June 2004 - WLUG - wlug.mailman3.com

Dell Dimension 270GX... stuck on sound...

by Keller, Tim

So, Generally, I don't ask for help in these matters, I just grind it out and figure out the problem, but I'm just stuck. I've got this nice shiny new dell here and everything works great, duel monitors, USB, gigE, the works, except for the sound. Looking in /proc/pci I see it shows the audio card as... "Multimedia audio controller: Intel Corp. 82801EB AC'97 Audio Controller (rev 2)." Now, it shows the card as being supported and it looks like ALSA is loading a gackle of drivers (and I checked and they've been unmuted...) yet no sound. (Yes, I did check to make sure I had the speakers plugged into the right jack...) Has anybody had any experience getting this sound card to work? Note: It is integrated... I'll continue to probe the deep waters (i.e. Google) for answers... Thanks, Tim.

June 15, 2004

Re: [Wlug] High-speed access questions

by gaba

Works fine but how? I tried to use pppoeconf for configuring the ethernet connection with the verizon's modem (i still dont know how it works) but it didnt work. On Wed, 2004-03-31 at 19:53, Chuck Noyes wrote: > Linux and verizon DSL work just fine. So does FreeBSD. > > -Chuck > > On Wed, 31 Mar 2004 12:35:39 -0500, Gregory Avedissian <avedis(a)rcn.com> > wrote: > > > It seems like most of the providers say that you need windows or mac to > > use their DSL or cable internet. Does this just mean they won't offer > > tech support for linux, or does it mean that it won't work? I'm planning > > on using a router and having two computers connected. > > > > Has anyone had luck with linux and Verizon DSL? They're down to > > $35/month, and they give you the modem. Anyone know of better deals? > > > > Thanks. > > > > > > Greg > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Wlug mailing list > > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > -- gaba <gaba(a)riseup.net> siamo tutti clandestino

June 15, 2004

Re: [Wlug] generic windows printer driver for postscript?

by Chuck Homic

On Sun, Jun 13, 2004 at 07:19:17PM -0400, Brian J. Conway wrote: > > The HP driver doesn't make nice postscript. > > I use the "HP Color Laserjet PS" printer at work where I have a bunch of > people set up with a FILE: printer and Ghostscript as an alternative to > Adobe Acrobat (they use the PDF-creation functionality only). The postscript print-to-file driver on Adobe's web site works well, too. -Chuck Confidentiality Notice: This message, including any attachments, may contain confidential information. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify the sender immediately, delete all copies, and do not distribute or use this information. Thanks!

June 14, 2004

Re: [Wlug] CRT or LCD ?

by Joe Riopel

Just last week I got a ViewSonic VP201B, and I love it (20.1" 1600x1200). I had a 19" ViewSonic, but in my opinion everything looks better on the new LCD. I just started using DVI, but havent quite figured out how to get it to work under Slack, just on Windows. I don't notice a big difference when using the DVI. I did end up buying the N6 HDTV Processor, which is not very good, other than that I am totally happy with my new monitor.

June 14, 2004

Re: [Wlug] CRT or LCD ?

by Charles R. Anderson

On Sun, Jun 13, 2004 at 07:43:57PM -0400, Brian J. Conway wrote: > On Sun, 13 Jun 2004 16:14:54 -0400 > Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> wrote: > > Does the LCD quality degrade when using the VGA input vs. the DVI input > > (assuming that the monitor has both) ? Are there any major Linux > > related issues when using the DVI output of a video card ? There are no DVI-specific issues I have found with Linux, on either Nvidia or ATI video cards. > My experiences, having played with a bunch at work, is that you can find a > decent 17" LCD that will do 1280x1024x75 for around $400-500 with both VGA > and DVI inputs, and a 19" with better resolution between $700-900, > depending on the model. I don't understand the intricasies of refresh > rate on an LCD versus a CRT, but the 75Hz on an LCD is more than > sufficient for the average gamer. I haven't noticed any difference when Actually, the usual optimum refresh rate on an LCD is 60Hz. Any higher LCD refresh rates are usually only supported for convenience and VESA standards compliance. This isn't a problem, because refresh rates on LCD TFT technology isn't really applicable. > using the VGA versus DVI inputs on the same system, but it's been only > desktop stuff. The LCD is definitely much easier on the eyes, and the > sharpness of the screen is considerably better (as I'm sure you know from I'd agree here. I haven't noticed too much difference between VGA and DVI. More degredation and ghosting is noticed going through my KVM switch, so I connected DVI directly from my "good" system to the LCD, leaving the KVM on the VGA input. The longer your cable is, the more DVI is going to help you. DVI is also nice because it skips the video card RAMDAC conversion for transport across the VGA cable, and conversion back to digital inside the LCD monitor. This eliminates your video card's RAMDAC quality as a factor (Matrox's have always had a reputation for excellent RAMDACs which contributed to their excellent, crisp 2D image quality). > your laptop). No matter how nice a CRT seems, every time I switch back > from a flat panel to a CRT, I think "My eyes!!" You also get the extra > viewable area of a 17"/17" veiwable versus a 17"/16.1" viewable. The biggest thing I notice when going back to a CRT is the flicker and shakiness of the image. LCDs simply do not flicker or shake. > quality). If someone here can justify paying 3x as much for an LCD that > could arguably be worse for gaming, I'd love to be convinced (and power > consumption doesn't count). =) I game on my 20.1" LCD all the time with no negative experiences, and I only paid $800 for it a couple years ago. The nice thing about LCD sizes, is you actually get the full stated size in the viewable image.

June 14, 2004

Re: [Wlug] CRT or LCD ?

by Brian J. Conway

On Sun, 13 Jun 2004 16:14:54 -0400 Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> wrote: > > HI all, > > My 9 year old Nokia 447X CRT monitor appears to be on its way out. At > maximum brightness and contrast, I can't get a good picture. I'm using > xgamma to crank up the colors, but that creates a washed out display. > The picture size wavers and occasionally goes out of sync. I think I > got my $1000 worth out of this monitor! > > At the risk of starting a religious war, I'm wondering if I can get some > > objective commentary regarding CRT vs LCD and any issues there might be > with Linux. > > I would like a display that can do at least 1280x1024@75Hz and possibly > up to 1600x1200@75Hz. I think that puts me in the 18" - 19" monitor > category, which is OK with me (I have a 17" monitor now). I > occasionally play games but mostly its text, websurfing, email, and some > photo editing. > > Does the LCD quality degrade when using the VGA input vs. the DVI input > (assuming that the monitor has both) ? Are there any major Linux > related issues when using the DVI output of a video card ? > > Thanks in advance for your thoughts, opinions, flames, etc. :-) My experiences, having played with a bunch at work, is that you can find a decent 17" LCD that will do 1280x1024x75 for around $400-500 with both VGA and DVI inputs, and a 19" with better resolution between $700-900, depending on the model. I don't understand the intricasies of refresh rate on an LCD versus a CRT, but the 75Hz on an LCD is more than sufficient for the average gamer. I haven't noticed any difference when using the VGA versus DVI inputs on the same system, but it's been only desktop stuff. The LCD is definitely much easier on the eyes, and the sharpness of the screen is considerably better (as I'm sure you know from your laptop). No matter how nice a CRT seems, every time I switch back from a flat panel to a CRT, I think "My eyes!!" You also get the extra viewable area of a 17"/17" veiwable versus a 17"/16.1" viewable. I'm looking at monitors now for when my 6 year-old 19" Viewsonic gives out (it's not that bad yet, but I need to use xgamma to get it to a reasonable brightness level). It's tough for me to justify an LCD when $250 will get me a fantastic 19" flatscreen CRT that's leaps and bounds ahead of what I have now (hell, the no-name 17" flatscreen CRT that I bought for my second desktop for under $150 recently is miles ahead of the 19" in picture quality). If someone here can justify paying 3x as much for an LCD that could arguably be worse for gaming, I'd love to be convinced (and power consumption doesn't count). =) Brian J. Conway bconway(at)alum.wpi.edu "LINUX is obsolete" - Andrew S. Tanenbaum, creator of Minix - Jan 29, 1992

June 13, 2004

Reminder: Upcoming meeting

by Andy Stewart

HI Everybody, This coming Thursday, June 17th, will be our next WLUG meeting, to be held at the usual place at 7:00 PM. At this meeting, we have the unusual benefit of having two speakers. First, I will give a short talk about the "bootsplash" software and how it can liven up your session while the computer boots. You can read more about it at http://www.bootsplash.org. This software has been used by the last several SuSE Linux releases, but it also works with other distributions. If you want to jazz up your computer display while the machine boots, this is the software you want to install. After that, I'll give the floor to John Rulnick, who asked to address the WLUG memebership. John's short talk will be about a weekend program he is involved with launching at Bay Path College. To quote John: === The focus [of the talk] would be on a new weekend program I'm involved with launching at Bay Path College Central Mass Center that's aimed at developing Linux-savvy sys-, net-, and database admins. I suppose there may be some potential students in WLUG, but just as likely (more likely) there may be folks interested in teaching in the program. I could talk about pretty much any aspect of the program that interests people. === I'll bring the usual soda/cookies to the meeting, and I'll put out the donation box for those folks who choose to make a small donation to WLUG. After the meeting, we'll make our pilgrimage to the Boynton Restaurant. See ya then! Andy -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group Worcester, MA USA http://www.wlug.org

June 13, 2004

Re: [Wlug] generic windows printer driver for postscript?

by Brian J. Conway

On Sun, 13 Jun 2004 16:52:29 -0400 Bill Mills-Curran <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > I have a windows-only (sigh) program that prints maps. It doesn't > have a print-to-file option, so I add a "file" printer in windows > printer setup. Can any give me a recommendation for a generic (clean) > postscript printer driver? > > My intent is to print to a samba file share on linux and review the > postscript print file with gv to select specific pages. > > The HP driver doesn't make nice postscript. I use the "HP Color Laserjet PS" printer at work where I have a bunch of people set up with a FILE: printer and Ghostscript as an alternative to Adobe Acrobat (they use the PDF-creation functionality only). That's the one recommended by Ghostscript, but I imagine most PS drivers are comparable. Brian J. Conway bconway(at)alum.wpi.edu "LINUX is obsolete" - Andrew S. Tanenbaum, creator of Minix - Jan 29, 1992

June 13, 2004

Re: [Wlug] generic windows printer driver for postscript?

by Bill Mills-Curran

On Sun, Jun 13, 2004 at 05:00:08PM -0400, Scott Venier wrote: > Bill Mills-Curran said: > > I have a windows-only (sigh) program that prints maps. It doesn't > > have a print-to-file option, so I add a "file" printer in windows > > printer setup. Can any give me a recommendation for a generic (clean) > > postscript printer driver? > > > Try the Apple LaserWriter II NT. > > Scott Scott, Works great. Thanks. Bill

June 13, 2004

Re: [Wlug] generic windows printer driver for postscript?

by Scott Venier

Bill Mills-Curran said: > I have a windows-only (sigh) program that prints maps. It doesn't > have a print-to-file option, so I add a "file" printer in windows > printer setup. Can any give me a recommendation for a generic (clean) > postscript printer driver? > Try the Apple LaserWriter II NT. Scott

June 13, 2004