Re: Newbie first-time install advice: Highpoint Rocket 133SB

From: Stefan O'Rear (stefanor_at_cox.net)
Date: 09/26/04

  • Next message: Eric Dickner: "kernel-image-x.x.xx-i686-smc ? What's the smc stand for?" 
    Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2004 16:45:07 -0700
To: debian-user <debian-user@lists.debian.org>

    On Sat, Sep 25, 2004 at 07:03:26PM -0400, David Witbrodt wrote:
    > I am glad to hear about the autodetect, but I am a bit worried about
    > autodetection of my NIC (HP EN1207D-TX) and my video (NVidia Vanta on
    > motherboard).
    > I have a SpeedStream 5100b, which has a built-in router, for DSL.
    > That is supposed to make things easier, since it handles PPPoE itself.
    > On the other hand, if I have the slightest problem I will be
    > stonewalled, since I'm a total newbie. That's my main reason for
    > preferring CDs over netinst. I kept a forum article where someone
    > explained that I only need something called DHCP to be able to use
    > Linux; unfortunately, I don't even know what that is (yet).
    If you have a local network (if you have a router you have a local
    network) than you don't need to worry about DSL. If you have a working
    router and a working NIC you have working internet.

    DHCP means that you don't need to enter your IP address. Dynamic Host
    Configuration Protocol makes things MUCH easier. Even a total newbie
    should know how to turn the computer off when the install doesn't work :)

    > > Don't usually bother with the manufacturor's website. Almost everyone
    > > seems to have been brainwashed into thinking "Red Hat is Linux; Debian
    > > doesn't exist".
    > >
    > > Almost all DSFG-free GPL-compatible drivers come with the kernel;
    > > non-kernel drivers are contraversial, obscure, proprietary, non (beer)
    > > free, very new, or some combination of the above.
    >
    > I will be able to ignore the Highpoint website only if I can find a
    > kernel with built-in support for the Rocket 133SB controller.
    > Otherwise, I will have to use their open source driver code, and then
    > learn how to compile my own kernel, or use the driver as a kernel
    > module, from what I've read. The website has binary packages for 3
    > other distros, but at least provides source code for the drivers you can
    > compile yourself. I was hoping to hear from someone already using a
    > Rocket 133SB, so that I would know which kernels already support it, or
    > whether I will be forced to compile the drivers myself... which will be
    > a bit over my head for a while!
    > Not having a kernel with Rocket 133SB support would mean installing
    > Debian to the old hard drive until I can get a kernel working which can
    > handle the controller and hard drive. It's THOSE things that I wish
    > would autodetect! And maybe they will, but I won't be able to try for
    > several more days.

    Linux doesn't usually support devices. It supports chipsets. Often,
    multiple device brands use the same chipset type. For instance, I have
    Creative Labs integrated sound, but I use the Ensoniq ES1371 driver.

    I opened up the case and looked at the sound ports with a flashlight,
    but hotplug and discover (two programs used by debian-installer to
    detect hardware) are supposed to make that unnecessary.

    Chances are VERY good the Rocket 133SB uses a standard controller. There
    is one driver that supports all standard IDE/ATA/SATA controllers.

    Don't worry about it unless the install doesn't work.

    > > Sarge will be stable Real Soon Now.
    >
    > I did download a Sarge netinst CD, as I mentioned before. I saw the
    > announcement in August that it would become the new "stable" by 9/15,
    > but that appears to have been wishful thinking. If netinst can't figure
    > out how to use my DSL connection, that CD is useless anyway -- unless
    > someone can tell me how to finesse it to work with my DSL modem.
    1. That is what debian-user is here for.

    2. Try it and see - it could work, and since you backed up your data it
       can't mess things up.

    > > Woody was frozen in 2001/2. Still gets security updates, but no new
    > > programs.
    >
    > Yes, and when I noticed it couldn't handle the big HD, that's when I
    > searched and found HILUX. The only problem is that I don't know if it
    > supports the Rocket. I will give it a try, since I don't know how else
    > to find out whether it will work.

    > > Do use sarge though. The Woody installer ('boot-floppies') is nearly
    > > impossible to use.
    >
    > I was under the impression that boot floppies are no longer necessary
    > with boot CDs. Isn't that so?

    You are correct. boot-floppies is only a name. 

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