience and work off a USB key if possible.
5) Make sure you are not working on anything. Save your work, reboot, start fresh.
I tried a few different ways:
1) The autoexec= cheatcode calling a custom module
2) The autoexec= cheatcode
3) a small startup module
4) change the /etc/inittab entry default run level to 4
NOTE: the default DPI setting
When calling the kdm loign manager, the kdm starts KDE with a default resolution of 72dpi. As mentioned in the HowTo Why do my GTK+ applications have very tiny fonts? here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63461#63461 you can correct this with the -dpi
Method 1 - The autoexec= cheatcode with custom module
But you can try this instead if you want to use the autoexec= cheatcode method. You will be making a small module to call from the autoexec= cheatcode.
1) Log in as root and open a console or xterm window.
2) Then copy and paste the following into a console
| Code: |
| # Set the value of MOD_LOC appropriately. its default should be ok export MOD_LOC=/boot/modules |
3) Then copy and paste the following into the same console window.
| Code: |
| # make the work area mkdir -p /tmp/startkde/usr/bin touch /tmp/startkde/usr/bin/start-kdm echo '#!/bin/sh' > /tmp/startkde/usr/bin/start-kdm echo "/usr/bin/xconf;/opt/kde/bin/kdm" >> /tmp/startkde/usr/bin/start-kdm echo "while [ 1 -eq 1 ] ; do sleep 10d; done" >> /tmp/startkde/usr/bin/start-kdm chmod 755 /tmp/startkde/usr/bin/start-kdm # make the module and put it in the modules area # e.g. /dev/hda1/modules dir2mo /tmp/startkde ${MOD_LOC}/zzzzzzstart-kdm.mo echo "Done" |
You will need to boot with the autoexec= cheatcode
| Code: |
| boot: slax autoexec=start-kdm |
If you want to make that cheat code permanent, see www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63528#63528
Method 2 - The autoexec= cheatcode
1) Use of the autoexec= cheatcode can accomplish a great deal of things. But you must be careful how you use it.
A normal use of the autoexec= cheatcode doesn't work with a login manager since the window managers start their processes and the window manager binary terminates, thus causing SLAX to shutdown almost immediately after boot. So, you CANNOT do a
| Code: |
| boot: slax autoexec=xconf;kdm |
but you can put a very long delay after it... such as a sleep for 999 days, as the following illustrates:
| Code: |
| boot: slax autoexec=xconf;kdm;sleep~999d |
If you want to make that cheat code permanent, see www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63528#63528
Method 3 - The startup module
3) A small startup module that runs during boot...
It is easy and fun to make a module. Let's get to work!
1) Log in as root and open a console or xterm window.
2) Then copy and paste the following into a console window.
| Code: |
| # Set the value of MOD_LOC appropriately. its default should be ok export MOD_LOC=/boot/modules |
3) Then copy and paste the following into the same console window.
| Code: |
| # make the work area mkdir -p /tmp/startkde/etc/rc.d/rc3.d touch /tmp/startkde/etc/rc.d/rc.startkde echo '#!/bin/sh' > /tmp/startkde/etc/rc.d/rc.startkde echo "sleep 5;/usr/bin/xconf;/opt/kde/bin/kdm" >> /tmp/startkde/etc/rc.d/rc.startkde chmod 755 /tmp/startkde/etc/rc.d/rc.startkde cd /tmp/startkde/etc/rc.d/rc3.d ln -s /etc/rc.d/rc.startkde S99startkde # make the module and put it in the modules area # e.g. /dev/hda1/modules cd /tmp dir2mo /tmp/startkde ${MOD_LOC}/zzzzzzstartkdm.mo echo "Done" |
Method 4 - The /rootcopy/etc/inittab file
4) Change the runlevel to 4 in the /etc/inittab file and copy it to /etc/inittab
NOTE: This method may not work for everyone, in particular those who must use xconf before startx.
Those of you NOT requiring xconf before startx, may try the following:
At the console root prompt (NO XWindows running).
| Code: |
| telinit 4 |
If that gets you to an XDM window, then you can proceed. Otherwise this method wont work for you.
Those of you REQUIRING xconf before startx, may try the following:
At the console root prompt (NO XWindows running).
| Code: |
| xconf; telinit 4 |
If that gets you to an XDM window, then you can proceed. Otherwise this method wont work for you.
NOTE: IF you get hung up, a CTRL-ALT-F1 will get you to a console window. You won't be able to do anything but CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot but then you will be back to a Fresh SLAX.
At this point, you can telinit 4 and get an XDM window, So now, you can change your /etc/inittab file and copy it to your /rootcopy directory (/boot/rootcopy is usually ok OR /mnt/hda1/rootcopy OR /mnt/sda1/rootcopy OR where ever it is)
Edit your /etc/telinit file and look for the following lines:
| Code: |
| # Default runlevel. (Do not set to 0 or 6) id:3:initdefault: |
change the like
| Code: |
| id:3:initdefault: |
| Code: |
| id:4:initdefault: |
then
| Code: |
| mkdir -p /boot/rootcopy/etc/ # or wherever it is cp /etc/inittab /boot/rootcopy/etc/ |
Now reboot. SLAX should come up with an XDM login box.
NOTES:
Now for testing purposes, I would do a few things first.
1) If you dont use xconf before you start your X (via startx) then you may not want to use it within the /tmp/startkde/etc/rc.d/rc.startkde script
2) you may want to make sure you have a SLAX CD ready to boot from, just in case something goes wrong. You can then boot from the CD and move the zzzzzzstartkde.mo or zzzzzzstart-kde.mo (depending which method above you chose) out of the modules directory.
3) If the resolution is not correct when you boot (aka it is like 640x480 or 800x600) try doing a ctrl-alt-backspace to resset the Window Manager.
4) ]IF you get hung up, a CTRL-ALT-F1 will get you to a console window. You won't be able to do anything but CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot but then you will be back to a Fresh SLAX.
-----
Q: I want to Change the “Splash Screen” for SLAX. How do I do that?
A: See HowTo Change the 2 different types of Splash Screens in SLAX here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13140
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Q: I have a bunch of Internet Appliances that I would love to use that dont have a lot of “local” space. How can I boot SLAX off a Network?
A: See the HowTo HOWTO - boot SLAX through the network here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12744
and also check out this HowTo Howto PXE boot SLAX with modules here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11933
-----
Q: How do I save my changes such as desktop setting for my SLAX session?
A: See HowTo To Reverse how save/restore settings works here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11235
and the HowTo How to Save/Restore Changes
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12935
-----
Q: Most places I go don't have printers readily available more me to use so I would like to print to a PDF File so I can print it out later. How Do I print to a PDF File?
A: See the HowTo Printing directly to a PDF file here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12999
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Q: Can I use isoemu with SLAX?
A: Yes. See HowTo slax || windows, HD installation with isoemu. here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12754
-----
Q: Can I extract, change, & repackage a Module's contents?
A: Yes. See HowTo HOWTO extract modules from the slax LIVECD here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13024
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Q: How do I make my own custom SLAX? I want to add modules and changing the base packages, etc. How do I go about this?
A: Start with the HowTo Remaster SLAX here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6158
-----
Q: How do I make my own Linux Live CD with my own custom kernel.
A: Start with this HowTo HowTo make a Live-CD with your own kernel here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6442
-----
Q: I have an iPod nano and I want to install SLAX on it. Is that possible?
Q: How do I install SLAX on an iPod nano?
A: Yes. See the HowTo install SLAX on an iPod nano here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6840
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Q: I can't boot off a USB directly and I don't want to use the nocd cheatcode because that takes up a huge amount of memory. How do I boot from a CD that will then transfer to the USB flash drive for all the real important stuff AND I want the CD to be free for Music etc.
A: Make a bootloader CD.
This HOW TO is for Making a Bootloader CD for a non USB bootable BIOS.
Why would you do such a thing if a WHOLE SLAX version can boot on a mini CD? Well, for one you dont need to use the nocd Cheatcode. Second, you want to FORCE the instance on the USB key to run. Third, You can use a Business Card CD (50MB) with this method which is easier to carry around. Fourth, you can actually use a slightly different variation of this method and put the bootable area on a small CF of 8MB or 16MB (you can even squeeze it to 4 MB). This will allow you to use SLAX on Internet Appliances such as a Gateway Connected Touchpad or an IOpener- anything with at least 128 MB of RAM.
To simplify the approach from the original posting (which was to give ALL the methods to create a bootloader CD), the assumptions are:
1) You have a SLAX Popcorn CD
2) You have enough RAM to boot a SLAX Popcorn CD using the slax copy2ram method.
3) You have 1 CD-R in your computer. It is /dev/hdc
NOTE: You SHOULD use the same version boot disk for your USB installed version.
e.g. if your USB version of SLAX is 5.1.6, the boot CD should use the same level SLAX of 5.1.6.
It is possible that there are versions with the same kernel that are compatible. For instance, a 5.0.8 boot disk MAY boot a 5.1.6 USB key. Don't risk it... just use the same version.
Making Your Bootloader CD
1) Boot your SLAX Popcorn CD (with copy2ram)
| Code: |
| boot: slax copy2ram |
2) Make sure there is no directory called /tmp/slax-boot-cd
| Code: |
| /bin/rm -rf /tmp/slax-boot-cd mkdir /tmp/slax-boot-cd |
3) Go to the area where the boot files needed are
Put the SLAX Popcorn CD back in after it ejects it during boot:
| Code: |
| mount /mnt/hdc_cdrom cd /mnt/hdc_cdrom |
4) Copy files needed to the /tmp/slax-boot-cd
| Code: |
| cp -pr COPYING LICENSE README autorun.inf boot cheatcodes.txt filelist.txt isolinux.cfg make_*.* requirements.txt slax-guide.html unionfs.html /tmp/slax-boot-cd/ |
(This Step is OPTIONAL)
5) The splash files are not needed but if you want a custom splash setup, you need to copy them as well. Mine were on my USB drive /mnt/sda1_removable
| Code: |
| # Mount /mnt/sda1_removable that have some custom splash settings and files. mount /mnt/sda1_removable cp -p /mnt/sda1_removable/readme.boot-cd /tmp/slax-boot-cd cp -p /mnt/sda1_removable/splash.* /tmp/slax-boot-cd cp -p /mnt/sda1_removable/splash.* /tmp/slax-boot-cd/boot |
6) Change the /tmp/slax-boot-cd/isolinux.cfg file and put in all your preferred options
e.g.
| Code: |
| gui nohotplug autoexec=xconf;startx |
NOTE: MUST use a isolinux.cfg file since it is a CDRom. A syslinux.cfg file will NOT work.
7) Make the iso image
| Code: |
| cd /tmp/slax-boot-cd ./make_iso.sh /tmp/slax-boot-cd.iso |
(This Step is OPTIONAL)
8) You can copy this iso image to your thumb drive to burn at a later time. My USB thumbdrive was located at /mnt/sda1_removable
| Code: |
| cp /tmp/slax-boot-cd.iso /mnt/sda1_removable |
9) Make the CD-R Ready to be accessed
| Code: |
| cd /tmp umount /mnt/hdc_cdrom eject /dev/hdc |
10) Put in blank media, close CD-R. Create the boot CD.
| Code: |
| cdrecord -dev=/dev/hdc /tmp/slax-boot-cd.iso |
NOTE: This method can be slightly changed to also boot from a small CF (under 8MB) so that you can boot Internet Appliances from USB or from a network connection.
-----
Q: How do I make a QEMU container for SLAX?
A: See the HowTo How to install SLAX in QEMU here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7139
Also you can boot directly from an ISO image of SLAX by following the instructions in
Method 2 - Run SLAX with an emulator in the HowTo How to Switch from Windows in a few simple steps located here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13139
-----
Q: I want to make my own SLAX modules. How do I do that?
A: Check out the HowTo Build Modules from Source here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11025
and
another HowTo Making a QnDModuleMaker Module here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12601
which can handle the module building of an Installer type application.
-----
Q: How do I set up my wireless card in SLAX?
A: Check the HowTo Wireless Network FAQ - DO NOT POST QUESTIONS TO THIS THREAD here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13267
and also the Thread Working wireless cards in Slax here:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9719
and lastly, a work in process Quick Guide to Setting up your Wireless Card on SLAX here:
slaxworkshop.blogspot.com/2006/07/quick-guide-to-setting-up-your_28.html
-----
Q: When I boot my PC with SLAX, I get a "disabling irq " message and the PC hangs. I must reboot it to get back my system. If I use the cheatcode nohotplug I can get by this problem but other things like my wireless networking, sound, and usb support is gone. How do I fix this problem?
A: This usually happens during the hotplug initialization. To help troubleshoot the problem, boot slax with the "nohotplug" cheatcode. At the bootloader boot prompt (boot:) to the following:
| Code: |
| boot: slax nohotplug |
If that allows the system to boot, reboot the system and try this:
| Code: |
| boot: slax irqpoll pci=assign-busses |
If that fixes your problem, you can make it permenant by putting it in your bootloader parameter list. For syslinux and Lilo you can add the parameters to the append line in your syslinux.cfg or lilo.conf file. For isolinux, you will need to add it to your isolinux.cfg file.
Sample syslinux.cfg file entry
| Code: |
| label slax kernel vmlinuz append irqpoll pci=assign-busses vga=769 max_loop=255 initrd=initrd.gz init=linuxrc load_ramdisk=1 prompt_ramdisk=0 ramdisk_size=4444 root=/dev/ram0 rw gui autoexec=xconf;startx |
-----
Q: How do I post a module on the SLAX web site?
A: Go to the modules section located here: www.slax.org/modules.php, click on the category you think the module should go in, and Click on the big GREEN + add module link. Then fill out the upload form accordingly.
-----
Q: When I use SLAX, the Gnome/GTK+ programs (such as GAIM, or Ekiga, or ScatterChat) have very small font sizes and it is very hard to read. I have tried to use the KDE control center to make the fonts bigger b ut that works for only KDE applications, the GTK+ applications still have very tiny fonts.
A: Try starting X with the following command:
| Code: |
| startx -- -dpi 120 |
You can change the number 120 to 96, 100, 110, 120, 140, or whatever. Play with the number until you have the size font you want.
If you started X manually with startx then ctrl-alt-backspace will kill X; then you can restart it with startx -- -dpi 120 or xconf;startx -- -dpi 120 (whatever you normally do). IF you did start X via the autoexec= cheatcode, make sure you make the change in the particular bootloader append line.
If the above solution does not work after you change the number to different numbers then try adding the following line to the end of your .Xresources file in your home directory:
| Code: |
| Xft.dpi: 72 |
If you want really big fonts use:
| Code: |
| Xft.dpi: 96 |
Then you need to Restart X.
If you started X manually with startx then ctrl-alt-backspace will kill X; then you can restart it with startx or xconf;startx (whatever you normally do). IF you did start X via the autoexec= cheatcode, SLAX will reboot after the ctrl-alt-backspace which will make you lose your change. If you are using the changes= cheat code or use the configsave command after you added the Xft.dpi line, your .Xresources file change will survive the reboot.
Note: you MUST use a method to save the change to the .Xresources file. Options are: the changes= cheat code, use the configsave command, or making your own module to add the line to the end of the .Xresouces file.
-----
Q: I am having trouble booting from an external USB Hard disk using the from= cheatcode.
After I copied the slax-5.1.7.iso to the second partiton (ext2 : cp slax-5.1.7.iso /mnt/sda2/slax.iso) and tried booting using
| Code: |
| boot: slax from=/dev/sda2/slax.iso |
and it doesn't work.
A: This is a known problem. It should be fixed in SLAX 5.1.8.
To work around the USB timeout problem,
| Code: |
| boot: slax probeusb debug from=/dev/sda5/slax.iso noauto # or what ever /dev/sd you are pointing to |
Both arguments are necessary : 'probeusb debug'
It should work from a vfat and an ext2 partition on the USB hard disk
-----
Q: Where is there information on how to I make fonts work and use Language Localization in SLAX?
A: Here are a few threads that discuss this:
This document describes which packages and which files are needed to create a SLAX module with your language.
slax.linux-live.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6156
Russian:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6758
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6859&highlight=localization
Vietnamese:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13250&highlight=vietnamese
Spanish:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8570&highlight=localization
French:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8907&highlight=french
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9618&highlight=french
German:
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8597
www.slax.org/modules.php?id=715
-----
Q: How can I make cheatcodes permanent?
A: You need to add the desired cheatcodes the proper bootloader configuration line.
For syslinux,
You need to add the desired cheatcodes to the end of the append= line of your syslinux.cfg file.
If you are using a CD and wish to burn the cheatcodes onto the CD, change the isolinux.cfg file instead, then create your ISO with make_iso.sh
For Lilo,
You need to add the desired cheatcodes to the end of the append="" line of your lilo.conf file.
Remember, to put the cheat codes WITHIN the double quoted section. Also, don't forget to rerun lilo
For Grub,
[To Be Completed]
For Loadlin,
Edit the text file \LOCATION_OF_SLAX_IMAGE\slax_cd\boot\dos\config
and add your cheats as new lines [one per cheat] to the bottom of that file. They'll be recognized at the next boot.
Examples:
For starting X use something similar to the following:
For syslinux or isolinux,
(change the syslinux.cfg or the isolinux.cfg file respectively). Your .cfg file should contain an entry similar to the following:
| Code: |
| label slax kernel vmlinuz append max_loop=255 initrd=initrd.gz init=linuxrc load_ramdisk=1 prompt_ramdisk=0 ramdisk_size=4444 root=/dev/ram0 rw gui autoexec=xconf;startx |
or autoexec=startx if you dont want to run xconf.
For Lilo,
Your /boot/lilo.conf file should contain an entry similar to the following:
| Code: |
| append="max_loop=255 init=linuxrc load_ramdisk=1 ramdisk_size=4444 autoexec=xconf;startx" |
or autoexec=startx if you dont want to run xconf.
For Grub
[To be completed]
For Loadlin
[To be completed]
-----
Q: How can I get Flash sound to work inside a web brower?
A: Most likely it is one of the following:
1) you don't have the flash plugin installed... (check to see if /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so exists)
2) You don't have the MOZ_PLUGIN_PATH Environment variable set
3) artsd is preventing Flash from using the sound hardware. You need to kill it.
See the following in the Contributed HowTo Forum
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13048
-----
Q: How do I load a SLAX .mo module?
A: There are a few ways. Each of the following ways are functionally equivalent:
1) You load the module into your modules directory (you can get to it at /boot/modules or /mnt/
2) You can use the SLAX Module manager located under KMenu>System then navigate to the desired module, select it and then click the Open Button
3) run the following command:
| Code: |
| /usr/share/slax/kde-uselivemod |
then navigate to the desired module, select it and then click the Open Button
4) Open Konqueror, Click Storage Media, navigate to the desired module, select it and then RIGHT click the module and Select Open with SLAX Module manager. Click Yes then Ok to the Dialog Boxes.
5) Use the uselivemod command
| Code: |
| uselivemod |
CAUTION: There is a bug, perhaps in unionfs that can crash SLAX when you dynamically load modules. BEFORE loading modules dynamically, always save your work, settings, etc. Method 1) does NOT suffer from this problem.
-----
Q: What is Linux Live?
A: Linux Live is a set of shell scripts which allows you to create own LiveCD from every Linux distribution. Just install your favourite distro, remove all unnecessary files (for example man pages and all other files which are not important for you) and then download and run these scripts to build your custom Live Linux.
SLAX was created using Linux Live scripts on Slackware.
-----
Q: Are there any other distro's using Linux Live?
A: Yes, there are MANY distro's that were created via Linux Live script. Check out the thread www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6592
-----
Q: What is UnionFS?
A: Unionfs, developed at Stony Brook university since 2004, is a stackable unification file system, which can merge the contents of several directories (so called branches) while keeping their physical content separate. It allows any mix of read-only and read-write branches, as well as insertion and deletion of branches on the fly. Unionfs can be used in several ways, for example to unify home directories from multiple filesystems on different disk partitions, or to merge several CDs to create a unified view of a photo archive. In a similar view, Unionfs, with copy-on-write functionality, can be used to merge read-only and read-write filesystems together and to virtually allow modification of read-only filesystems saving changes to the writable ones.
-----
Q: What is SquashFS?
A: Squashfs is a compressed read-only filesystem for Linux. Squashfs is intended for general read-only filesystem use, for archival use (i.e. in cases where a .tar.gz file may be used), and in constrained block device/memory systems (e.g. embedded systems) where low overhead is needed.
-----
Q: How do I unmount a module I've mounted using uselivemod?
A: Assuming you used a module at /root/module.mo, simply
| Code: |
| umount -l /root/module.mo |
CAUTION: This can make the system unstable!!! Make sure your work is saved before doing this!!!!
-----
Q: What is a Module?
A: Additional software for SLAX is provided in the form of compressed modules. The usage is very simple, just add your downloaded module to /modules/ directory on the CD to include it in SLAX permanently, or use "uselivemod" command in SLAX to activate the module on the fly, when the system is running. A module is a SquashFS "container" that loads into the UnionFS of SLAX.
-----
Q: When I try to log in as "guest" or other non-root user, I get permission denied or I can't cd into the /home/ or /usr or /etc or similar problem.
Q: Why can't I login as a non-root user?
A: One of your modules is malformed. Most likely you are using an "unblessed" module or created one yourself and the permissions are not correct for it. For instance, a module supplies files for the /etc directory, and the modules /etc has 700 permissions (rwx------). This will prevent a non-root user from seeing the contents of the /etc/directory... e.g. /etc/passwd file. This of course is a big problem, since the /etc/passwd file contains home directory info, password, etc. The /etc directory also contains many files that a non-root user needs to see as well.
To start your investigation,
Do the following;
| Code: |
| cd /mnt/live/memory/images ls -l |
and note any module that does not have permissions for group or other. For instance, a permission setting of 700 (drwx------) will cause such an issue. The permission should look similar to the following (drwxr-xr-x). All sub-directories should (usually) allow any user to have read and execute permissions on all them.
To fix it yourself requires you to unpack the module change permissions on the offending directories repackage the module.
See the following FAQ/HowTo List entry for some addition insight to repackaging modules
Q: Can I extract a Modules contents, change it & repackage it?
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86497#86497
If you find a broken module, post to the forum and see if someone will be kind enough to fix it for you. You should put a comment in the module section for that module and "contact" the module's creator by clicking the Author icon for that module.
One way to help narrow down the problem is to Boot with the minimum amount of modules you need in your /boot/modules area, (say 1 or 2 of them). See if there is still a problem. If there is, looking through, /mnt/live/memory/images is easier since there are fewer modules loaded. If there isnt, start adding back modules, until there is a problem... Keep doing this process to identify the malformed modules (e.g. bad permissions).
-----
Q: I am getting a Squashfs mismatch (version is 2.1), error is "I only support Squashfs 3.0". How do I fix this?
Q: The mo2dir command results in complaints about the module being file system version 2.1 and mo2dir only supporting file system version 3.0
A: SquashFS is NOT backward compatible (somewhat) since it uses different compression algorithms in 2.x and 3.x. To use a module that is complaining about compatibility:
1) use the mount command to access the modules contents.
NOTE: Old modules may have some problem running on the newer system anyway. In particular ones that are kernel modules, or need kernel modules.
Use the mount command as follows:
| Code: |
| cd /tmp mkdir /tmp/module_name mount -o loop -t squashfs /location_of_the_broken_module/module.mo /tmp/module_name |
2) Then repackage the module and rename it with
| Code: |
| dir2mo /tmp/module_name /permanent_location/module_name_your_initials.mo |
If you have a lot of modules with this problem you can repackage them with the below code. Make sure you have enough space to do this.
Instructions to make the module_conv.sh script.
copy and paste the following code into a file called /tmp/module_conv.sh
also set the three variables at the beginning of the script to the proper values.
| Code: |
| #!/bin/sh WHERE_THE_MODS_ARE=/mnt/sda1_removable/old_mods YOUR_INITIALS=zzz PERMANENT_LOCATION=/mnt/sda1_removable/new_mods cd ${WHERE_THE_MODS_ARE} ls *.mo | while read module do module_name=`echo ${module%.*}` echo "processing ${module_name}" cd /tmp mkdir /mnt/${module_name} mount -o loop -t squashfs ${WHERE_THE_MODS_ARE}/${module} /mnt/${module_name} dir2mo /mnt/${module_name} ${PERMANENT_LOCATION}/${module_name}_${YOUR_INITIALS}.mo umount /mnt/${module_name} rmdir /mnt/${module_name} done |
then
| Code: |
| chmod 755 /tmp/module_conv.sh /tmp/module_conv.sh |
After you check it all out, you can delete the original modules if you dont want them.
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Q: How can I turn off the LCD monitor or Laptop LCD backlight?
A: There are a few different options. If you want to actually turn off the backlight of the LCD monitor, you need to use either a vendor specific utility OR an APCI/BIOS utility.
Each video card vendor/chipset can require a different utility but the vbetool utility may be the best "generic" solution. Please keep in mind that a utility may "misbehave" with certain cards, etc.
NOTE: Remember when you turn off the LCD you won't be able to see anything on the screen... be prepared to execute an opposite "on" command.
Also, if you wish to use the FN+Fn#-Key's to adjust brightness, or turn off on on lid close, etc., you will need to write some scripts and delve deeper into the world of APCI. See the links in the Good References section at the bottom for more detailed discussions.
Well there are a few options...
| Code: |
| xset dpms force off |
| Code: |
| radeontool light off |
| Code: |
| tbacklight --off |
| Code: |
| vbetool dpms off |
I made a vbetool module located here:
www.slax.org/modules.php?id=1448
---------------------------------
xset
This will blank the screen within X windows until a key is hit/mouse movement
| Code: |
| xset dpms force off |
But to actually turn it OFF you need a vendor utility
I have been able to find:
---------------------------------
radeontool
For ATI Radeon Mobility graphics chip.
fdd.com/software/radeon/
| Code: |
| radeontool light off radeontool light on |
---------------------------------
tbacklight
Toshiba Linux Utilities
www.penguin-soft.com/penguin/man/1/tbacklight.html
In particular...
tbacklight turns the LCD backlight on a Toshiba laptop or notebook on or off.
| Code: |
| tbacklight --off tbacklight --on |
---------------------------------
vbetool
SLAX module - www.slax.org/modules.php?id=1448
| Code: |
| vbetool dpms off vbetool dpms on |
vbetool - run real-mode video BIOS code to alter hardware state
SYNOPSIS
vbetool [[vbestate save|restore]|[vbemode set|get]|[vgamode]|[dpms on|off|standby|suspend|reduced]|[post]|[vbestate on|off]]
DESCRIPTION
vbetool uses lrmi in order to run code from the video BIOS. Currently, it is able to alter DPMS states, save/restore video card state and attempt to initialize the video card from scratch.
---------------------------------
Good References
Linux ACPI-HOWTO, The Sequel
www.columbia.edu/~ariel/acpi/acpi_howto.txt
[HOWTO] Automatically Turning Off your Monitor
forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic.php?t=110648
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Q: How do I use SLAX under Windows using a USB flash drive?
Q: I have SLAX installed on usb drive/usb flash drive. I would also use Slax underMS Windows XP(c). Is it possible to use qemu to boot from usb drive with installed SLAX?
A: Actually you can use a variety of emulators to run SLAX under various OS's.
Hopefully, more HowTo's showing how to use VirtualPC, VMWare, etc. will be referenced soon...
Qemu instructions For MS Windows:
| Code: |
| START qemu.exe START qemu.exe F: -L . -m 128 -enable-audio -user-net -localtime |
Qemu instructions For Linux:
You can boot your USB stick as follows:
Examples:
| Code: |
| qemu /dev/ qemu /dev/sda qemu /dev/sda -kernel-kqemu qemu /dev/sda -k us -localtime -m 256 -soundhw es1370 -kernel-kqemu |
NOTE:
Use the following form: /dev/sda
DO NOT use a partition # with the device name (e.g. sda1)
All optional:
-L
-k
-localtime
-m
-soundhw
-kernel-kqemu
There are many more options...
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A: See the HowTo located here: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7183
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Q: How do I write my saveconfig session information to multisession media?
Q: How do I write my saveconfig session information to multisession CD CD/RW DVD?
Q: A really neat feature of Puppy Linux is the ability to save changes to a multisession CD. How can I do that with SLAX?
A: See the HowTo located at: www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=66192#66192
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Q: I wish to run SLAX in a Virtual Machine. What VM software works?
A: Most likely ANY VM software that is known to work with Linux or Windows should work fine.
See the The Virtual Machine HowTo
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=75978#75978
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Q: Can I still boot from USB with no BIOS USB boot support?
Q: Can I boot from a floppy, CDRom, CF or Network, then transfer to USB?
A: Yes. See The SLAX Booting HowTo: The Many Ways of Booting SLAX
www.slax.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=75975#75975
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posted by TheGuardian # 9:14 AM 
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